People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

I love this album. Luck of Lucien crept into the favs this time.

Smash Hits 1991 was probably the first music thing I spent my own money on. I must have been 10/11? 'Do the Bartman' was probably the biggest draw at the time. Although the gatefold double vinyl was filled with absolute dross there were a couple of traks that left an indelible mark on my music tastes. 'Can I Kick It' was one of those. (Charly by the Prodigy was the other). I didn't understand it. But I knew I liked it. Have I ever actually listened to this album as an album? It was one of those that I was constantly trying to Napster/Limewire/Torrent ... but I'm not sure I managed to catch them all. Anyway ... it's better than I remember and pretty peerless. A stone cold 5. Q-tip is an undeniable all time great.

A Tribe Called Quest proving again they are one of the best groups on this list. The rapping is great along side expert use of sampling. I especially like the "Sir Duke" sample in Footprints. Overall one of the best on this list. Favorite songs: Footprints, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It, Ham 'N' Eggs

Extraordinario album. Una banda esencial del Hip Hop. Una influencia capital en la música urbana. Elegancia, buenas melodías, un uso delicado de los samples (Lou Reed, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Funkadelic...). Este podría ser uno de los mejores discos de la historia del Hip Hop. Afrocentrismo sin estridencias, native Tongues, finales de los 80- principios de los 90, Nueva York... Luck of Lucien es mi canción favorita de ellos, pero tienen temas buenos de principio a fin (y una discografía que es la envidia del resto de artistas). Sin duda 5/5

Playful, fun rhyming to infectious beats.

I loved this one. Almost as good as the Low End Theory. I think this is their second best and I really have no complaints about this one. Low 5

Really fun, loved el secundo and rhythm. But fan of the sampling and production.

Very chill, old school 90s rap. Heard a lot of bits I've heard referenced in other songs (Beastie Boys, Fugees)

Groundbreaking and awesome

Banger

very nice groove sounds, relaxing for a Saturday night

I was once a rap/hiphop naysayer - I never had any exposure in my formative years and adopted an anti-rap tribalism. I could often be heard saying things like "it's just bad offensive poetry behind worse music." That was until a coworker at a burger shop I worked with was flabbergasted that I wasn't open to hearing any of rap music and insisted that I listen to this Tribe Called Quest album among others. The mixture of those albums (and lets be honest, the adult swim bumps dropping MF DOOM, etc. at this time) opened my eyes and made me realize that writing off a whole genre of music is an ignorant take. I enjoy the simplistic "Boom Bap" samples that come off crisp and timeless. "Can I Kick It?" is such a classic. Take a walk on the wild side.

love it

Excellent album. The samples are terrific and lyrics and flows make every song a must listen.

I've been listening to a lot of music, of all types and forms, in the last few months. Between this list, RYM, and recommendations from friends, there's no shortage of wonderful music. I'm starting to realise that my music taste is evolving and I'm slowly starting to appreciate music that I hadn't before. This album is one of them. In the past, I would have struggled to get through the entire thing. Now, I'm looking forward to going through A Tribe Called Quest's discography afresh. Will they ever reach the near-perfection of this debut album? I doubt it honestly. But hopefully I'm wrong. Awesome stuff. Also learnt that Lou Reed was a bit of an arsehole, only clearing the Kick It sample in return for 100% of the royalties from the song. Oh well!

Just incredible. Loved all of it!

I love the tribe, but have not listened to their first album except for the hits. What an idiot I am. I would have had this on constant rotation. This was such a blast. Fantastic album! Maybe even better than their follow ups. Still a breath of fresh air. Amazing beats.

Great album! No skips and a true classic.

Fantastic album by one of the greatest hip hop groups = 5 stars.

Great front to back.

This might be the perfect mix of jazz and hip hop. Q-Tip rhymes so smooth "like butter," as he says on a future album! This is so much fun - easily makes you move and smile while you're doing it. Liked Songs Added: Luck Of Lucien Footprints I Left My Wallet In El Segundo Bonita Applebaum Ham 'N' Eggs

Brilliant album. Not heard it in about 25 years. Forgot what I was missing

This is great and very close to what I expected from A Tribe Called Quest's more famous entry, \"Low End Theory\". That album suffered significantly (in my opinion) from a song about date rape. There's nothing so glaringly awful in \"People's Instinctive Travels\", despite some occasional womanizing. And man do I love this kind of hip hop. In their own words, they weren't trying to be tough, they just wanted to be. There is really skill in the use of samples here (some that would be impossible to clear now) and the marriage to the beats and lyrics. It's positive, it's self assured, it's funny, it's real. There's plenty more like this in the underground hip hop scene but this was a rare triumph in the mainstream.

