People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

immaculate vibes start to finish, an absolute classic production is heavy hitting and funky as shit

Ham and eggs, Bonita applebum

Very hard not to give this 5*s. head and shoulders above so much that came afterwards.

18th January 2022 Listened on the drive in to the office. Book club in burger lobster in the evening. One of the all time greats. What an album, love my 90s hip hop.

The kind of album that when someone says they don’t like it, I think much less of them as a person. I don’t want to be their friend.

I love a Tribe Called Quest and this album is no different. Super old school vibe that suits their flow well

yeah. perfect.

The boom bip, a boom bip. This is where it all began. It is part of my fabric. Five Solid Stars Now sit back, relax, listen to some hip-hop.

Hip Hop Classic

Da best

Soooo goood

This is an incredible debut album. I really like the recurring theme of 'Can I Kick It?' throughout the album, it builds anticipation for the song, which is one of the best on the album. Q-Tip in particular has such a unique voice in hip hop and is one of my favorites. Pretty much solid all the way through, gotta give it 5/5. Standout Tracks: Push It Along, After Hours, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It?, Youthful Expression, Mr. Muhammad, Ham 'N' Eggs, Go Ahead in the Rain

Wow. Just wow. So smooth. So infectious. The samples and rhymes are smart, quick and smooth. It is clear how this changed the direction of hip hop and made it more complex and interesting. Love it.

Grúvið í þessu bandi er svakalegt. Erfitt að skilja að þessi plata sé 32ja ára gömul! Hún er algjörlega frábær.

classic and already excited to return to this ATCQ debut sampling is pristine

Some of the absolute best hip hop tracks ever made on this classic.

One of hip hops greatest complete albums. From top to bottom for me this is absolutely excellent. I’m Cool Like That and so is this record a must listen!

Very nice

Tout un premier album. Propos intelligent, sample savament trouvés, flows distinctifs, influence pour tous les autres.

Mon préféré reste Low End Theory, mais les bases sont sur ce premier album de ATCQ. Les pièces Bonita Applebum et (surtout) Can I Kick It? sont des essentielles du groupe. Outre Beastie Boys que je mets dans une catégorie à part, ATCQ est définitivement mon collectif de Hip Hop préféré.

Too many times albums are labelled ‘classic’. This one fits the bill. It also has CRAZY prophylactics.

One of my favourite albums of all time from the vibesiest rap group to do it. The start of Push It Along is cosmic birth through a wormhole, setting you up for just under an hour (see later why) of blunt-on-a-sunday instrumentals and mellow raps. An underrated feature is the name of the album that encapsulates the sense of irreverent journeying you undergo, meticulously structured (though it feels so natural) by Q Tip. Social, mystical, and most importantly pure FUN - this album was the start of a movement and impactful. The last 4 songs on the album are pretty trash so mentally I have just excluded them. Since it is a run of songs at the end doesn't feel wrong. Also the colourful album cover is better but this is still iconic. Favourite song - I left my wallet in El Segundo* or Rhythm devoted to the art of moving butts *It's kinda my Rosebud, the kids are gonna be very confused when I spit 'we left Brooklyn and made big tracks'

WE ALREADY KNOWWWW ITS A GOAT favourite song: ham n eggs... LOL (probably luck of lucien but el segundo has a special place in my heart)

I really like the vibes and attitude of A Tribe Called Quest. Also really like their voices and the musical styles on this album.

Some top tier hip-hop

Loved it!

While most of the hip-hop world was hopping on board the gangsta rap train, the Tribe blazed off in another direction—a lighter, jazz-inflected Afrocentrism that was unconcerned with gangs and gats. I had "The Low End Theory" on cassette as a kid, but missed out on this one. I was familiar with "Bonita Applebaum" and "Can I Kick It?", but the rest of this album was new to me. Unsurprisingly, their debut album is as fantastic as one might expect, with Q-Tip's lyrical prowess in particular shining brightly at every turn. This isn't quite as good as "The Low End Theory," but I'm giving it 5 stars nonetheless.

