People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

Wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug. One of the greatest hip hop records of all time. Genius writing. Flawless delivery. Impeccable production value. Every song runs like honey and each interlude provides a perfectly paced breath to introduce the next chapter of the story. Packed with some of the greatest 90's hip hop tracks of all time, Can I Kick It being the obvious example. Description of a Fool is the progressive antithesis of the toxic behaviour glorified by so many of their peers at the time. Left My Wallet in El Segundo is a comedically leaning work of story telling perfection. Both Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts and Mr Muhammad even have elements of early 90's rave styles (it's a stooone groove, baby). Dropping a track purporting the benefits of a healthy diet in the middle of it all is a master stroke, not to mention hilarious. The near incoherent French over Lucien also falls into this category. One for the collection.

Really solid Tribe album, complete with fun rhymes and creative, old-school instrumentals you would expect. Classic!

A Tribe Called Quest came out swinging with this phenomenal, genre-changing record. It was positive, experimental, well-rounded, and exclusively different than anything that rap and hip-hop was known for in the early 90's. The foundation of jazz music paired with modern hip-hop rhythms is exceptionally beautiful and joyous to listen to. Each member is a master of their craft, and though Q-Tip was more of the frontrunner than he was in later releases, you can tell each songs was given the proper treatment by every member's role. I just get pure bliss and comfort from listening to this record, even if it doesn't hold the spot for my favorite ATCQ album. Favorite Songs: Footprints, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Can I Kick It?, Mr. Muhammad Least Favorite: Rhythm

Favs: Can I Kick It?, Bonita Applebum, Ham 'N' Eggs, all of them really Mehs: The opening bit of Push It Along isn't my favorite but, yeah, all these songs are great Lot of fun to listen to for the first time in a couple years. Still sounds fresh and innovative. Great lyrics and song variety (STDs, breakfast food, French Cassanovas!). Fun little unexpected jazzy bits. Great sampling (always love the Lou Reed on "Can I Kick It?"). Is it just me, or did Hamilton totally rip off "Luck of Lucien" in tone and sound? Hmm.

If part of Q-Tip's strategy was ensuring I slapped a juicy rating on this, he couldn't have done much more than ending Description of a Fool and the album with a Sly & the Family Stone sample. Of course, I didn't figure into his strategy one (Diogo) jot(a). As with all the groups in the tentative Natives Tongues collective, the target audience here is other black people, who Tip & co. want to join them in a celebration of all things pan-African. As ever, I'm humbled to be allowed to the party--especially one whose DJ has Luck of Lucien, El Segundo, Bonita Applebum and Can I Kick It on the decks. To my ears, this doesn't groove to rhythms as Afrocentric as you'd assume from ATCQ's image, but therein in lies my ignorance. Celebrating your African roots ain't about aping Youssou N'Dour, Fela Kuti or Tabu Ley Rochereau. The very Americanness of ATCQ's sound is a reminder of how deeply American music has been shaped by people of African descent, and how disgracefully that's been overlooked and overwritten. Slapping the Ghanaian colours on this puts it front and centre, where it should be.

Love Tribe, I like the next few albums more though, feel like they were still finding their way with this one. Regardless, it's another 4.5 (5) stars.

Can I kick it?

Took van in for check up,talked to Brenda. JENNI rent paid. Her behavior out of control.

In case you had any doubt that everything was cooler in the 1990’s than it is today, consider this exhibit A.

Never realised just how great this album is. The samples are picked from seamingly everywhere. Lots of it seems to have been grabbed from From, Fusion and R&B. I love the flow, the lyricism. Everything here is a joy to listen to. Paced really well too.

Crazy this is probably the third best tribe called quest album

Not only brings me down memory lane but reminds me of the brilliance of this group. Their sampling is groundbreaking, lyrics exciting, and their sound? Chef's kiss.

Another absolutely phenomenal album, with some iconic tracks in it. The groove, the rhythm, all of it comes together to create a wonderful experience that just doesn't let up.

