Reviews (page 7 of 15)
A timeless classic, one of my favorite albums of all time. A great way to start this challenge. I especially love how effortless and laid back the album is with punchy instrumentals and ELITE wordplay. There is a series of essays about a tribe called quest called go ahead in the rain that I highly recommend if you’re into them.
Enjoyable record with bouncing instrumentation (those basslines!), solid hooks, and good wordplay that work at both a lyrical and rhythmic level. Easy to see why this album would make it onto a list like this, given the style that oozed from every track and the timeless production. The dated cultural references, lack of cultural alignment to my experience, and thus my tastes mean this doesn't quite rate highly for me. However, I wouldn't turn my nose up at listening more, and I'm glad to have been exposed to the album. 3.5/5
Very solid and consistent, nary a skipper in sight.
solid consistent vibe, lots of lyrics for the mood I am in
A Tribe Called Quest was on heavy rotation in my late 90’s house party scene in PDX. Their music always brought a bit of a brightness…good vibes, and I admired their unapologetic approach and spoken-word style, which stood in contrast to a lot of the other hip hop dominating the time. I remember being both shocked and encouraged when they tackled taboo subjects like date rape and abortion - topics that my generation (and others) were quietly navigating. For me, Tribe bridged a gap as entertainment as much as music for human connection. They offered a [me] perspective that felt real when so much of rap’s ‘lifestyle’ image felt distant and didn’t always land. They carried a confidence, style and clever turns of phrase that I always found charming. Along side De La Soul, they were among the favorites that truly informed my ‘hip hop’ tastes.
In an era when there was all kinds of East-West coast conflict posturing and beefing between hip-hop artists, groups like Tribe distinguished themselves by name-checking other artists they admired and staying out (and above) the fray. These guys were in it for the love of the form. There was no childish diss track drama so prevalent in a lot of commercial hip-hop. Tribe opted instead to elevate their peers, highlight their friends, and build community as part of the Native Tongues collective. Although 2 Live Crew were considered hip-hop's premiere party record producers, every house party I went to where hip-hop was played in the 90s I heard A Tribe Called Quest. I owned every other Tribe record on vinyl besides this one. We open with "Excursions", featuring the organic sounds of an upright bass, no doubt a nod to their admiration for the work of jazz pioneer Charles Mingus. Tribe's aesthetics always leaned more towards jazz than the funk inspirations of many of their contemporaries, and if you ask me, it was definitely one of their strengths. Other highlights include: "Show Business", which gives a classic production style evoking Eric B and Rakim. Any track that talks shit about the music business and bites the hand that feeds is an automatic banger in my book. "Butter" drops a buzzy synth bassline and lyrics flipping the macho-bravado where the player gets played for a change. In "Vibes and Stuff", despite the beats being great, giving props to the Zulu Nation—and Afrika Bambaataa specifically—has unfortunately aged like milk, given what an unredeemable p.o.s we would later discover Bambaataa to be. Wah Wahhh. "Scenario", a hyped up fast-paced multi-lyricist word salad jam, has been rocking good-time house parties since forever and needs no further explanation. A total hammer drop to close us out. The influence of this record is undeniable, aside from it being included in the 1001 Albums book. The eponymous and legendary experimental hip-hop and electronic DJ night at the Airliner in LA in the mid aughts was named directly after this record. If you liked waiting in lines, you could hear The Gaslamp Killer, Tyer The Creator, Flying Lotus, and occasional drop-ins by Thom Yorke on the 1s and 2s at that spot. Nicki Minaj references "dungeon dragons" in "Roman's Revenge" with lines and delivery lifted directly from Busta Rhymes' verses in "Scenario." Being repeatedly verse-checked by a superstar rapper 35 years later holds some weight for sure, even if it is a Harajuku Barbie. Before we put these dudes on a pedestal as bastions of so-called "conscious" hip-hop, however, we would do well to look at the whole picture. These guys were not exactly heroes. The Low End Theory had the song "Georgie Porgie" cut from the album by Jive Records due to its unbelievably homophobic lyrics. And this was no garden variety narrow-minded heteronormative quip nor a random homophobic slur, either; I've read the lyrics and they are totally repugnant. I can separate the art from the artist, but not when the art itself is horrible. Here's hoping these fellas evolved, as the years wore on, because there was never any indication in later career work or interviews addressing the disgusting sentiments they expressed in this unreleased song. Two-thirds of the group's association with 5% and Nation of Islam organizations, however, give cold comfort that their attitudes in this regard changed. Deserving of a 4.5, but knocked down to 3 because this story of the hate track they tried to hide does tarnish the fuck out of an otherwise decent album. The cover art is fantastic, incorporating the band's fixation with the ladies with an Afrocentric color scheme that would make Marcus Garvey proud. The organic painterly textures suggest African body paint, but punctuated with a bright juicy blacklight effect that feels at once tribal and futuristic. The hand painted typography gives the whole thing an earthy feel that matches the music's aesthetics that favor live instrumentation over relying too heavy on samples and synthetic sounds.
Weird
Ei. 1/5
Tämähän oli vaihteeksi ihan leppoisaa hipitihoppia. Hyviä biittejä ja melodioita.
Ihan kivaa maalailua!
It seems wrong to say this, but this album didn't really do anything for me. I recognize their importance in hip-hop's development and get what they are getting at, but it just feels like one bass note over a minimally divergent boom-bap beat for 48 minutes, with the raps so drowned in the mix they never reach the surface. Maybe if I had it on headphones in the subway or something, the context would connect and it would feel perfect.
The album leadoff “Excursions” is an all-timer, with lyrics seared indelibly into my brain along with much of this smooth-like-butter LP. It certainly wasn’t the first hip-hop release to use jazz, but none did it more seamlessly, employing the legendary Ron Carter to play his double bass specifically for the project. Phife Dawg spits incredible lines like, “I never half step cause I’m not a half stepper / drink a lot of soda so they call me Dr. Pepper” (which took on a tragic tone in the wake of his death from diabetes complications). The beats are slammin’, the raps are tight, and the vibes and stuff are exquisite. Also, I forgot how great the video to “Scenario” is. One of my favorite releases from that decade and a high water mark of the golden age of hip hop.
I'm sorry but this, to me, is basically the First Great Hip Hop record. Low End Theory was record that made this a real genre and ensured that rap music wasn't going to wash out as a fad. They absolutely had important antecedents, don't get me wrong, but this changed everything. I still think that Midnight Marauders is their masterpiece, but this is an EASY five-stars from me.
This record makes you think that pagers and arsenio hall would have a longer impact than they did.
Any list of albums can be improved by adding more Q-tip to it. Not sure what to say about this one that hasn't already been said. A perfect album. As an aside, if you have not seen the 'Station Eleven' miniseries, I highly recommend it. 'Excursions' plays a fun role in it.
