De La Soul featuring Chuck D (Public Enemy) - "The People" (Released by: AOI Records Release date: 24 November 2014)

"This track is called "The People" and it features the legendary Chuck D from Public Enemy. You can download it for free at our website goo.gl/9DWGVZ.

The idea for the song came from a couple of samples, and the track's vibe is earnest and has a pressing tone to it. The lyrics are commentaries of our struggles and successes, our weaknesses and strengths... the experiences... and trials and tribulations we have faced as human beings, a race, and as individuals. Lyrically Chuck brings a sense of authority and urgency. The power in his voice demands your attention. With Chuck on the track this is a dream come true for us.

Originally "The People" was suppose to drop in June around the same time the Chuck D/Hot 97/Peter Rosenberg situation took place. We chose to hold off and not add fuel to any fires. Our next aim was for a Black Friday release. Coincidentally the Ferguson tragedy took place, and more recently the non-indictment verdict. Somehow this song was destined to be a part of something more than just dropping a joint. We hope it will lend itself to something positive in these difficult times.

We created some merchandise for this song that is for sale (The People T-Shirt & Sweatshirt). Proceeds from the merch will be donated to two organizations: All Star Code and I Love Ferguson.

All Star Code is an organization that helps under served youth make their way into the tech industry. We've been building, strategizing, and working with developers for the past year, and we understand the importance of education in tech. We have a music tech company that we'll be launching soon called Daisy (daisycollective.com/). It's important that we have more people from our community and our culture involved in this space. We just want to do our part in making that happen and ultimately help build the future of music.

I Love Ferguson is a organization that's helping to rebuild the town of Ferguson, MO. We feel strong about helping and supporting the small businesses that have been affected in that area."