AOI: Bionix — De La Soul’s sixth album, released December 4, 2001 — blends humor, introspection, and social commentary. Its lead single, “Baby Phat” (featuring Yummy Bingham and Devin the Dude), celebrates body positivity, while “Held Down” (with Cee-Lo) explores fatherhood, faith, and fame. Slick Rick guests on “What We Do (For Love)”, a playful take on adolescence and sexual discovery. Interspersed Reverend Do Good skits provide satirical framing, culminating in a callback to Mosaic Thump’s “Ghost Weed.” The concept continues on “Peer Pressure,” produced by and featuring J Dilla, who ties the album’s narrative together.