Favourites: Buggin' Out, Butter, Verses from the Abstract, Vibes and Stuff, Infamous Date Rape, Check the Rhime, Everything Is Fair, What?, Scenario
2,4/5
Creo que es imposible que no disfrute escuchar un álbum de este estilo, pero de igual manera no creo que escucha nunca más alguna canción de estos jajaja
I liked this! ‘What?’ was an excellent, excellent song, big fan of a line about threesomes and a line about laws not being equal one after the other.
Rated each song on a scale of 1-3, meaning the highest score possible would be 42. Ended up with a score of 33 which is a ratio of 78.5%. So that’s a C, or a 3 star rating. It’s ironically apt that the album is called The Low End Theory because the latter half of the album is way more interesting than the songs higher up on the track list.
Fun, easy to listen to and quite toe-tapping, without leaving that much of a mark. I think the other ATCQ album that we had felt a bit more substantial than this to be honest.
Is not in my top 3 tribe albums, but is still very good. Good vibes, sounds great. I like less than others, but not really sure why
Gran disco. Otro que hace mucho que no escuchaba. Estas bandas norteamericanas de hip hop siempre representan un desafío para los que no hablamos inglés de manera nativa. Siempre hacen mucho hincapié en las letras (naturalmente) y exceptuando tal vez los estribillos, son siempre una ametralladora de versos: uno atrás del otro. Como discos de Bob Dylan pero reproducidos a doble velocidad. Al menos personalmente, siempre me pareció más sencillo escuchar discos más producidos (Kanye West), más cercanos al rock (The Roots) o al Pop (Eminem). Y siempre es así, excepto cuando no. The Low End Theory es un disco perfecto. Incluso las canciones que me gustan menos (Vibes and Stuff, Skypager) tienen algo para mostrar; las letras, si bien personalmente no me interesan tanto son ejecutadas con un flow perfecto (hasta donde entiendo la mayoría hablan sobre el hip hop, sobre ellos cantando hip hop, sobre ser trues y demás cosas que conforman uno de los tropos del hip hop, eso sí, hechos con buen gusto y sin putear demasiado). El disco además omite uno de los grandes vicios del género (especialmente en los 90s), al no tener ningún desagradable skit Lo que caracteriza a este álbum (y donde creo que radica su originalidad, si bien un especialista del género me podría decir que estoy siendo un imbécil) es en su mezcla de hip hop con jazz: y ahí los tipos encuentran oro. Si no recuerdo mal, es en la primera canción donde Q-Tip nos dice algo como que "mi papá escucha hip hop y nos dice que eso se parece al be-bop" (igual me doy cuenta que en varios de los precursores del hip hop como The Last Poets o Gil Scott Heron esta continuidad ya está explícita): más allá del paralelismo entre ambos géneros, lo que hace maravillo a este disco es la producción minimalista con samples muy bien elegidos de jazz. Todas las canciones tienen algo para mostrar: ¿Mis favoritas? Posiblemente la primera, la ya mencionada Excursions. Pero también quiero destacar a Verses from the Abstract, Jazz (We've Got) y Scenario. Pero realmente son todas las canciones buenas. Este es el primer disco 5 estrellas que me tocó.
very jazzy hap-hop and connected these genres, laid-back, culturally and historically significant "Show business"/"Everything is fair"
Solidly fine. Generic 90s rap, nothing to set it apart from everything else in that time. 2/5 stars.
Old school rap, not my jam but good enough, i like the instrumentals more than the lyrics
very nice
13/03/25 - morning 4.5/5 When I saw that today's album was the Low End Theory, I immediately knew I was in for a treat. As a well established fan, I believe their work to be the magnum opus of 90s hip hop. Highlights from this album include 'Jazz (we've got)', 'Buggin' out', and 'check the rhime'. The flow and lyricism is one component which makes this album work so so well. And a moment for the album design which is simple, yet so effective. Devastatingly cool and smooth (to use another reviewer's words), this is an album I expect to find myself replaying time and time again
This album is all about the verse and it just didn't gel with me. Each beat was good but went on for ages with non-stop lines. Nothing really stood out to me.
the kind of album where i like get it but i dont get it enough to love it love it. I know fantano sucks this album off constantly and i know it's culturally significant and people love a tribe called quest but like it's just pretty good kinda political rap to me i think
Maîtrisé et habilement tourné. On sent le côté old school sans toutefois que ça sonne daté, ça tient très bien la route.
Fantastic. I've never heard anything quite like this. I don't know a ton about rap history, but this sounds like a bridge linking 80s and 90s era sounds. Every track on this album was an absolute banger.
Ahead of its time. Excellent.
Jazz and hip-hop just slide together here like they were born that way. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Excursions - Buggin' Out - Check the Rhime - Jazz (We've Got)
This is interesting hip hop. Love it when the music is interesting, the rappers aren't 100% angry, and the lyrics aren't limited in the scope of their topics. That's very old-white-man of me, but I'm an open book here. Great bass lines throughout, from the opening track to 'Scenario' the closer. Couldn't find a credit for the bassist other than Ron Carter on the one track. Just made the connection between the title and those bass lines, by the way. Not just an old white guy, a slow old white guy.
No es mi tipo de Hip Hop
Best beats in 90s hip hop. A couple songs are a little problematic and dated.
Classic 90s fare.
I've always heard about A Tribe Called Quest but never got around to giving them a listen. I love how jazzy and smooth this album is. "Excursions" is an all-time opener in my opinion. 1. Jazz (We've Got) 2. Excursions 3. What?
so good!
I think what I'm learning on this album journey that I didn't realize before: I actually really love the beats of 90's hip-hop. I didn't even realize this IN the 90's, when I was alive! (Although hip-hop had a lot of different connotations back then, especially in the South where I grew up.)
The only song that I liked was “Scenario”. Every other song was dull.
Old school rap
Elsker Jazz rap og concsious hiphop. Dette her har også den der old school lyd som MF doom f.eks. også synes jeg. Det er simpelthen bare perfekt søndagsmusik.
It's one of those again…
6/10 The beats...they're fresh... 8-8-2025
fav songs: excursion, infamous date rape, everything is fair, jazz 7,5/10
So many great songs on here that I’ve listened to for a while now. Very jazzy album with some great sample usage. Started listening to A Tribe Called Quest back in high school but never thought to listen to a full album. Glad I got started with this one.
Loved this hip-hop masterpiece. Funky and fun delivered with consummate skill.
Masterpiece of an album and Q-Tip is such an incredible producer
All killer no filler, brilliant samples. Cool verses.
Was brilliant when it came out and it’s brilliant now. Production, beats and rhymes are first class
Sympathique à découvrir, mais qui n'a plus l'impact que ça pouvait avoir. Pas mon style de musique.