Based on this album's technical and artistic achievements, it is hard to imagine that it is a debut album. But that can be explained by the experience and talent of the artists that put it together. The album is a mosaic, not a melting pot, of musical styles that come together to form a colorful, vibrant picture. A Tribe Called Quest elevated all hip-hop by dropping sounds with so much weight that it is not hard to understand why so much of the alternative hip-hop scene orbits around them.

3/3 tribe quested

Great

A bonafide classic

Fantastic stuff, a groove-a-licious gem.

Whole ‘nother level.

3rd best hip hop debut behind Illmatic and College Dropout.

bangers only!!!

This is my kind of hip-hop, clever rhymes and creative lyrics/storytelling. Definitely going to dive deeper into this group, really enjoyed this one.

Love this album, icon of the genre

that's the good shit baybee

ATCQ straight up bring the funk, the joy, the boom, the bip (the boom, bip) and some sweet jazz samples to hip hop. The interplay between Q-Tip and Phife Dog (RIP) is always a joy to hear. A four star album only because Midnight Marauders and The Low End Theory would get five.

trying to figure out who my favorite old-school hip-hop group is hearing A Tribe Called Quest’s first three album has made me think it’s probably these guys this album (along with the other two I listened to) is easily a 10/10 fuckin amazing

I dig it. A lot.

I've written about how I'm not a rap guy on previous rap albums, but this is one of the few rap albums that I'd listened to a few times before this. I read that one of the members mentioned how at the time rappers were supposed to appear tough and how this album wasn't. I think that works a lot in its favour as it ages a lot better than that tough-guy rapper image which to me is very dated and part of my issue with a lot of the rap albums I've encountered on this list so far.

recommended for: kickin it. So good. Started the album expecting to give it a 4, but ended up at a 5. Every song is good and Can I Kick It? is iconic. Just read that atcq didn't get any money from Can I Kick It? because Lou Reed said they could use his sample but only if he got all the money from the song lol. So Lou Reed. https://www.factmag.com/2015/11/18/a-tribe-called-quest-lou-reed-money-can-i-kick-it/

This album is so good. Such a vibe. I mostly know Tribe from the anthology, but this might as well be a greatest hits. Plus the flow from start to finish and the lil sample interludes added to the feel of it being an album not just songs. RIP Joe C.

Push it along

A masterpiece and right up my hip-hop alley, with chill beats and fun samples, easy rhymes and flows and great production. Sounds just as fun today as did 30 years ago.

11/10- Would Leave My Wallet In El Segundo Again. Still don’t get that baby crying at the beginning tho

I totally dig!

Funk and rhythm kept me groovin' all day. Loved it.

This album was a lot of fun to listen to! The lyrics are witty and I didn’t pick up on anything terribly exploitative or offensive. Enjoyed it the first time but really found it great the second time. Great fun!

I know Tribe has their detractors. "They don't come hard enough." "They're trying too hard." "They're too silly." "They're too serious." It's exhausting to hear people whinge on and on about 'em. The truth is this album is just so chill and fun it's hard to hate on it unless you're really trying. If you're too hard for Tribe, it's time to rethink your life choices and calm the hell down. Because this album is just fantastic. It's all boom-bap tracks and laid back raps and the whole thing just slaps. It's impossible to stay still during tracks like "Can I Kick It?" The head nods are compulsory. Easy 5-stars. Easy.

classic

I absolutely loved this. PERFECT chill party music. Loved the lyrics. Fantastic.

A masterpiece on multiple levels –  beats and samples, the rhymes and flows, plus world-class production. Plus, a ton of fun to listen to. Humor underrated in every genre of pop music and Tip et al make it look/sound so easy. Loved it 30+ years ago (Christ, can it be that long!?!?!) and it sounds just as good today.

This is one of my favorites yet. So fun, witty and fresh as fuck.

2 tracks in and I know I'm giving this a 5 star rating. Golden era of hip hop right here. I listened to Black Sheep in the early 90s but didn't know about all the other Native Tongue groups until several years later. The downside of amazing music coming out when you're still in middle school living in a small town.