I think the song title Youthful Expression defines the album as a whole. Sampled beats on loop with well informed long winded lyrics.

This is a very strong debut album, and it's their third best album for my money. The range of subjects, lyrics, samples, and music is fantastic, and feels effortless and refined. I don't think this album is perfect, and I do have some minor technical and musical quibbles, but it's so strong I find it difficult not to give 5 stars. And they only get better over the next two albums. Also Q-Tip is one of my favorite rappers ever, so I'm just not gonna be too objective here.

5 star. Classic hip hop

So fun and easygoing. Still sounds so fresh. Better than just about every hip hop album that came after.

I'm going to listen to this one several times in the 24 hr period. the timlessness of this album is so fucking sick. Can tell its their earliest album with weird songs like Ham N Eggs but still so so so good

Just a really fun album, definitely my taste in music

ATCQ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve always put De La Soul’s ‘3 Feet High’ on a pedestal as the greatest hip hop album of all time. With Q-Tip as the greatest rapper and ATCQ ‘only’ as a merely great singles bands. Listening to this album as a whole, I think this comes pretty close to being a perfect hip hop album and a rival to ‘3FH’. Q-Tip’s performance is the most effortlessly fluid, rhythmically perfect delivery you can imagine 🐐 . He is so well supported by Phife and some incredible beats, samples and production. I managed to see them live in 1990 and I cannot believe that I’ve not seen them since. Thought I never needed to hear ‘Can I kick it?’ ever again…. I was wrong. In the context of this album, it works so well. Makes me want to order the entire back catalogue in vinyl in one go!

My favourite album so far. I think this is probably my favourite hip-hop album of all time. It oozes a sense of loose, unconventional, laidback cool. Q-Tip’s conversational flow pairing perfectly with playful yet thoughtful lyrics. Great drum sound, crisp and organic.

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.

These tribe members rap with such absurd, effortless intelligence that listening to their flows feels like witnessing rhythmic conjuration disguised as everyday conversation.

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

Great album, looking forward to getting more.

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.

You will have a hard time finding a more organic sounding hip hop record from this era than this. A Tribe Called Quest was an entirely different entity than the majority of their contemporaries. It’s a long record, but time flies by.

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.

The first albums by this group are just unassailable. Love Tribe and everything they stand for.

The sampling on this album is so good, wonderfully intelligent rhymes and delivered with an excellent flow. Enjoyed it from start to finish.

Yet again, this album proves to me that I didn't listen to nearly enough hip hop in the 90's. I loved Low End Theory, which I got a couple months ago, and I loved this even more.

This is a great album. It's such a good vibe all the way through. It's so chill, but got me hype at the same time. I enjoyed the classic versions and the remixed/remastered ones.

A Tribe Called Quest never miss!! This album is fantastic from start to finish. Favourite songs: I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Can I Kick It?, Mr. Muhammad, Bonita Applebum, Footprints, Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts), Luck of Lucien, After Hours, Push It Along, Pubic Enemy, Youthful Expression Least favourite songs: Ham 'N' Eggs 5/5

Awesome album, would recommend.

i desparately need to spend more time w this ☀️🍸🛹🌸 highlights: luck of lucien; mr. muhummad. see also: sunny afternoons in animal crossing; three feet high and rising (de la soul, 1989); transformer (lou reed, 1972).

Having never listened to a full Quest album before, I was very impressed when the album ended and I realised there were absolutely no bad songs in it. Banger after banger. Absolute 10/10

Absolute must for any hip hop fan. 6/5

One of the best hip hop albums I've heard so far

So good, one of the best hip hop albums from one of my favorite group.

A Tribe Called Quest is a legendary group, and their debut proves why. It's such a fun listen and the use of samples is genius. One of the best albums I've heard off of this list so far.