Hard to miss w these dudes, very good
One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time by one of the most innovative rap artists of our lifetime. Extremely minimal cursing, honoring other rap artists, collaboration, original, lyrical pioneers and you can dance to pretty much the whole album. Current day rappers are pitiful. They should learn their music history instead of singing about themselves, bitches and their money. RIP Phife Dawg
All time
i love this album!!!! it’s one of my ALL time favorites.
I don't trust anyone who doesn't like this album. This is jazz rap perfection. Favorite track: Buggin' Out 4.5/5
i ❤️ 90s rap
4/5
Great old school hip hop album 3/5 for me but I'm aware it's highly rated by those more into their hip hop than I, personally I prefer later American hip hop like Blackalicious, mos def etc
I love rap - but for some reason I really struggle with A Tribe Called Quest. I can't explain it in any way!
Just brilliant both lyrically and musically. You’re still hearing their influence in music today. I’ve always got time for double bass and hip hop.
I really liked this album. A classic hip hop example that’s influenced so many that have come after
Some nice chilled vibes
I definitely like the earlier and more laid back hip hop more and this album ticks those boxes. Didn’t really get into the album much, found it a bit dull.
Ah [looks wistfully into the distance] the time when rappers were (kinda) wholesome and you could take them home to meet your Mum. I wasn’t into this sort of thing at the time, but the beats are impressive, real head nodding stuff. Generally it’s a nice allrounder album and I suspect real grower.
Dull as fuck. I can see where it might be influential but fuck me.
had the biggest smile on my face when i saw this was my album today. i love Tribe sooo much. they are such a special group and certainly a favorite of mine. any list you’ll find of Tribe albums ranked probably says this is their best album, which is totally fair. it was a game changer upon release and ground zero for Jazz Rap. but i think the track list isn’t as tight as Midnight Marauders or People’s Instinctive Travels (which might be a hot take? sorry i just love that one). Infamous Date Rape hasn’t aged well despite the message it’s trying to present, and i find What? to be weak compared to other songs on the album. but oh man when The Low End Theory hits? there’s nothing like it. from the chemistry of the MCs on Scenario, to the back and forth of Q-Tip and Phife on Check the Rhime, to the iconic opening verse of Excursions, this album is so important to the history of hip-hop and to many of its fans - including myself
Alright beats but just couldn't get into it and easily forgot what I listened to once it was over
Microphone check one two, what is this? Just one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever.
The Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest (1991) | Jazz Rap / East Coast Hip-Hop | Avg: 9.00 | Favorite Song: “Check the Rhime”* Alright, so let’s talk about The Low End Theory, an album that really doesn’t miss. From front to back, it’s one of the cleanest, most cohesive hip-hop records I’ve sat with. The beats are warm, minimal, and locked into that jazz pocket in a way that gives every verse room to breathe. “Check the Rhime” was the easy standout for me, but honestly, you could rotate that with “Buggin’ Out,” “Jazz (We’ve Got),” or “Scenario” and I wouldn’t argue. This is Tribe at their most fluid, with Q-Tip and Phife trading bars so naturally it feels effortless. What really sticks out is how the album manages to be chill and energetic at the same time. There’s no need for overproduction or flashy hooks; the confidence is all in the groove and the delivery. I never found myself bored, even during the deeper cuts, which is rare for a rap record this long. It’s smart, stylish, and unbelievably smooth. As far as sophomore albums go, The Low End Theory doesn’t just live up to the hype—it resets the bar for what “timeless” sounds like in hip-hop.
One of the best
I love Tribe.
cool
Compelling and interesting grooves, thoughtful yet cool lyrics. Repetitive style is its only short coming.
This album is just a vibe. It’s so consistently catchy that it’s equally entertaining the whole way through. There isn’t a single bad or underwhelming track. I like Q-tip's voice, for some reason. It's just so unique and atypical for rap. His flow is really pleasant to listen to. I feel like this album doesn’t peak particularly high, but the average quality of a track is great.
Some all time classic beats. Flows are solid but not quite on par with other stuff coming out around the same time. It all comes together into one of the smoothest jazz rap albums of all time. 4.5/4
Jedan od najboljih hip hop albuma općenito
This album for me has always been both amazing and frustrating to me (this is one of those albums that I go back to from time to time to see if it clicks, and it never quite does). A lot of the jazzy vibes are right up my alley. The first song kicks off fantastically along with Jazz (We Got). However, what frustrates me is the old school style of rapping. It's not quite as archaic or Hit. Every. Beat. On. The. Note style, but it's not far off. Beastie Boys kinda had the same thing going on, but the whole frat boy angle kinda blunted my annoyance of that style. That annoyance isn't blunted as much here, but like I said, the jazzy vibes are fantastic. All that said, I will say this album is clicking for me a little more this time. Dunno what it is, but maybe the jazzyness is just hitting a little harder this time. Dunno if it's an album I'll ever fully appreciate (The Roots provide everything this album does without the outdated rapping style), but it's a classic for a reason. Shout out to the album art though, easily one of the best of all time.
Honestly, this was about what I expected. Classic hip hop with captivating MC's and awesome jazz influences thrown in there. There's a few songs in here that feel like filler or that they were thrown into the album that made the album feel less cohesive. I still really liked this though. Phife and Q-Tip do a lot with carrying the album with their vocal performance especially with minimalistic approach they took with the production. The minimalistic approach with production is not something I'm usually a fan of but worked out well on this. They really worked their magic on this record. Great listen! Top 5: Butter, Excursions, Verses From The Abstract, Check The Rhime, and Scenario (unexpected banger) no bad songs maybe one or two mid songs but nothing bad 4.00-4.50/5
This is insanely good - if you told me this album was released yesterday I'd believe it. Timeless.
Really great album. Interesting and easy to listen to beats. Clever and interesting lyrics. This is not my usual genre but It left me wanting to listen more. I was dancing along. Top notch. 5.
Yeag
One of the best hip hop albums ever
Often treated like the holy grail of '90s hip-hop, The Low End Theory is really just a polite lecture delivered over sleepy jazz loops. It’s the kind of album that sounds like it should be playing in the background of a college dorm while someone talks at you about “real hip-hop.” The bass is warm, sure, but the energy is practically comatose — like Q-Tip and Phife took NyQuil before stepping into the booth. For an album that’s supposedly revolutionary, it rarely bothers to actually move. Lyrically, it’s smooth but smug, packed with so much “chill” it forgets to be exciting. Tracks blend together into one long blur of head-nods and humble brags, with the occasional name-drop of Zulu Nation like it's a free pass to be boring. Even when they drop wisdom, it’s served on dry toast — no urgency, no bite, just endless cool-guy detachment. The Low End Theory isn’t bad, but it coasts on reputation
Klassikoita joita en ole kuunnellut koskaan. Vanha koulukunta rullaava flow sekä loputtomiin luuppaavat samplet ja rummut. Vaikea olla nykimättä päätä.
