Pain (De La Soul song)

"Pain" is a hip-hop song by the American group De La Soul, released in 1991 on their second album, De La Soul is Dead. The song is a stark departure from the group's previously lighthearted and whimsical image, and deals with themes of disillusionment, the pressures of the music industry, and the group's struggle with maintaining their artistic integrity in the face of commercial expectations.

The track features a somber and introspective tone, both in its instrumental production and its lyrical content. The members of De La Soul address the criticisms they faced after their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, and express their frustrations with being pigeonholed and misunderstood by the media and their audience. They lament the loss of innocence and the weight of responsibility that came with their success.

Unlike many of De La Soul's earlier work, "Pain" does not utilize heavy sampling for its main hook or melodies. Instead, the instrumental arrangement is relatively minimalist, featuring a melancholic piano loop and a subdued drum beat, contributing to the song's overall atmosphere of introspection.

The song is often cited as a pivotal moment in De La Soul's career, marking a conscious shift towards a more mature and complex sound. It demonstrated their willingness to address serious topics and to challenge the expectations placed upon them as artists. "Pain" is considered a significant track in the alternative hip-hop genre, paving the way for artists who sought to express a wider range of emotions and experiences in their music. It remains a highlight in De La Soul's discography and continues to resonate with listeners for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by artists navigating the music industry.