Classic. Smooth flow of rhythm and flow of rap. A Tribe Called Quest was a juggernaut in the hip hop genre. The debut album really set the tone for the group's career. A solid debut!

Loved it.

5/5. It feels like a world is being built before my ears, like I am listening to a history of this otherworldly musical world and I am being taught about the every day life of these people. Although the lyrics don't portray that, something new shows up in each song and the fact that each song is preceded by the song title at the end of the previous song shows there is a strong sense of continuity. I am just being brought along, here for the ride and it's jam packed with great songs. On a more mechanical sense, it's just experimentation the album with a constant and steady flow throughout keeping my grounded and present. Best Song: Luck of Lucien, Can I Kick It?, Rhythm

Natuurlijk 5/5

<3

Heel nice

This shit is fireeeeeeeee

beautiful, no skips

Winner winner chicken dinner. The samples, scratching, words and general vibe even put me in a good mood. Blows the rivals out of the water and giving it a genre busting 5 stars.

Cannot get enough Tribe. Giant love. 90's hip-hop put the foundations down for the genre for decades to come. Amazing.

I never really liked the later albums by A Tribe Called Quest, so I was expecting to hate on this one. I had only heard a couple of the tracks from it before, but encouragingly, they were the few tracks I actually liked by this group. Turns out I loved this album, I enjoyed the samples, the flow, the production, the lyrics. It just all felt fresh and much better than anything they did on their later albums. It was good enough for the full 5 stars.

I’m not in the business of giving Tribe albums less than 5 stars. Sublime.

Easygoing vibe, with masterful sampling choices, smooth flow, clever lyrics, and a healthy dose of whimsy. What's not to like? Front to back, a really delightful album. I'm thinking about the alternate universe where this became the dominant voice in hip hop and man, we're missing out. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Can I Kick It?, Bonita Applebum, Go Ahead in the Rain, Mr. Muhammad, Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts), Description of a Fool, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Luck of Lucien, Youthful Expression, After Hours, Pubic Enemy, Footprints, Ham 'n' Eggs, Push it Along

The funnest of hip-hop. Love hearing Cee-Lo and George Clinton featured on various tracks. Nothing to not like.

Does hip-hop get better than this?

Can i kick it?

Somehow I never saw Tribe live. One of the great regrets of my life. Did see Phife Dawg solo. Anyway, this album is endlessly listenable. Yes, Bonita Applebaum, you gotta put me on.

At once a declaration and a blueprint, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is a potent reminder of what hip-hop was meant to be. Apart from that, I don't have much to say regarding this. This is the first of many great albums A Tribe Called Quest would make. Just push it along.

Literally don't give a fuck about all the obvious filler it's still getting a 5

Tribe are the group that got me into Hip-Hop. I've listened to this album countless times. Even as the first track is starting, I know this is getting a 5/5. Q-Tip and Phife are both so smooth, the beats are awesome, the lyrics are funny. This album has so many famous songs - Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Can I Kick It etc. I think my favorite song is Footprints. I enjoyed it the entire time, but I think it doesn't quite make it to a 10/10. 9/10

Fantastic album, no notes

See, *this* is what I want from a hip hop album. And that this came out in '90, before the other few I had recently, makes it all the greater.

fucking vibes - sunny 80s spring day, nothing like waking up to tribe day, and maybe every day should be a tribe day huh

dope dope dope

So good!

I fucking love a tribe called quest. favourites: "luck of lucien", "bonita applebum" "can i kick it?" "description of a fool"

One of my favourite albums of all time. This thing is bursting at the seams with fun, thoughtfulness, creativity, and joy. It may not have the polish and mastery of their craft as found in Midnight Marauders and The Low End Theory but the energy and enthusiasm here is so intoxicating.