The perfect meeting point of early nighties hip hop and jazz. Along with De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and Queen Latifah, Tribe epitomised my early foray into hip hop. The chilled beats and fun lyrics make this album a must
Whilst I may have listened to this, it went in one ear and straight back out the other. So I guess that means I didn’t hate it if I don’t remember listening to it?
I enjoyed the jazzy funkiness of this record, but reading the lyrics did make me laugh a couple of times. Particularly "Go get yourself some toilet paper 'cause your lyrics is butt". Also a round of applause for getting "a smidgeon" in, and extra cheers for rhyming it with "the pigeon". This already felt like a good time and then Busta Rhymes turned up right at the end, like the cherry on the cake. 3/5
Amazing and timeless album, though I would not consider it a perfect album. It is a rather strange situation, because I think the individual songs are flawless, but as a whole, the album feels like it is missing "something".
I fuck with this
Songs feel a little samey but it still works so absurdly well
Dope.
i mean i kinda understand the reason that jazz hip hop is so poppular well you know they are all black genres widely accepted but still peaked at black performers so i guess this is decent 4/5 4/5
Probably the peak for neo-soul rap. A Tribe Called Quest have several 5 star albums in their discography and here is where they have their best sampling and production. Also refreshing to here more Phife Dawg across here. 1. JAZZ (WE GOT) 2. EXCURSIONS 3. CHECK THE RHIME 4. SCENARIO 5. BUGGIN’ OUT 6. BUTTER 7. SHOW BUSINESS 8. VERES FROM THE ABSTRACT 9. VIBES AND STUFF 10. EVERYTHING IS FAIR 11. RAP PROMOTER 12. WHAT? 13. THE INFAMOUS DATE RAPE 14. SKYPAGER
Best track: What? Worst track: The second half is pretty mid, except for What? itself Vibe: Lo-fi, restaurant jazz? Feels like I could study to it. I prefer the music to the lyrics here. Rating: 8/10 (would be 9.5/10 with better lyrics) I should re-listen to this at some point******
cool 90s rap, nice and jazzy. Album is a monolith piece, u gotta listen to it fully. Progressive, sounds fresh even today. I liked da bass :D
For an album that is as minimalist as it is, there is so much going on. Incredible word-play and lyrics keep every song engaging. The middle starts to feel samey with a very similar feel and tempo to the songs, but on the whole very entertaining. Top tracks: Excursions, Check the Rhime, What?
The world needs this album to exist.
5/
One of the best styles of rap album with simple beats, clear vocals, good writing, and excellent production.
Great classic hip hop, amazing use of sampling that would not be possible today because of copyright.
I wanted to like this album, but I just didn't. It's fine, but I much prefer something like De La Soul or Jurassic 5.
I still can't really put into words what I like and dislike about hip hop but this is exactly the style I really like. Cool, classy boom-bap beats (especially backed with double bass) The quite simple production is very appealing to me, the repeated beats are quite entrancing, but not to the point of being tedious and boring. Its kind of sparse, I rarely put hip hop on as something on in the background as it is usually very attention grabbing, but this can easily be listened to in the background, or focused on through the lyrics Highlights: Show Business, Buggin' Out, Excursions, Check the Rhime
One of Tribe's best albums.
Expected to like it more. But it got a bit samey near the end. Wasn't really paying attention anymore. I like the production and flow and would happily listen to a song or two in a larger playlist, but a whole album is too much.
TOP TOP TOP hip hop
Wanted to love this so much. I get that it was hugely influential on rap. It just doesn't age all that well. Rough on the edges by modern standards, but it is great laid-back rap. Lyrically dense, definitely need to be in the right mood for it but it has highlights. Still enjoyed it though, 3 stars would feel unfair. - A bit exhausting to listen to the whole album, it’s just so much vocals.
Not really my genre but not unenjoyable
Not my jam I am afraid.
Good fun
It's good but not really to my taste. 3 stars.
I do love A Tribe Called Quest, they're up there with the absolute finest in the genre. Every track here is a delight, my particular favourites are the first (Excursions) and the last (Scenario). There are some great collabs too, with Brand Nubian and Leaders of the New School standing out. In short, if you're looking for hip-hop that's smooth, you'll find it here. Want a bit of a harder edge? You'll find it here too. Effortlessly brilliant.
the flow on this record is amazing as well as the beats and theyre just talking facts and life advice over chill beats the entire time its so good (but i dont really listen to rap so im giving this 4 star cuz i dont think im coming back to it anytime soon)
It's like jerking off - nice, smooth, horny, and you feel sad when it's over 5
One of the all-time great hip hop acts. If anything highlights the stupidity of the Grammys it is that these guys have zero and Will Smith has four. This is the perfect blending of lyrics, delivery, beats and production. Rap came about after the era of the album was already past, it's definitely a singles driven genre. This is an album though and a great one at that. It has a vibe and style that holds the album together without everything sounding exactly the same. Vibes and Stuff has the same beat as Cypress Hill's Stoned is the Way of the Walk and I am here for it. Check the Rhime is a great song, great beat, great lyrics...perfect. It all builds to Scenario...introducing Busta Rhymes to a major label audience.
A Tribe Called Quest, småtrevligt men inte jättespännande.
funky 8/10
mmm me likey
I've heard this referred to as jazz rap. Glad to listen to this.
I really liked how vibey the music was while the lyrics spoke on so many important and progressive issues. It's not my personal taste, but I'm glad that they're on the list.
I liked it.
Ohhh yeah!
Nice surprise. 4/5
Great album, but I like their first and third a lot better.
Ultra cool slick hop hop
Such an awesome album!!!
i cannot believe i was listening to beastie boys when i could have been listening to this instead
I'm told this was pioneering, and I believe it - I just don't care for the trails it blazed. The tracks are too repetitive within themselves and even amongst each other. Without its historical context, this would have been a 1.
I could have used a little more versatility in the musical arrangements. It had a tendency to sound all the same. I like it nonetheless.
Interesting influences of jazz on this record, never the biggest rap fan but i can make an exception here, splendid rhymes as well.
[3.00/5] Final impression: Hip-hop with a lot of great tracks, and a jazz twist throughout. Wish there was a little more variety. Listened to on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/album/1p12OAWwudgMqfMzjMvl2a]. Excursions - Referencing a "pager" instantly dates this album. Good opening track though. Buggin' Out - Nike brand drop streak: 2. Really like the vocals on this one. Weaker instrumentals compared to the opening track. Rap Promoter - Weakest track so far. Just when I thought this album might be getting repetitive, this track changes things up a bit and redeems things. *Butter - Sick opening instrumentals. Really like the backing track here. Wish the vocals and lyrics were stronger because I'm vibing really strongly with that instrumental. Chorus is bringing it back. Verses from the Abstract (feat. Vinia Mojica & Ron Carter) - Lyrically the weakest track so far. Track is not great overall. Show Business (feat. Diamond D, Lord Jamar & Sadat X) - Just alright. Vibes and Stuff - Liked the opening instrumental. Infamous Date Rape - Kind of feel like I'm in health class being taught no means no. Check the Rhime - Tracks starting to get a bit too similar. Still solid, but they're losing me. Everything Is Fair - Slightly better than the previous track, more interesting. Jazz (We've Got) - Liking the backing track here again. Similar to Butter. Catchy, good beat. Skypager - Good. What? - Not really vibing with this one. Scenario (feat. Busta Rhymes, Dinco D & Charlie Brown) - LP Mix - Just fine. Overall notes: There's a lot of references to the 90s here and because of that it doesn't age great. But the tracks are solid so if you close your eyes and time travel back to the 90s then it's great, and timely. Clearly historically significant, and the lyrics hold up pretty well. Everything is good here, but only a few standouts.