Bold samples, boasts for days, cerebral and street level at the same time. This is Tribe really nailing how to burst into the music scene, and especially the hiphop scene

Teraz to mnie pikerka pozytywnie zaskoczyla, nie sadzilem ze ATCQ pojawi sie na tak wystakowanej liscie i to w dodatku debiutanckim albumersem, chociaz z drugiej strony, to nie jest glupi pomysl wybrac akurat peoples instinctive travels and the paths of the rythm, jako przedstawienie tworczosci tribowej, bo zakladam ze jednak zaden inny albumik sie nie pojawi, niestety, bo jako debuitancki album slychac na nim najwiecej kreatywnej wolnosci, bo plyta wydana byla przez jive, ktore raczej jest kojarzone z popowymi wydaniami, no i swiezym ksieciem, kolejnym czynnikiem ktore z pewnoscia mialo wplyw na brzmienie plyty bylo studio calliope, w ktorym obok tribersow tworzyli junglowi bracia, czy chocby prince paul razem z stetsasonic, ktory pojawia sie nawet goscinnie na traku rhythm, ale najwazniejsza jest chemia miedzy czlonakami ekipy, a tutaj ukazuje sie ona przede wszystkim jako koperacja miedzy qtipem i phifem, czyli duetem lirycznym ktory rozumie sie bez slow i konczy jeden drugiemu linijki, jeden z najlepszych duetow na majku w historii murzynskiej piesni rapowanej, a jak w dobrej historii, to tlem bedzie tutaj przyjazn od malego i wspolne dorastanie, jada jada, chociaz ta plyta jest bardziej przychylna dla qtipa, jesli chodzi o podzial linijek, ktory wedlug mego odczucia wynosi 4:1 po stronie Q, co do kolejnych czlonkow to za produkcje odpowiedzialny jest dj muhammad, czyli polaczenie perfekcyjnosci w masteringu, skillsow djskich i instyntku samplowego, bo jest to album opierajacy sie glownie na brzmieniu zlotej ery jazzu, choc potrafia sie pojawic bardziej funkowe zapetlenia, czy nawet cos bardziej rokowego, nie mozna takze zapominac o szadolowym czlonku, czyli panu bialym jarobim, ktory chociaz nie rapuje i pojawia sie jako wodzirej i jest osoba ktora przedstawia bande na openingowym push it along, ale ktory takze mial swoj udzial w tekstach, zwlaszcza na najwiekszych hitach plyty, czyli i felt my wallet in el segundo czy can i kick it, a jesli juz przy liryce, to plyta jest mocno zwiazana z tak zwanym pozytywnym rapowaniem i jest utrzymany w klimacie de la soulowego 3 stopy wysoko i jeszcze wzlatuje, wiec milosc, pokoj i mlodosc, a jak mlodosc to robienie glupot, a to wszystko przedstawione z humorkiem i inteligentnym samokrytycznym spojrzeniem na samego siebie, im wiecej wiesz o plycie tym trudniej jest zapisac jakas notke, bo o kazdym traku mozesz napisac osobna note, ale przynajmniej na plejke nie bedzie problemu, bo z 14 trakow albumu 6 znalazlo sie na niej wczesniej, wiec na dokladke otwierajacy push it along i polowa jest, oby wiecej takich pozycji

A full rebellion against gangster rap… these guys respect women, misplaced their wallets, and watch their cholesterol.

I'm not very well-versed in early 90s hip hop. This album has inspired me to start going down that rabbit hole because this album is fantastic. The humor and flow in their lyrics are a lot of fun and must have been revolutionary at the time.

I finally have a 3.5 that gets rounded up to a 4 rather than down the the 3. Some classic things in here absolutely. I did feel their "sound" kind of starts to all feel the same after awhile, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Album koji je lansirao ATCQ na duge kvalitetne staze hip hop, jak debitanski album sa par klasika i neotkrivenih dragulja. Iako mi je njihov Midnight Marauders u top 3 hip hop albuma ikad, nikad nisam slušao ovaj naslov. Misleći to što imaju dva jako kvalitetna albuma iza ovoga da će ovaj biti neki slabiji trud, naravno sam promijenio mišljenje nakon slušanja. Za 1990. godinu, beatovi su friški, groovie i mog reć u neku ruku za tancanje dok se spremaš na posao (što je u mom slučaju bilo) pa se ujedno sklopilo sa lijepim vremenom i tako stvorilo pozitivnu vibru. Razlikuje se od prethodna dva albuma u tome što nije toliko jazz inspiriran/sempliran. Tldr; kvalitetna grupa kao što su ATCQ - nerazočarava! (4/5)

Having found ATCQ's next album, Low End Theory, to be extremely dull and dated, I was surprised to actually quite like this. Fun, catchy and laid back hip hop with a good balance of instrumentation and samples from a range of genres. Can/do I kick/like it? Yes you/I can/do. 3/5.