Oh, snap I know I’m gonna give this a five straight off the bat, my favorite hip-hop band of all time!! It’s not my favorite of their albums but has plenty of great songs: Luck of Lucien Left my wallet in el segundo Bonita Applebaum Can I kick it - personal fav Ham and eggs

Innerhalb einer Woche hatte ich das Vergnügen von der Hip-Hop-Gruppe "A tribe called Quest" zwei Albem kennenlernen zu dürfen. Schon beim ersten mal wurde ich sehr begeisternd in dieses Musikgenre eingeführt und wurde auch jetzt nicht enttäuscht. Im Gegenteil dieses Album ist noch besser. Fantastisch. Hip Hop gepaart mit verschiedenen Musikstilen (Jazz, Funk, Soul...) und besonderen Mudsikzitaten aus der Musikgeschichte. Hammer"

Phenomenal sampling. It was fun to listen to this and pick out what they were using in each beat. I also think it must have been wild to hear this when it first came out. What a contrast to NWA and Public Enemy (both great!). All of them are great rappers and the album simply exudes “cool”. Would do a 4.5 if I could but I’ll round up.

Tribe is just so smooth. From the beats to the rhymes everything is great on this record. It also doesn’t suffer from skits that haven’t aged well unlike some of the other hip hop records from this time on the list.

I just want to be in the room when they made those beats. Like how did you think to put jazz instruments on break beats. I love Hip hop and this is it in its purest form. Classic!!

This debut by A Tribe Named Quest is superb. Q-Tip has a lot of great flows on this album. Everyone else done well too. It's about time I got a hip hop record. I adore the production that's present throughout I'm looking forward to hearing more of ATNQ's work. 5 stars for this masterpiece.

I’m not very familiar with their discography but I enjoyed this a lot. I like their rap style and how they sample jazz, funk, and even The Beatles and iconically Lou Reed (did learn that they had to credit only him on Can I Kick It for the songwriting royalties). To start off with a baby crying and then tell us ““I don’t think it’s vital for me to be your idol but enjoy this recital” piqued my interest right away. I don’t think I’d ever heard a song introduce the next song pretty much every time the way the album did. I was grooving in my chair through most of this album and listening via my over ear headphones was key for me with this one. “It’s the nitty/grittty but my time is itty bitty” is my new motto. 4.5

The BEST!

A favorite from the get-go.

Rating: 9.5/10 A hip-hop classic, one of the best produced rap albums of all time. This album was probably so groundbreaking and refreshing for this time period. Very forward-thinking, humorous, and clever lyrics and absolutely fantastic beats mixed together to create an amazing album. The entire album is creative and fun to listen to throughout, every song is very strong and there no weak moments on here. This or Tribe's most recent (and last) album is my favorite of theirs. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Least favorite song: Mr. Muhammad.

Flawless golden age hip-hop, from some of the best to ever do it. Does not sound like a début at all - such swagger and confidence - but it still carries the exuberance of youth. One of my favourite bands and, even if I only knew a handful if songs before yesterday morning, one of my favourite albums. A masterpiece

A certified classic. Favorite Tracks: - Push It Along - Luck of Lucien - After Hours - Footprints - I Left My Wallet in El Segundo - Bonita Applebum - Can I Kick It? - Youthful Expression - Rhythm - Mr. Muhammad - Ham 'N' Eggs - Go Ahead in the Rain - Description of a Fool

Great album, melds well from song to song

I like this album a lot!

I don’t think this is their best album, but I definitely love it. I don’t see a problem with a single track. The whole thing stays fun while being insightful. Nothing more to ask for out of a hip hop record. 5/5

Never did I thought a hip-hop album can make me feel like I'm floating. A Tribe Called Quest is truly among the jazziest hip-hop artist ever, making them a powerful figure against gangsta rap.

great!

Already knew I loved this album. Has a couple of my favs

I said it with the Biggie album - I don’t necessarily know what makes for good hip-hop or rap, but I do know what makes good art. This is art. A great album. I’d heard Tribe’s “Midnight Marauders” album before (checked it out because of “Award Tour”), so I knew at least somewhat what I was getting into - Great sampling (with some but not all being recognizable), clever and sometimes intricate rhymes, and just the smoothest of deliveries. Tribe made a statement with this first album, both sonically and lyrically. It’s easy to see how they evolved from this to a more refined version of this sound on “Midnight Marauders.” Unfortunately that’s really all I can say, not really knowing how to more deeply analyze this for its genre. But I really did enjoy it and was thrilled when I saw I had Tribe today. Five stars Standout tracks: After Hours, Can I Kick It?, Mr. Muhammad, Ham ‘N’ Eggs, Description of a Fool

own

Phife Dawg had the smoothest voice in the history of human speech.