Amazing rap album. Great flow and lyrics. Had never listened to A Tribe Called Quest before and was really impressed!
Genuinely amazing
Ça rap ouuuuuuu call_me_hand
Pas trop ma came mais c'est sympa !
album de hip hop bem diferenciado, misturando com elementos de jazz, achei uma delicinha. 3,5
Nice.
8.5/10 - this album is such a pleasant listening experience, rap combined with some funky beats can never go wrong. I love how one song seamlessly flows into another. Some of the lyrics can be a bit nonsensical but that is easily overlooked
Only comparable rap group is wu tang Goated shit Verses from abstract is amazing
Fun rapping, can't say I was overly enamoured by it.
Loved every second of this. Embodies exactly what hip hop is about. Storytelling woven into excellent musicianship. Can’t get much better than this
Quest is the best. Timeless
Perfect
Pretty good hip-hop jazz rap album
Great
slick shit
7.5/10. I like the rap style of the 90s and it feels like storytelling.
-good rhythm -identical bass parts in some songs does what it's supposed to, but feels very repetitive instrumentally
A great classic, I had totally forgot about them
Good album
Completely unfamiliar with the album (heard the name of the band but not really aware of any tracks). Listened in stages over the day which isn't ideal, but really enjoyed it. Lyrics were clever, although struggled a bit with the more misogynistic elements. Really easy to listen to and still sounds fresh, at least to someone who isn't a hip hop fan. Liked it a lot.
I'm not much of a hip hop guy, but when I do listen, this is the kind I like. It's cool, and it has a distinct style and something to say. It's laid back enough to have in the background, but the lyrics are rewarding if you want to listen closely. The album art is also some of the best out there.
Muy buenas vibeessssss. Esta onda jazz rap me encanta y los flows que hacen mezclados con estos beats medio old school, jazzy, con mucho low end (y contrabajo), crean un groove imposible de ignorar. Dicho esto, las letras o más bien las vocals en sí son super divertidas de escuchar, aunque hay veces que siento que van muy de forma directa al tema por así decirlo (sin mucha poesía ponele) pero al mismo tiempo como repitiendo cosas (en Butter por ejemplo). Aparte de estas instancias, es un proyecto excelente y único. Temas que más me quedaron: Excursions, Buggin Out, Jazz (We've Got) y Skypager [re funny este tema, lo banco mucho]. y What?. y Check The Rhime.
Perfect, no notes. I wish I had known their music better (and been somewhat sober) when I saw them at Lollapalooza.
A hip hop landmark. Busta on “Scenario” is historic. Great album and one I (not normally a hip hop listener) can hear over and over again.
Excursions Check the Rhime Jazz (We've Got) Scenario
Good background for things like folding laundry, washing dishes, or pre-cooking food prep. Pretty consistent energy throughout. Can't imagine being mad it's playing at social gatherings, but I'd be unlikely to request it. Lots of lines that sound quotable, but again, unlikely that I'd ever do so....and probably <25% chance I accurately recall the source when someone else does.
4 added to A Nice
383/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
This is Marauders. OMG. The best!
it good
One of the best
Always loved this album so coming back to it and really *listening* to it was a joy. The double bass, the way Phife and Tip interact with each other is just a joy. 5/5
Great listen. Super smooth. Some great bars.
Very swingy hip hop - reminds me of De La Soul
nice sound
Good stuff. Busta Rhymes features! Are there any more groups that trade flows like this anymore? Love the fixation on the abstract/nickname the abstract. Wild that a founding member got his verses cut and went to chef school. Live bass.
The jazzy grooves and the super smooth rhymes are still super fresh.
Decent. I don't know what kind of sub-genre of hip-hop this is, but it is not my favorite. I need something harder.
Ok I was about to give Low End Theory a 4 (to give myself a little headroom to give Midnight Marauders a 5) but then Scenario came on and I’m jumping around my living room thinking I can rap the Busta Rhymes verse. (I cannot). Scenario is the greatest posse cut in hip-hop. Also, sick Ron Carter bass. 5 stars.
Tribe's style is my favourite flavour of hip hop - if you throw in jazz samples then I am likely going to like it. The godfathers of everything that I love in this genre.
Dobri lyricsi in smesni, ksne rime bangajo, tudi beati so kr uredi. naziuce mi gre kr fulkrat ni rim. sam tko overall ni zame.
Great album. Rap was way better back in the day.
still my favorite tribe album
Great stuff I even heard things that I know were referred to in other songs
I listened to this album in the morning and didn’t love it. I’m going to listen again today. I’ll give it 3 stars just in case.
I almost like this album. But still, the delivery of each track comes across as very same-y, with the same vocals and the same sort of rhythms.
Nice beats. Also the basslines were very good almost on every track. Lyrics was kinda bland almost every song had the same. Except Infamous date rape. So i would say overall a good album with clear jazz influence with the old bass sound. But kinda repetitive, many of the tracks sounded the same. Favorite song on the album : Vibes and stuff, Scenario. Least favorite song on the album : Everything is fair, Skypager.
Definitely a solid album that I have good memories of.
Not bad at all, but I can't really notice much variation throughout the album. In stark contrast to the Outkast album I got yesterday. Almost twice as long, but still seemed about the same length
Top 10, hands down.
love love love
Another dope 90s boom bap.
Such a groovy record
It's not bad, but the beats are very much samey.
It was ok. I doubt I’ll be replaying it any time soon.
The Low End Theory is the second studio album from A Tribe Called Quest, a hip-hop trio from New York City. The band made down-tempo hip-hop, based in jazz samples and rhythms. They were the center of a "conscious rap" trend of the early nineties, with lyrics based in social commentary and well-crafted rhymes. The Low End Theory is regarded as not only one of the best alt-rap albums, but also as one of the best albums of all time. A Tribe Called Quest features rappers Q-Tip, Phife Dog, and Jarobi White, and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammed. This collection of songs is incredible. The samples and rhythms make the track worth repeating; the lyrics are well-considered enough to impress, even after many repeats.
