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As De La Soul mentioned, this year has been bittersweet for them so far. Initially, their label, Tommy Boy Music, planned on receiving 90 percent of streaming sales — De La would get 10 percent. With the backlash from De La and their fans, Tommy Boy postponed the digital release of the group’s first six albums.

While De La waits for a fairer deal with Tommy Boy, the group’s DJ Maseo participated in an event to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of 3 Feet High and Rising. The event, called Philly Loves De La Soul & the Native Tongues Family, took place on March 22 at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia. Stacey “Flygirrl” Wilson made Philly Loves De La Soul possible.

After Maseo signed my 3 Feet High and Rising cassette album and another fan’s De La Nike SB High Dunks, he spun music by the Native Tongues. One of the highlights of the night was when Maseo played Minnie Riperton’s “Inside My Love.” Then he blended “Lyrics To Go” into the mix, emphasizing on the part when Riperton hits the high pitch. “Lyrics to Go,” by A Tribe Called Quest, samples “Inside My Love.” Maseo blended other related songs throughout the night, including a few songs from the “A Roller Skatin’ Jam Named Saturdays” 12-inch single.

With March 22 being the anniversary for the passing of Native Tongues member Phife Dawg, Maseo gave him a shout-out. Maseo celebrated his own birthday two days later. And be sure to watch De La on Drink Champs today (March 28) at 10 p.m. on Revolt.

While Maseo played the classics, a Native Tongues video montage by Flygirrl appeared on the screen above. Some of those videos included “Doin’ Our Own Dang (Do It to the JB’s Mix)” and “Itzsoweezee (Hot).” DJ Mike Nyce opened up for Maseo, and Ameerah K. Art provided live art. In honor of Phife Dawg, a portion of the event’s proceeds benefited the National Diabetes Association.