I have to give this a 5. It's just so easy to listen to. This is life's soundtrack.

One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The samples are killer and the rapping is excellent.

This was always going to get 5 stars. One of the best hip hop artists of the 90’s. Although it ranks below Midnight Marauders for me, it’s a solid album. Really like it the inclusion of funk samples, such a dirty bassline in Go Ahead In The Rain. Hadn’t heard Youthful Expression before loved it sampling Inner City Blues

loved every minut of it

I DONT EAT NO HAM N EGGS COZ THEY'RE HIGH IN CHOLESTROL Also shout out to track 9 rhythm and of course can I kick it. The whole album flows so well and the storytelling in some of the tracks, like I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, is great. I found myself really wanting to catch every lyric and mostly was able to do so.

gosh.... love all this stuff

This will be fun. I'll need to give this one a second listen, as somewhere after Bonita Applebum, I slipped into unconsciousness and let this seep into my dreams. Great grooves, great lyrics, catchy and fun all the way through (the first half). Second half yet to be judged...

Like it a lot 👍🏾👍🏾

Oh this was great. Totally my vibe of hip hop. Can I Kick It all timer

as a pseudo-angeleno I am contractually obligated to give 5 stars but actually this is too much fun

This has everything that I’m looking for from hip hop. The production is so ahead of its time with enough jazz influence to keep everyone interested

Absolute bop

NO!!! PATRICK THEY'RE HIGH IN CHOLESTEROL NO PATRICK STOP!!!

Shame on me for thinking “eargasm” was a more recent addition to Webster’s dictionary

Listened

Love the Stevie Wonder sample

Classic. Hip Hop about rhymes vibes and culture, not about Money and Violence. Blah blah, life was better in the old days etc. It's all about the Yeet! Yakno-I'msayin SKRT SKRT. Yeet!

Yeah I jibed with the whole album. Another 5 stars.

Great record, not as elaborate as midnight marauders or low end theory, but lots of cool beats, very groovy. Ham n eggs is a funny ass song

Great beats and great lyrics. I love a Tribe Called Quest. Bonita Applebaum is a great fucking song.

Great Classic Hip Hop

Love this album

not a banger in the literal sense but a solid album worth listening to again if the mood is proPAH

My third favorite ATCQ album, but still a 10

idk

favorites: can i kick it?, youthful expression, rhythm, description of a fool

My body yearns for spring

Fantastic & a classic legacy piece of Hip Hop history

In my top 10 albums of all time, works can not do it justice.

This album really kicks it!

Incredible album. I love the storytelling.

Wowz just fantastic!

Love this

This is my favorite of the three so far. Obviously there is the connection with El Segundo and the good memories it brings. Can I Kick It is an iconic song. But I group up on rap in the era this came out and it just sounds like my youth. I love Bonita Applebaum. I've never listened to the whole album before, but it just is an hour of happiness.

an absolute banger of a classic album.

Love. Truly a hallmark for myself and hip hop as a whole.

Always 5 for the Tribe

Luck of Lucien I Left My Wallet in El Segundo Public Enemy Can I Kick It? GO Ahead In the Rain Description of a Fool

Buttery smooth production, buttery smooth rap and flow. The most relaxing hip hop ever made. A low end theory is slightly better overall as an album but this is superb

i think i got the rhythm

Wow. What a great start to this journey. Never realized that I was missing this from my life. Favorites: Push it along, I left my wallet in El Segundo, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It. Cool and unique beats. Lots of exotic sounds. Clean fun lyrics. Seriously love it.

Smooth like buttah

Easy 5/5

didnt need the remixes but the rest of it was excellent

yesssss 90s rap at it's finest so glad I encountered this album here otherwise I would never ever have listened to it first song and I'm already having such a good time

Terrific hip hop album. I almost gave this one a 4 because I like their subsequent albums more but hey, this one is awesome as well.

My favorite rap group of all time! Their albums are a major part of the soundtrack to my young adult life. Whenever I hear one of their hits, it brings up so many memories. Good memories. So any Tribe album gets 5 stars from me. RIP Phife.

I had the Run DMC album on here the other day, it's crazy how far Tribe took the hip hop sound on their FIRST album only a few years later. Iconic.