Hip hop really isn't my thing but this was an enjoyable Sunday listen. 3/5
This is a classic hip-hop album that has truly stood the test of time. They kept it simple in the best way, with Q-Tip handling most of the production. I love the old school style of beats, because they hit hard and carry real weight, but the jazz samples balance it all out, creating a laid back musical landscape that flows perfectly with the vocal interplay between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg.
Highlight: Scenario Classic hip hop but not something I will come back to too often
Haven't listened to this in a good while, but I'm glad to get reacclimated. The symmetry within the collaborations on this album, make this arguably one of the most iconic rap compilations.
Incredibly smooth
v fun
Good just to vibe to. Staple in Jazz rap and influenced kendrick and kanye
Esenciales, brillantes, influyentes y sobre todo excelentes compositores. De lo mejorcito del hip-hop, y eso es mucho decir. Otros destacados de Native Tongues fueron De la soul, Latifah, Black Sheep, Monie Love o J Dilla, y obviamente los Jungle Brothers. Yo prefiero el debut y sobre todo Luck of Lucien, pero este segundo es otra joya a lomos de Check the Rhime y otros lujos como la inicial Excursions el tremendo final con Scenario. Mi favorita? Verses from the Abstract. Portada excelente. Un disco de ATCQ es imprescindible y puede ser este, el debut o exquiisto retorno y epitafio We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service. No son Stetsasonic o Digable Planets pero eson imprescindibles.
really nice beats, would make as some good background music
Probably the best ATCQ album. Primo shit for 1991
Il est des albums qui ne se contentent pas de marquer leur époque, mais qui la définissent et "The Low End Theory", deuxième opus du groupe légendaire A Tribe Called Quest, est sans l'ombre d'un doute l'un de ceux-là. Sorti en 1991, en plein âge d'or du hip-hop, ce disque est un monument de son et de texture qui continue, plus de trente ans après, d'influencer des générations d'artistes. Et le considérer comme un simple album serait une erreur ; c'est un manifeste, une déclaration d'amour au jazz et une redéfinition des possibilités sonores du rap. La véritable révolution de "The Low End Theory" se situe, comme son nom l'indique, dans les basses fréquences. Le groupe, mené par le génie de la production Ali Shaheed Muhammad et la vision de Q-Tip, a fait un choix radical. Ils ont délaissé les échantillonnages (samples) complexes et chargés de leur premier album pour une approche plus minimaliste, plus organique. Le squelette de l'album est construit autour de lignes de basse profondes, jazzy, souvent jouées à la contrebasse. Cette base rythmique, chaude et enveloppante, donne à l'album une cohésion et une atmosphère uniques. On ne se sent pas agressé par le son, on est invité à s'y lover. Des titres comme "Jazz (We've Got)" ou "Buggin' Out" sont des exemples parfaits de cette alchimie. La batterie est sèche, percutante mais jamais envahissante, laissant toute la place à cette basse hypnotique et aux samples de cuivres feutrés. C'est une production d'une intelligence rare, qui privilégie l'espace et la subtilité à la démonstration de force. Sur cette toile sonore impeccable, vient se poser le deuxième pilier de l'album : le flow. L'alchimie entre les deux MCs, Q-Tip et Phife Dawg, atteint ici son paroxysme. Leur dynamique est l'une des plus belles de toute l'histoire du rap. Q-Tip, le poète abstrait, avec sa voix nasillarde et son flow décontracté, pose des réflexions philosophiques et sociales. Phife Dawg, le "Funky Diabetic", est son contrepoint parfait : direct, incisif, drôle et impertinent. Il est le maître de la "punchline", celui qui ramène le propos sur le terrain, dans le concret. Leur complémentarité éclate sur des morceaux comme l'immense classique "Check the Rhime". Leurs échanges en "questions-réponses" sont d'une fluidité déconcertante, on a l'impression d'assister à une conversation entre deux amis de longue date. Cette complicité rend les textes vivants, accessibles et profondément humains. Ils abordent des thèmes variés : les affres de l'industrie musicale ("Show Business"), les relations amoureuses, ou tout simplement la joie de faire de la musique. L'album est également marqué par une collaboration qui est entrée dans la légende. Sur "Scenario", le dernier titre, le groupe invite les Leaders of the New School. C'est sur ce morceau qu'un jeune MC du nom de Busta Rhymes va livrer un couplet d'une énergie si féroce et charismatique qu'il lancera instantanément sa carrière solo. Ce titre est l'apothéose de l'album, une célébration explosive et collective de leur art. Mais la plus grande force de "The Low End Theory" est aussi, paradoxalement, sa légère faiblesse. L'album est si cohérent dans son atmosphère sonore, si fidèle à sa palette jazz-rap minimaliste, qu'il peut, par moments, frôler une certaine monotonie pour une oreille non initiée. L'ambiance est majoritairement "cool", posée, mais manque parfois de véritables ruptures de ton ou de rythme. Et passé l'impact initial des premières pistes, certains morceaux au milieu de l'album peuvent sembler se fondre les uns dans les autres, portés par des structures et des tempos similaires. Ce n'est pas un défaut de qualité, mais plutôt un manque de variété dynamique qui peut rendre l'écoute intégrale un peu moins captivante qu'elle ne pourrait l'être. En conclusion, "The Low End Theory" reste une œuvre capitale, un disque d'une importance et d'une beauté rares. Et son influence sur le hip-hop, mais aussi sur le R&B et le neo-soul, est incommensurable. Un 4 sur 5 pour un album qui a prouvé que le rap pouvait être sophistiqué, intelligent, musicalement riche et subtil sans perdre son essence.
solid, no notes
This is one of those albums I vaguely remember from college house parties. Before listening to this, all I could tell you about Tribe was Q-Tip was in it, and they had a lot more mellow tunes than the tough-guy guns'n'bitches bullshit of early hip-hop. I dig the chill vibe and the stronger basis in jazz, but still think Q-Tip's voice is the main reason to come back. Like most hip-hop, not my thing, but it's chill.
Ok, aight. I like qtip solo, tribe is goof too.
Not much of a rap/hip hop person but it’s a solid album. Solid flow, love the incorporation of jazz.
I can see why it was a big album, but can't imagine relistening much. 3.5
This album buries the lede. Scenario is fantastic and brings me back to being 12 years old. The rest of the album is fine but a bit repetitive from my perspective.
