When Hip Hop was first introduced to the world, many thought it was just a fad. However, through creativity and diversity, among other things, it has withstood the test of time. A Tribe Called Quest was a major contributor.
In 1990, Tribe released People’s Instinctive Travels and the Path of Rhythm. During the time, your typical Hip Hop song was up-tempo, fused with heavy mixing and scratching. Q-Tip and Phife Dawg would beg to differ, opting for the slower beats, with a Jazz feel. It would be later referred to as Jazz Rap. “Bonita Applebum,” the album’s second single, is a clear illustration of the subgenre. In addition, some historians credits the song for birthing R&B’s sub-genre, Neo soul.
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Again, Tribe’s production, which was provided by Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, was laid back and relaxing. Whether it was the uptempo/midtempo cuts like “Go Ahead In The Rain” and “Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts)” or a more slower B-Boy cut like “Can I Kick It,” those jazz-fill grooves underlaying Tribe’s flow were seductive.
People’s Instinctive Travels and the Path of Rhythm reached the number 91 spot on Billboard 200 and the 23 on R&B/Hip Hop. The album was certified Gold.
The Low End Theory, Tribe’s second album, was released a year later. They followed the same blueprint as the first one for the most part. With the exception of Phife Dawg stepping up his relevance.
“Check the Rhime,” the album’s lead single, “Jazz (We’ve Got),” and “Scenario” helped the album reach the number 45 spot on the Billboard 200. The album reached Platinum.
Midnight Marauders was released in ’93. It featured singles “Award Tour,” “Electric Relaxation,” and “Oh My God,” featuring Leaders of the New School. The album reached Platinum status. The “Electric Relaxation” instrumental was featured on The Wayans Bros theme song.
The album debuted number 8 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Beats, Rhymes and Life had a different tone from the previous three. However, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and certified Platinum.
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The Love Movement and We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service would be the last two Tribe’s albums. However, they left on the bang. The former reached number 3 on the Billboard 200, while the latter atop it.
Tribe’s catalog is second to none. However, us Hip Hop nearly didn’t get the experience. Reportedly, record labels wouldn’t sign them due to their unconventional image and sound. However, they took interest after the success of De La Soul, their Native Tongues brothers, debut, 3 Feet High and Rising. So, shout out De La.
Rip Phife Dawg.
In Your Opinion, Which A Tribe Called Quest album is the Best?
Polls Are Closed!!
Midnight Marauders – 50%
The Low End Theory – 33%
We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service – 17%
People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm – 0%
Beats, Rhymes, and Life – 0%
The Love Movement – 0%