Smooth, joyous melodies, with a mix of serous and light-hearted lyrics covering a wide range of themes. Musically, this is trippy and laid back, but full of crisp and tasteful compositions, slickly produced but seeming almost like an extended jam session. A testament to the confidence of the group. Top tracks: footprints, public enemy, can I kick it?

Hip Hop und Rap... was kann das schon werden? Witzig! Und überraschend! Kein Schimpfen oder schlüpfriger Lobgesang an eine „thicc biatch“. Dafür eine witzige Geschichte, wie er seinen Geldbeutel in einem Restaurant vergisst. Relatable! Der Beat ist entspannend und wenn ich wollte, konnte ich den Rap überhören. Teilweise gab es sogar groovy Melodien. Quasi das beste, was man aus Rap rausholen kann.

One of the great debuts of all time; not only for the tremendous songwriting and production on display, but for how it was able to bring an entire genre to the next level of evolution. Tribe's effortless lyricism accompanying timeless beats leaves a lasting impact and influence that would stretch way beyond hiphop.

Amazing debut. Meticulously produced, great use of samples, interesting lyrics, at times funny and charming. Just a perfect classic hip hop album.

Hip hop at its finest, from top tier sampling to meaningful lyrics

Has to be close to a top ten album now for me. Cannot describe.

Already listened to

After listening to Eminem, who has talent but is so angry and abrasive, this was a breath of fresh air. Almost the exact opposite - technique is good but not the best, but great jazzy beats and, most importantly, it’s fun! Could stand to be a little shorter, but I liked this one a lot.

This album is cool. It is a whole scene and you definitely want to be in it. The beats and sample are all time, the MCs are slick and the lyrics make you think. It's fun, there's meditations on life and it is an entire album to lean into. You want to be in the crew, from the round-robim tracks to the outtake laughing.

Really good, Luck of Lucian is one of my favourite songs of all time, so it was really nice to hear it on hear.

Yes! Yes! YEEEEEESSSSSSSS!

A classic from beginning to end. They had such a great sound that pushed the whole genre forward and has stood the test of time. From the blue note jazz samples and break beats to the flowing lyrics. Respect.

I got the Rhythm

This might be the perfect hip-hop album. It's so well produced and arranged. It's got dance songs, social justice songs, "chillin'" songs - even songs about eating healthy (Ham N'Eggs). This is one you can just turn on in the Summer and vibe to.

Laid back, jazzy, fun, great use of samples.

I'm not a big hip hop listener but A Tribe Called Quest never disappointed and this album is brilliant. From the lyrics to the instrumentas and samples the flow and feel of this album is amazing.

10/10 I usually find it funny that I started this journey for brand new experiences, but the albums I love the most are the ones from artists I already love. I, however, have never listened to a Tribe Called Quest album from start to end but yeah... Beautiful!

Goddamn this is close to perfect! Long runtime, but it flies by. The sampling is off the charts too.

Wonderful.

Classic

Along with the Low end theory, this is one of the all time greats. 5

Is this acid jazz or jazz rap? This album definitely borrows from jazz, funk and soul. The beats are always unique, A Tribe Called Quest was always "cool" in that way. And Ali Shaheed's signature sound, the scratches, the beats, it's all there, he's an underrated DJ. And Q-Tip is probably an underrated MC. Footprints is a jam, it's got that Stevie Wonder Sir Duke horn sample. I Left My Wallet in El Segundo is a classic. Bonita Applebum is another great song, smooth beat, great lyrics. It's like a rap slow jam. Can I Kick It? samples Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side, which makes these two maybe the greatest non-cover version of original song and song that samples it. Go Ahead In the Rain is a great deep cut.

Historically, rap and hip hop has been a big gap in my musical consumption. This is a shame, because I know there’s a lot of worthwhile art in those genres. I do consciously try to rectify that, including listening to albums by this group, as they are so well regarded. I had not lost to this one yet. It’s fantastic! An easy 5.

Conscious hip hop moved in a lot of directions after this, but I don’t think it was ever so enjoyable. Amazing samples, fun lyrics, and youthful energy. For a long time this was my favorite hip hop album, and though I was eventually entranced by material a bit more visceral, this album has always kept an important place in my heart.

Tribe Vibes

Never heard this album before. Really enjoyable. So much to like about this album, but the overall production is particularly noteworthy. No mishits on the album. Confidence to provide humorous lyrics alongside some social statements. The entire album exudes confidence without trying to hard. Effortless music making.