Not bad
Absolutely love this. I remember a few years ago I was one of those people that would only listen to 60s and 70s rock and never really opened up to other genres. For some reason, I listened to this album one day and I think that was the start of a change in my music taste. This remains one of my favourite hiphop albums. Also, this cover is one of my favourites, it’s so pretty
Absolutely cracking album, wish I had heard it in my late teens when I was getting into Hip Hop as this would have been in constant rotation. The production is insanely cool, definitely shaped a lot of beats to come and the rapping is smooooooth, absolutely the right group of people came together to make this. Favourites - Buggin' Out, Check the Rhime, Jazz (We've Got), Scenario
I, too, once had a fetish for some booty. This is a very strong album. Great lyrics, great flow, well produced beats. There’s not a single ‘banger’ on here as I find is usually the case with a rap album, but every song is of a decent to high quality and the album as a whole listening experience was thoroughly enjoyable. Somehow spawned a song with ‘Date Rape’ in the title and yet there’s still a song in existence with that in the title that I prefer?? Big up Sublime. Excursions (8/10) Buggin’ Out (9/10) Rap Promoter (7/10) Butter (8/10) Verses from the Abstract (8/10) Show Business (9/10) Vibes and Stuff (8/10) Infamous Date Rape (7/10) Check the Rhime (8/10) Everything is Fair (7/10) Jazz (We’ve Got) (8/10) Skypager (7/10) What? (8/10) Scenario (9/10) 7.9/10
Old school hip hop. Some good rhymes, but vocals weren’t the strongest. Drum track sounded like the same one was used on about every song. Was ok to listen to in the background, but nothing that blew me away.
I never know what to expect. I had no idea that this album was going to be hip-hop. It is so good!! How have I never heard of any of these groups.
Great production but rap has just evolved so much since then. They were jamming but I didn't really connect with it.
I didn’t like the mix of rap and jazz
Great album, thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. I was aware of some of their songs, and listened to their newer material growing up, but hadn't gone into their catalogue before.
that’s more like it
Very smooth, but also rather dull and repetitive to me. It's totally inoffensive as background music, but doesn't grab the attention
3.5 really. I’m partial to a bit of Jurassic five and Wu-tang clan but hadn’t listened to this. Pretty good hip hop. Not my fave genre though hence 3.5
Big fan of these guys - remind me of Souls of Mischief, and group a used to listen to at school. Enjoy the jazz influence coupled with strong meaningful lyricism
In one of the weird coincidences that this list throws up, this album was masterminded by Q-Tip who also appeared on the De La Soul record that I listened to the other day. It also makes for an interesting compare and contrast - this album pulls to a tighter beat with the vocals higher in the mix, but then layers a jazzy feel on top of the core sound. Again, this is the sort of hip hop that I can get on board with.
Good classic hip hop. Laid back, a bit jazzy, entertaining.
2nd A Tribe Called Quest album! My second fav album, their debut is still superior. Still so cool though, I love their lyrics so much. 3.5 bc less my vibe as of right now but not a hate on them
Better than Coldplay
I had actually never listened to this one prior but I really enjoyed it!
This album was one of a few that made its way to me in High School and changed my perception of Hip-Hop. I've made reference to my transition from "everything but hip-hop or country" guy in High School to having separate multi-year 'hip-hop only' and 'mostly country' (nothing after Willie Nelson) phases later in my 20s. I can say for a fact that this album influenced the musical tastes of weed smoking white boys from suburban MA forever. The sample on 'Excursions' is legendary. "Skypager" is hilarious. Man's got duracells. This could be a longer review, but it won't be. This album is amazing. The lyrics are funny, the flows are smooth, and the beats are funky. There's nothing wrong with this album. 10/10
I don't even listen to hip hop usually but this was dope! Smooth at times, jazzy, nice beats, and catchy. I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics because I wanted an overall listening experience, but I feel like next time it's a must.
Really a 4.5 but great album
I enjoyed the trip down 90s rap memory lane. Great bass lines/beat. Downloaded 1 song. I’d give it a 2.5 if that was allowed, but will round up to a 3
I love the tribe almost as much as q-tip loved his pager in 91’ ”Yo Phife, gravity don’t flow”
I'm not a big fan of rap but I definitely do like the old school style more.
Couple of really good tracks, I like the jazz influence hip hop used to have. Kind of monotone rapping of the lyrics, not much energy. Good album, not great.
Funky maar alles hetzelfde
Different than what I usually listen to, but a good beat.
Really cool
Really didn't do much for me, but probably deserves a more attentive listen.
'A pair of Nikes, size ten-and-a-half'; 'I sport New Balance sneakers to avoid a narrow path.' Hip-hop had been Adidas-centric for the longest. Tribe's embrace of the other brands implies an ethos of divergence. They diverge from gangsterism, no doubt, but they also deviate from their Native Tongues collective. Tho just as spunky, allusive, and self-consciously soft as De La, Tribe is ultimately heaved to fresh heights w/ Q-Tip's resourceful production. Is there another hip-hop release that is more ingeniously reliant on the technology of break loops and the lowdown addiction to the double bass? 'So low-key that you probably missed it.' But it's a low-key vitalness. 'Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you?'
A classic and a personal favorite of mine. The Tribe somehow improve upon their debut from the year prior. Still and always jazz-oriented, the production is also notable for its crisp drum programming and double bass (hello Ron Carter!) this go-around. This created the perfect backdrop for the main acts: Q-Tip and Phife Dawg. Q-Tip was no stranger to many at this point, but Phife Dawg sort of broke through here and became more prominent as a vocalist. Phife's somewhat silly, yet self-assured lyrical delivery paired with Q-Tip's mellow and contemplative delivery makes for entertaining lyrical interplay and flow. A smooth listen that never gets old. Early 90's hip-hop classics such as "Excursions", "Buggin' Out", "Check the Rhime", and the greatest posse cut ever in "Scenario" (hello Busta Rhymes!) are found here. I implore those who don't consider themselves hip-hop "fans" to check this album out, as I'd consider this jazz-based, "alternative" hip-hop sound to be pretty accessible. But if this isn't a needle-mover for some, then that's fine too. Hard to argue against the immediate and lasting influence this album had on the genre as a whole, though.
Hip hop/rap. Stripped back/jazzy instrumentals. Lots of real instrumentation. Bass on Buggin Out sounds likes double bass, in the jazz tradition, interesting. Political side about blackness and black origins and Africa Verses from the Abstract has instrumentation reminding me of Ice Cube It Was a Good Day Some parts remind me of Crooklyn Clan Best track - Verses from the Abstract/What? 3 stars
No me gusta en general el Hip Hop. Muy probablemente porque entiendo muy poco inglés cantado y menos cuando se canta en este estilo musical que hablan tan rápido y con tanta jerga. Entiendo que desde el lado musical también hubo una busqueda pero tampoco me ha llamado la atención.
The high end album
There was a time when I considered myself a connoisseur of rap, especially 90s rap. How wrong I was. Sure, "The Low End Theory" has been on my radar for a long time (an embarrassingly long time), but I've never actually put the time aside to listen. This was a mistake. The rhymes (e.g. "Bust a nut inside your eye/to show you where I come from"), the beats, the humour, the wordplay, the attitude. Everything a rap album should be.
Liked it.
I have listened to this album many times, one of my favorite hip-hop/rap albums of all time.
Suck mes 5 étoiles bitch
Je lui donne 4 car ce n'est pas mon pref de ce groupe. Mais maudine que c'est bon!
Mes amis disent que c'est bon.