Brilliant and very influential. Great use of smooth beats, samples, and intelligent lyrics. There's even a nice sampling of some early go hope scratching. This is a great album was a smooth flow

Great hip hop/rap album that inspired a whole lot of other artists in the same genre. They could rap about going to buy oranges from the grocery store and it would still be a banger. 9/10

The first group to combine jazz and hip-hop and damn does it sound good. Great verses paired with smooth instrumentals. I don’t often listen to hip-hop but when I do most of the time it’s A Tribe Called Quest. Q-tip has such a fantastic flow and voice. A paramount album of the genre. 9/10

Funky, jazzy, soulful beats, and the rapping flows like water. Incredible, iconic album by an incredible, iconic group. Favorite track: Can I Kick It?

Love! It!

Just brilliant stuff. I love Q-Tip's voice; I find it highly mellifluous. Subsequent Tribe Called Quest albums were even better, but this is still a five-starrer.

What the shit? Does this start with the sound of a baby crying? The noise honed by evolution over hundreds of thousands of years to be the most unpleasant sound a human ear could hear? Fortunately it gets better very, very quickly. By the time Public Enemy comes around I am fully invested. Talking of public enemy - I piggin' love the loops on this track. Beats, flow, lyrics that bust. Yep. This is good stuff. Just a shame about the baby.

Me encuentro escuchando una banda que sólo ubicaba de nombre, casualmente en un momento en el que tengo ganas de introducirme más en el hip hop. Destaco algo que suele tener éste género (o por lo menos, lo que vengo escuchando): los beats, las rimas, las formas de cantar, los samples, levantan el ánimo y logran que uno baile (aunque sea, que mueva los hombros en la oficina). Tiene también sonidos ciudadanos. Más allá de la tapa, me imagino escuchándolo mientras recorro de a pie una ciudad como Buenos Aires y voy bailando. Muchas palabras. En fin. Buen banda (¿Se dice banda? ¿Se dice colectivo?). Buen disco

incredible album. amazing album. wonderful album. love it. love it so much.

Slightly pre-peak Tribe, but the sampling is there, the rhymes are fun, and it’s still a 5/5

This is the best album ever made.

Almost as good as low end theory

Love the chill hop, excellent rhymes & flow.

I was really liking this, and then the educational content about cholesterol levels of ham 'n' eggs came on.

Usually I just lose my wallet but these guys turned it into a banging track. I should try that

I really didn't know what to expect from this one, but it was amazing. I added a bunch of new tracks to my rotation.

简约的老派beat搭上跟随节奏轻松自然走动的flow，这就是嘻哈最初吸引我们的样子！

So freaking good

-great beats and samples -hilarious at times -sometimes an unfortunate mirror on society, even years after it was released -overall positive, upbeat vibes -amazing debut album

Very well put together album, awesome.

They can absolutely kick it! Yes they can!

Milestone

Amazing debut from absolute icons. Just about every track hits hard. Can I Kick It, Luck of Lucien, Bonita Applebaum are all instant classics. Also highlights are Left My Wallet in El Segundo, After Hours and Ham n' Eggs.

excellent, relaxed, profound "alternative" hip-hop

Charming, innovative, and masterful

One of the best hip hop albums I’ve listened. It has everything: flow, taste, content… the samples are amazing (starting from Take a Walk on the Wild Side) the beats are solid… all great!

This wasn't my first introduction to ATCQ, that was actually Midnight Marauders. I effectively experienced their work in reverse chronological order. So what I'm saying is that the sound of this album wasn't as fresh for me as that Midnight Marauders experience. I already knew what they were about. That said, this album is fantastic. It holds together end-to-end and doesn't really hit a false note. The sampling is creative and makes me long for the days of wild west raiding of samples from anyone and everyone before it got lawyered away. The Lou Reed bassline for "Can I Kick It?" is pure genius.

Zo mellow zo hard

Classic hip hop. Great use of samples throughout.

10/10

Good way to start the week

El sample de los beatles ta buenísimo en general me gusto, suele aburrirme el rap en una misma base durante 8 min pero este álbum me hizo mover la cabeza

Oh what a perfect album. Dare I say it’s even better than Low End Theory? Yes I do. And it’s not long for a hip hop and doesn’t fall for the skit tropes that plague even the classics. And the sampling from funk and soul just generally give it a timeless feel - especially considering this album was released in 1990. Way ahead of its time. A perfect record.

