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| Rapfix.MTV (c) |
Hip-Hop Pioneers Edition:
A Tribe Called Quest
[Sidenote:] For as long I could remember, I have always been fascinated by this group because of their creativity and innovative style that many artists of today have modeled after. A Tribe Called Quest was my gateway into Hip-Hop and I will forever be a dedicated fan!
A Tribe Called Quest (ATCQ or TRIBE) is probably one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time. The group was formed in 1985 and landed a record deal with Jive Records in 1989. ATCQ consists of four members, Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Mohammad, Phife Dawg, and Jarobi. They worked together to change the hip-hop community by introducing jazz, bass-heavy rhythmic vibes, and eclectic sampling into their music which was something that wasn't being done at the time. By doing so, they created a new genre of music call Afrocentric hip-hop TRIBE successfully created 10 albums and had over 13 popular singles. What I also enjoy about ATCQ, is that they were able to break boundaries in the hip-hop industry and address social issues relevant to young African Americans such as the use of the "n" word and consumerism in their music.
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| Washington Post (c) |
Album Reviews:
Since ATCQ has 10 albums, figured I'd give you my recommendations for you to explore.
The Low End Theory (1991)
You cannot consider yourself a "hip-hop head," if you have not listened to this album it is a instant classic giving you a introduction to the social issues that they felt needed to be addressed such as consumerism and date rape. The chemistry between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg on this album is beyond incredible probably in my opinion one of the most dynamic duos in the hip-hop industry. Of course I can't forget to mention the base-heavy jazz beats that put the group on the map.
Ashley's Top Picks: EXCURSIONS, BUGGIN' OUT, BUTTER, VERSES FROM THE ABSTRACT, VIBES AND STUFF, THE INFAMOUS DATE RAPE, CHECK THE RHIME, JAZZ (WE'VE GOT), SCENARIO
Midnight Marauders (1993)
This is probably my favorite album of all time. Still continuing with the jazz bass-heavy beats, Tribe sets this album in storyboard form introducing the "female tour guide" voice that makes this album all the more interesting. What I love about this album is that when Q-Tip and Phife Dawg rhyme, it feels like their having a conversation with you jusk kicking it on a normal day. Just to give you a visual, this is the album to listen to with your windows down in the summertime . All in all it's a great listen.
Ashley's Top Picks: STEVE BIKO (STIR IT UP), AWARD TOUR, 8 MILLION STORIES, SUCKA N****, WE CAN GET DOWN, ELECTRIC RELAXATION, CLAP YOUR HANDS, OH MY GOD, KEEP IT ROLLIN', THE CHASE, PART 2, GOD LIVES THROUGH
The Low End Theory (1991)
You cannot consider yourself a "hip-hop head," if you have not listened to this album it is a instant classic giving you a introduction to the social issues that they felt needed to be addressed such as consumerism and date rape. The chemistry between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg on this album is beyond incredible probably in my opinion one of the most dynamic duos in the hip-hop industry. Of course I can't forget to mention the base-heavy jazz beats that put the group on the map.
Ashley's Top Picks: EXCURSIONS, BUGGIN' OUT, BUTTER, VERSES FROM THE ABSTRACT, VIBES AND STUFF, THE INFAMOUS DATE RAPE, CHECK THE RHIME, JAZZ (WE'VE GOT), SCENARIO
Midnight Marauders (1993)
This is probably my favorite album of all time. Still continuing with the jazz bass-heavy beats, Tribe sets this album in storyboard form introducing the "female tour guide" voice that makes this album all the more interesting. What I love about this album is that when Q-Tip and Phife Dawg rhyme, it feels like their having a conversation with you jusk kicking it on a normal day. Just to give you a visual, this is the album to listen to with your windows down in the summertime . All in all it's a great listen.
Ashley's Top Picks: STEVE BIKO (STIR IT UP), AWARD TOUR, 8 MILLION STORIES, SUCKA N****, WE CAN GET DOWN, ELECTRIC RELAXATION, CLAP YOUR HANDS, OH MY GOD, KEEP IT ROLLIN', THE CHASE, PART 2, GOD LIVES THROUGH
Tour Dates:
So every year, there is a national hip-hop festival called "Rock the Bells" that has a mixture of different old school and new school artists all in one venue. Be prepared to stand ALL day, because its an outdoor standing room venue, but if your rocking out to some great music it shouldn't bother you one bit. In 2010, I was able to see ATCQ perform live at Governor's Island and I have to say seeing them was an out of body experience at that moment I didn't realize that this was probably going to be once in a lifetime thing, so I cherish it and hope that they will soon get back together and do another album. According to Hip-Hop DX, Q-Tip talks about a new "Last Zulu" album that he will drop on the G.O.O.D. music label sometime this year, and how he would like to get TRIBE featured on the album, so of course I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that.
Unfortunately they are not on tour as of right now, but had a recent surprise performance at South by Southwest (SXSW)2013 music festival giving the audience a memorable performance covering a plethora of hit songs from there albums.
As usual, I recommend checking Ticket Master for more information.
As usual, I recommend checking Ticket Master for more information.
Song: Electric Relaxtion (1993)
Album: Midnight Mauraders
Enjoy. Peace.
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