Avant y'avait des hippies. Mais là astheure, y'en a pus : astheure c'est des hips. C'est jusse des hips! Partout le gars y dit : "Es-tu hip?" Non, chus pas hip. "Ben, si t'es pas hip, t'es un rat. Hip, hip ou rat."
Pretty much an entire album of low-key hip hop, which made it distinct from the other albums I've gotten from the same genre and era. It flowed in a pleasant way, too; the vocals and music paired well together and carried the vibe. I think I enjoyed the instrument production the most. For a type of music entrenched in using samples and digitally (or physically) manipulating existing media to create the compositions, this effort felt like the vocalists were in the same room as the musicians they were rapping over. It was almost like you were listening to it in a jazz club instead of a recording session. There were still samples, but they felt more organic than you get on other albums. It was a nice mix running behind the vocals. As for the raps, they also felt low energy. Comparing it to the other hip hop/rap albums I've had so far, it is far more subdued than Public Enemy, and basically a lullaby compared to Eminem's angry energy. It comes up short of Lauryn Hill's as well, although she did vary in emotional range more. I didn't dislike ATCQ's delivery here, but I'll say I found PE's energy to be more appealing for the style, topics, and era. My biggest issue with the album stems from the energy mentioned above. It just is a little too subdued for me to really appreciate as a whole work. Each part is pretty solid, but everything together kinda blends into each other a bit too much. There aren't many tracks that feel like they stand out or add something new to the mix. The most upbeat track was the last one on the album, which felt way too late to get that energy (then end the album). I think each song on it's own would be a good listen, but having them all in a row got old without more diverse vibes. I'll give it solid, but not much higher for the reasons given above. I think I might appreciate it more on a relisten, though I don't feel a strong pull to listen again. Overall: 2.6/5
Abysmal. Really and truly awful. Somehow “show business” comes out of this album, every other song is a painful listen from lyrics to melody to musical ability. 1 star
Turn it off yo Turn it off yo Pure garbage with no talent yo
Microphone check one two what is this? This album is great but you already knew this.
Awesome listen, classic
great beats...... date rape song wtf
Rap is never my piece of cake. I acknowledge that is rather melodic, despite my preassumptions regarding rap. But still…
This is such a solid album. A few songs dragged for me, so not a 5.
Obviously not two-star quality (like many other albums that I've rated here), but I just find the monotone rapping (I think I've used this term for almost every 80s/90s conscious rap album that I've gotten so far) to be incredibly dull.
Dated sounds, but love instrumentals and rhymes.
Un poco monótono pero entiendo que fuese increíble en su época
I didn't expect another album from A Tribe Called Quest. Again, this was cool, but it only makes me appreciate Biggie more. Ready To Die feels decades ahead from this album, lyrically, melodically, rhyme composition.. and it's only three years apart. Anyways, this is good, but not an album i would listen many times over.
Revolutionary sound blending vintage jazz bass lines with complex hip hop production and rap delivery. Not my favourite album of theirs, though the importance of the record can not be understated. Best Tracks: - Buggin Out - Everything Is Fair Worst Tracks: - What? - Infamous Date Rape Rating: 8.5/10
hip-hop isn't for me...
SO good. Love how minimalist and dark it is. The jazz samples just work so well and you can hear the influence on a ton of later stuff.
Funky jazz and bossa nova sampling.
Already heard this.
Smooth rhymes delivered over a jazzy beat.
Not really interested
No es mi tipo de música, un rap monótono, ninguna la agrego a mi lista
surprised how much i enjoyed this! soooo 90s coded with the groove and the questionable lyrics about women personal faves: - excursions - butter
This is hands down the best sounding record of the 90s. Fight me. For real though, if you're (for some reason) reading this before listening to the album for the first time, go find the best set of headphones you can find, even if you have to buy some, light up a spliff, lay down on your couch with nothing but a candle providing light, and turn this album on. I promise you'll have the best night of your entire life.
The Big Bang decoded the cosmos, natural selection decoded evolution, general relativity decoded physics, and The Low End Theory decoded how hip-hop could simultaneously expand its universe while honoring its origin.
Usually not a fan of rap but this was goooood
It’s okay
Yes
5/10…90er hip hop
Very samey
4/5
Loved it, I hadnt listen to them before
Incredible shit
yeah this rocked
Now I understand the hype around this group… really fun and interesting album that gets bonus points for a typically great Busta Rhymes feature
"Listen to the knowledge being dropped over beats". I enjoyed this one
Good music to vibe to. A few standout songs but nothing groundbreaking. Songs transitions are good to listen to
No opinion, don't like hip hop etc
Baaaang. Finally got to listen to it in full after years. 5 stars. One of the best hip hop LP’s ever
I feel cool listening to this. Vibe, chill. The beat is on point. How can you not dance to this.
This is the kind of hip hop I like. Nice beats. Smooth lyrics. A message. Good stuff.
Another album of cool, laid-back, effortless rhyming from Quest, enjoyed it a lot. Love the bass backing in Buggin' Out, loved What? generally. Shout out to the reviewer who gave a 2 star review and said "it is impossible to follow the lyrics unless you pay attention all the time" for having just the worst possible take on hip hop, congratulations.
Also enjoyed. Midnight marauders album maybe edges it for me, but both are great
Enjoyed this a lot, first half especially.
torn between a 3 and 4 star review here- this is obviously a great record- and I love the mood of the music- the jazz samples are great, I like that there are no catch r&b choruses, no skits or nonsense, just beats and lyrics. I just wish they had more to say topically, most of the album is about personal stuff and the rap game itself. it's not bad, just not great. still, if I had to pick a rap album to listen to- this would be a good choice.
I mean, it's maybe nothing that hasn't been redone and arguably improved upon by later acts, but Tribe have always been funky as shit and this remains just an excellent groove.
This fell into my pit of "I don't really hear lyrics, so I miss a lot of what it's about". Having said that, Tribe are a solid band and this is a good album.
Damn that's a funky album. I lost track of the plot a bit through the middle, but Tribe can always get a few minutes of my time when needed. And Scenario is still great.
It was good a little bit repetative, I really liked the begining of the album though.
90s hip-hop, minimalist sound that combines bass, drum breaks, and jazz samples. Considered one of the greatest and most creative alternative hip-hop albums. Hip-hop over jazzy beats is indeed incredibly cool. Fantastic beats.
It’s a simple formula: bassy jazz, drum line with non-stop rhymes, it should get boring after a while but it doesn’t for me. The laid back amalgamation of hip-hop drums and beats with jazzy undertones works for me and I love actually hearing what they’re saying even if the meaning does go over my head sometimes.
No notes
Butter best track, all a cool vibe though
This should be required listening before you can be exposed to Hamilton. You can hear this sound echo through nearly every rap album that's come out since.
What am I going to say that hasn’t already been said? It’s a classic, one of the absolute greatest hip-hop albums of all time.