Brilliant start to finish.

The flow is so good. I really enjoyed this.

Can I kick it? Yes I can!

Absolutte banger

a tribe called quest is just special. i dont know whether its the beats, the flows, the lyrics, or just the overall vibe, but it just works. perfect. fav songs: lack of lucien, i left my wallet in el segundo, pubic enemy, bonita applebum, rhythm, description of a fool.

A true classic. As hip-hop goes this is as good as it gets. Everything is there for this to be one of the great albums of all time, but the group (especially Q-Tip) just needed a little more experience. The following two albums prove that. This album is like the painting before the mona lisa, and everything here gets expanded on in the near future to perfection. 5/5 Will listen too repeatedly.

Lyrics that flow like wine into the mouth of Dionysus, this group kills it

"Fresh Prince rap," goes one reviewer. Count me as one of the many people you're "pissing off" with that dumb take, just as you rightly predicted. The aim of this app is NOT to piss off people, though. It's to truly *listen* to the albums for what they are, no matter what your mileage of the genre and era it stems from is. Of course, you need a set of good ears in order to do that. Should we set up a GoFundMe page to provide them for ya? To be clear, my gripe with that review is NOT about expressing "opinions" and "tastes": everyone has different aesthetic leanings and biases, so I do get that someone can give less than four stars to this record. It's just that if you want your opinion to be taken seriously, you need to avoid starting your review with something you already *know* is pretty unfair to describe the thing at hand. And it's not about the battle between so-called "modernity" and the previous generations, as this particular reviewer also seems to suggest. There are current trap artists that I love these days, for instance... But just like every era of rap and hip hop, you have the good acts and the lame ones. And to differentiate between the two, you need a good set of ears, once again... So can I kick this review in the proverbial ass? Yes, I can! Now about *People Instinctive Travels...*, it is a game changer, enough said. Fun and lively and subtle and original. Opening doors to a golden age where rap would reach a much needed "mature" stage. Admittedly, this ATCQ debut is not the masterpiece that *The Low End Theory* will then be. And it doesn't exactly have the string of stellar hits from the first side of *Midnight Marauders* either. But, yet, nonetheless, however, and that being said, it's still a hip hop classic. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. Number of albums left to review: 464 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 253 (including this one). Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 125 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 160

I've actually have heard "Find A Way" some time ago, and it has been a personal favorite of mine. I really like the album so far, I like that they have their own style yet still influenceful. Cool, I like it! 👍

Can I kick It? Is it possible this is greater than the Lou Reed sample? Probably not, but it's a great track and makes the whole album worthwhile. I also enjoyed the party vibe in Ham 'N' Eggs and the laid back smoothness of I Left My Wallet In El Segundo.

I pulled over to ask where we was at His index finger, he tipped up his hat El segundo, he said, my name is Pedro If you need directions, I'll tell you pronto Need a civilization, some sort of reservation He said a mile south, there's a fast food station Thanks, señor, as I started the motor Ali said, "Damn, Tip, what did you drive so far for?" 5/5

A Tribe Called Quest push out there debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, and it is truly marvelous. The funk and jive of this album complement the laid back rap n’ rhymes from all artists, especially Q-Tip, who did a great job on this album. The group was able to near flawlessly formulate this hour plus long chill Hip-Hop eargasm. Diversity maybe could have pushed this album to a 10, but it is still a testament to the groups’ unmatched skill and excellence. All in all, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is an amazing album. Best Songs: Push It Along, Youthful Expression, and Description of a Fool Worst Song: Bonita Applebum

This is a really really really good album. And an album you can confidently hand to anyone who has never really listened to 90s hip hop before, of all backgrounds, and get them invested. I listened to this a ton on a Tribe binge a few years ago. Ambitious, funny, never too serious but also very serious, just a lot of soul and heart. I have to give this a 5 because it's gotta be in the top 10 of hip hop albums I'll remember in 30 years. 5/5

As someone who hasn’t ever really liked rap, I enjoyed this one a lot. I really like footprints with that hint of Stevie Wonder in there. The whole album had a chill vibe compared to modern rap that just seems to aggressive. This album really brings out what rap was about, being poetic in your own way.

