Buhloone Mind State

De La Soul's third album renounces the pop crossover, mocking wit, and conceptual sprawl of their earlier work in favor of a relaxed, sober set of individual tracks. They also rely more on their friends: there are a couple of top-notch guest shots by Shortie No Mass, and the JB Horns add deliciously jazzy solos and vamps all over the disc. Prince Paul is still producing, but he contents himself with sharp funk and jazz loops. Though not the group's most dazzling work, Buhloone Mindstate has some of the group's finest lyrics: "I Am I Be," a meditation on Black English and identity, and "Breakadawn," a subtle tribute to hip-hop's old school. --Douglas Wolk