I used to own a compilation CD of theirs, but first time listening to this album as a whole. It's enjoyable - funky grooves, witty yet insightful lyrics, nice variety. I was on the fence between a 4 and 5 star rating, but then remembered what I gave The Fun Loving Criminals and need to give this a 5. It's simply better. Looking forward to The Low End Theory coming up on rotation!

So good

Do I really need to explain this to you... ?

I'm pretty stoked to have finally listened to this album fully. I'm kind of upset I hadn't listened to it through all the way before today. Such a sick hip hop record. The mixing and production is so cool, especially after learning about how it was done, the history, the influence, and just how young they were when they made it. Q-tip was 16 when he recorded and mixed this thing? That is insane. I love it. Some really cool beats in here and really flowy lyrics. I love how warm and fuzzy it sounds too.

Brilliant. One of the greatest and most influential hip hop of all time. I think the obvious takeaway is the infusion of jazz, funk and soul into this record. What strikes me is that whole album flows so perfectly with each song. The bass lines and drum tracks just move along keeping it flowing. It’s so damn chill too. It’s kind of the epitome of *vibey,* but then it’s so much more than that. The lyrics and storytelling are top notch. Even when they add in some silly songs like ham & eggs, the door is open and you just just want to hang and vibe out in this space. Also, impressive how the lyrics kind of interplay and reference other songs throughout. It’s like a little mini-universe within itself. You can hear the influence of this record in so many contemporary and even 2000 rap outfits. It’s in everything and something worthy of spending time with.

Masters of sampling, knowing how to hook you in, get you boppin' and then absolutely keeping it going all across.

I enjoyed this a lot

Hell yeah. A Tribe Called Quest is probably one of my favorite hip-hop groups of all time. They expertly melded jazz with rap during arguably one of the most creative eras of rap music. All while exuding both coolness and goofiness. One could say that ATCQ were among the acts who spearheaded the 90's alternative hip-hop movement with their debut here. ...And what a debut this was. The group already sounds pretty seasoned and they flow effortlessly in their rhymes here. Most will come for "Bonita Applebum" and "Can I Kick It?" (and rightfully so), but their silly, storytelling side shines ("...El Segundo" & "Pubic Enemy"), as well as other standout lyrical performances from Q-Tip specifically ("Footprints" & "Description of a Fool"). It's all a cohesive and clean-sounding production, helped more so by the fitting samples used throughout. It's wild to consider that the Tribe got better from here, as their next two albums specifically are among their greatest works IMO. "People's Instinctive Travels..." was a great launching point for the group though, and heralded in another evolution for hip-hop immediately following the "gangsta rap" era. Long live alternative hip-hop.

Damn. This album has been off my radar for too long. What a treat to listen to it fully this time around. Instant favorite.

classic

absolutely beautiful

Survey says they can, indeed, kick it.

Very old school, I like it.

Great songs including I left my wallet in el segundo, can I kick it, bonita Applebum, very fun and good hip hop

Really nice chill hip hop. Interesting samples and nice bars. WIll definitly listen again

One of the best hip hop albums I've ever listened to. I can't even imagine what it would have been like listening to this when it first came out, and just having your mind blown by it.

Favorite rap/hip-hop group and this is a hell of a debut album. So many interesting samples, and great moments in the album. The songs sampled span a wide range of genre's and are also great songs in their own right. Listening to this makes we wonder why more rap artists didn't explore more outside of the box song structures and samples. Held up incredibly well after 34 years, adding a point for innovation and all around love for TCQ.

While Midnight Marauders and Low End Theory are my favs from these innovators of hip hop this is still a genius debut from my favorite group from the Native Tongue collective. The production of Q-tip and Ali is mind blowing. While the other groups from the Native Tongue had incorporated jazz samples already ATCQ really pushed the boundaries what could be done. It’s impossible to listen to this album without nodding your head. Lyrically, Q-Tip and occasionally Phife, came out swinging on this debut. Phife wasn’t in the studio much for the recording of this album and his lack verses reflect that absence, something he’d make up for on future albums. I’m always happy to revisit this classic.

Banger of an intro album. Great music on this one. Luck of Lucien is my favorite here. The basically sums up the type of hip hop I like. 5 for me.