One of hip-hop’s truly essential records. Fun, complex, satisfying.

Jazzy and groovy hiphop. Very enjoyable all the way through.

Stone cold classic. What a groove.

The instrumentals are so smooth and groovy, just really solid work. Fun lyrics and flow as well. Really enjoyed listening to it.

👍🏻

Gigantisch debuut van een van de beste hiphop groepen allertijden. Dit raten is te makkelijk, ieder album van hen is voor mij een een dikke 5 sterren. Stacked met hitjes als Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It, Luck of Lucien, Push It Along. Qua tekst is Tribe misschien wel m’n favoriete groep. Sommige nummers al honderd keer gehoord, maar soms hoor je weer een zinnetje die je niet eerder is opgevallen of nu ineens relevant is. M’n favoriete deel van hun albums is het ophypen van elkaar, zinnen met elkaar afwisselen en gekke grapjes erdoorheen. Geen groep waarbij de leden zo complementair aan elkaar zijn als Tribe. Los van dit album, Tribe kwam in 2016 na een pauze van 18 jaar terug met een nieuw album na het overlijden van Phife Dawg (rip) en zelfs na zo’n lange pauze blijven ze laten zien waarom ze eens de besten waren, hun hele discografie kan ik niet genoeg aanraden

I mean this is obviously just an awesome album. Very important piece of rap history, and a project that is very deserving of that moniker. The ability to change feel from track to track while maintaining cohesion is the mark of truly incredible artists. Favorite track: Luck of Lucien

A tribe called quest have just got such a nice vibe.So relaxed and wise.Unfortunately this album is way too long but it’s still great.Can I kick it is one of the best rap singles ever.Did not expect a song about stds called the pubic war.

An amazing hip hop album which is for me only topped by a few others. To be played on repeat

RIP Phife The moments where the MCs take a chance to boast up the other members of the group is the most wholesome thing ever.

Incredible album that has held up far better than most albums of its era. The influence this album had on modern hip hop is clear. Best track is hard to say, but Can I Kick It will always hold a special place for me.

pure vibe

Lord, have mercy The heat got hotter, Ali stars to curse me.

Beautiful, varied, never dull.

AMAAAAZING!!! luck of lucien is my fave.

Absolute vibe 😌

One of the best albums ever to me. Just non stop flow, beat, rhythm. I mean my kids even love it.

Amazing album.

Iconic, influential and funky

Amazing. Legendary. Love love love!

Groundbreaking and just plain awesome

Exceptionally good album. Reminded me a lot of Hamilton. I have never particularly loved hip hop or rap but this album was so good I really enjoyed it. Great rhythm, beat and lyrics. Diverse song content.

Dit album kreeg ik na de Fugees en na het doorbladeren van het kantoorcadeau: 'Omdenken'. Ik pas het maar gelijk toe. Bij Bonita Applebum denk ik bij de bekende sample dus steeds: Wat fijn dat dit niet de Fugees is! Want heel eerlijk de meesters van de oude school geven hier de Fugees een les in relaxedheid. De raps en de (soms lekker jazzy) ritmes; het klinkt allemaal heerlijk ongeforceerd. Al zal er best over nagedacht zijn. Want bij sommige tracks volgt na elke zin een sample/woord dat perfect lijkt te passen. Begin jaren '90 was de hiphop vaak een boodschap met een lading. Kan ik erg waarderen. Maar soms kwam er een heerlijke ongeladen plaat voorbij. Gewoon een lekker ongeforceerd ritme als basis en een tekst over helemaal niets. Over iemand op een roadtrip die zijn knip vergeet of zo. Word je toch gelukkig van...

One of the best

Would listen again

Groundbreaking album

Classic

It's my least favourite of their three 'imperial' albums. But it's also the silliest, possibly the most charming, and has two of their biggest tracks on it. So really not a bad album, just one in the shadows of others. Like the Arc de Triomphe next to the Eiffel Tower and Eurodisney I guess? Still getting all five stars

I might have the nostalgia goggles on for this one a little bit.

Ali Shaleed Muhammad is no joke. 4.5 stars, round up to 5

9/10, pretty fire, some songs were repetitive, but the boom bap elements are good

Beautiful hip hop

5/5 no notes. Exceptional.