This album is a hip hop clinic. If aliens were to land on this planet and wanted to get an understanding of what hip hop is, I would tell them to listen to this album. It's hard to believe this was released in 1990. It sounds ahead of it's time. This stuff is just on a different level compared to other rap groups. Such great story telling. Anyone catch the Jimi Hendrix sample? Any time an MC uses the word Polyrhythmic in a verse, it's probably an MC you should listen to. Trinidad and Tobago represent.....Phife Dawg RIP.

Every album needs a rap about the band's favourite food.

All time classic

TCQ is easily my favorite 90s hip hop group. The production is incredible, it samples some of my favorite artists, no way I don’t like it. The back half wasn’t as good as the first but never actively disliking any of these songs. Rating: 4.6

Classic group, brilliant album!

Classic.

Somewhat sillier and joyous than the follow up that is sometimes considered the peak of Tribe, I can’t help but find the energy here more fun and somewhat naive. Regardless the first two Tribe albums are timeless and incredible.

Would listen to this on repeat. Great beats to get through my work day

14/02/08

Hell of a debut. Rad frog sample. Can I Kick It? obviously an all timer. If you're gonna sample something iconic that kicks ass like Walk On The Wild Side, you'd better come out swinging and they do. One of those samples that makes you appreciate the original more too. Sudden beat shifts extremely cool. Did not think that song would be on a first album, you could spend a career trying to make something that gets all those dynamics right. Would be the very best of 4s without this one, a clear 5 with it. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

Good god this rips. It seems impossible that this is their first record. I’m usually not too inclined to listen to things real loud, but for this one I was. Last time I said that in a review was Back in Black, and I gave that 5⭐️ and this is obviously better than Back in Black. Painted myself into a corner that I am happy to paint myself into.

Sweet album

An absolute classic in the genre of chill people having so much fun on tape that you wish you could hang out with them without feeling like a lame outsider.

This isn't my favorite Tribe album, but it's still a 5.

4.75

Fluid. Innovative. Rap perfection.

90's hip hop? history making band? what's not to like!?

Damn, this was really great. Love the funky beats and lyrics and storytelling. I’m a sucker for samples, and I love how they weave them in so seamlessly. I dig the chill and positive vibe of it too. Super impressed by this!

could i write poetry to this? y

The early 90s really was a great era of hip hop. The genre was really starting to become itself, and was now no longer just a subgenre of soul. And this album represents the evolution of the genre during this time perfectly. It doesn't take itself too seriously, having lots of very fun and tongue and cheek lyrics, but still keeps interesting and creates a brilliant atmosphere.

4.5

An absolute classic. Amazing production; lyrics, etc. Very happy to see that this still holds up. 5 stars.

Once at work I requested 90s hip hop to be played. To my dismay, I got NWA instead what I really meant, which was this (and Arrested Development, Digable Planets , etc). Gangster rap may have its place, but in my mind, this is the best of 90s hip hop. Unlike the gangster rap stuff, Tribe has a cool vibe. They use jazz for a totally different style. Sure their lyrics are a bit there sometimes, but that only makes them more unique. They’re not angry and abrasive. They take on social issues and sometimes tell stories about losing a wallet. This is a fantastic album. Tribe shows that you can have fun, have cool rhythms, and still speak out on things like domestic violence.

What a trip down memory lane. Smooth, melodic, easy listening, could spin this over and over.

Really enjoyed this one. Some classics, some stuff I’ve never heard, humorous and lighthearted at times, and a great time capsule of early 90’s hip hop.

What an incredible debut! Truly remarkable, it's meticulously crafted to flow effortlessly from track to track. "Can I Kick It" is one of the best songs ever, loved this thing top to bottom.

Classic hip hop

Absolute class!

Upbeat and full of vibes..! Sounds of classic hip hop, keeps your head nodding!

Really awesome album. One of those albums where I come home from work and tell my bf I’m in a good mood because of the album I was listening to today. The call and response moments made me feel like I was at a party.

Any album with "can I kick it?" Has to score well

Great old school rap. ATCQ is pretty refreshing after listening to a couple gangsta rap albums recently. They are lyrically deep, got more than one thing they rap about, and have some awesome background grooves. My favorites here are Footprints, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, and Description of a Fool.

This is cool sophisticated hip hop. Clever, chilled out and jazzy.

Brilliant rhyming, sampling and storytelling. I am skeptical about the last few tracks being on the original album tho

Never would have thought I'd be giving 5 stars to an album that has a whole track dedicated to how the tribe doesn't eat ham and eggs but here we are. This is a damn fine album.