Listening to hip-hop albums that were part of the golden age of sampling is such an interesting experience. Hearing snippets from extremely famous songs melded into the idiosyncratic rap style of QTip is cool; this album could only have been made in this era. I really enjoy Tribe, but I sort of forget about them when I'm not listening to them. It's nice to have their albums put in front of me through this list. Their style is so relaxed, which separates them from the more intense rap style and lyrical content that became more popular in this era. Q-Tip does great work throughout the album. The fact that this was their first album shows how quickly everything came together for this group. It's also crazy that the aspect of this album that has aged most poorly is their stance on cholesterol in eggs 5/5

This may be the greatest hip hop albums of all time.

loved it!!! so innovative

Top album great sampling

So good! Lot of songs I hadn’t heard from this album but some I like even better than the classics like bontia applebum and can I kick it!

Lofi hiphop came from tribe more than any other group I've listen to (Wutang, NWA, ect)

It's 1990 and it's the new decade and there is so much hope and promise. I'm at my friend's parents' beach house, having a chill summer party with friends and this album is the soundtrack. This never happened, but this is always what People's Instinctive Travels makes me think of, to the point where this might as well be real. The album has a fresh, feelgood sound, with social and political commentary among the party music. It's something to be said that ATCQ can deliver tunes about sexual health, cholesterol and losing one's wallet in El Segundo and not sounding preachy or dumb. Also check out the "Why" remix of "Bonita Applebum" because that is extremely dope.

Great example of how alt hip hop can be so enjoyable and uplifting. Really interesting use of jazz rhythms and sounds. Near perfection.

I love the sound they produce. So smooth and feels so old school. Huge tribe fan.

я просто очень люблю этот альбом, всем спасибо

Just a vibe and a half. So good.

Love this album. Bonita Applebaum and Can I Kick It? are two of my favorite Tribe and hip hop songs.

Excellent

classic all the way!

Tribe is one of the shining examples of what rap can be...love this album

This was more like a delicious cake than an album

Chill, relaxed, and fun. Such good beats and such good bars. I liked this even better than Low End Theory tbh, even though that is the Tribe album I always hear the most praise for. Loved this one.

Interesting discovery, enjoyed it even though hip hop is not my usual type

Perfect album front to back. Highlights include Bonita Applebum and Can I kick it?

ATCQ never miss. I dig their later stuff a bit more but this album still rules.

Experimental hip-hop/progressive rap album done extremely well, with interesting musical and lyrical motifs that get referenced.

interesting

What a great dicovery this one was. Will listen to this again, loved it.

Solid album. No complaints.

Obviously it’s amazing. Such a sign of what was to come - genre changing.

Best samples I have heard in Hip Hop, rapping and lyrical content is excellent and Unique album concept - A love letter to Rhythm and it's damn sweet 💓

I am beyond embarrassed that with all the love I have give Tribe over the last year, I didn't realize what their debut album was. I always thought it was Low End Theory so while I have been blaring that and their subsequent albums so frequently, I have never actually listened to this one. These are the days I appreciate this album list. I'm only a couple songs in now but this is just as great as their other albums. Tribe may be one of my favorite hip hop groups of all time and I think this solidifies it. Amazing album art work and that same classic beats and rhymes in each song. Glad I fixed my mistake.

Love it. "Luck of Lucien" is favorite Tribe song. Discovered "Youthful Expression" and "Ham & Eggs" and "Push it Along"

SICK BEATS, classic hip hop, 10/10

i gotta get it, man

Amazing album. Awesome sampling and lyrics. Each song is a great listen.

Actual fire

very good

excellent

Yeah 👍👍

Check

Love Tribe, OG shit. Highlights: Luck of Lucien, Footprints, Bonita Applebum, (Pubic Enemy is about crabs haha), Can I kick it. 5 stars

the beats and flows are so smooth. a lot of rap from this era sounds dated to me but this just sounds classic. i think the back end is a little weaker, but overall a great album 9/10

Good storytelling and immaculate beats. Gets a bit long by the end. 9

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is the debut studio album by American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released on April 10, 1990[1] on Jive Records. The album's laid back production encompassed a diverse range of samples which functioned as a template for the group's unorthodox lyrics. A Tribe Called Quest formed in Queens, New York, in 1985.[6] After establishing a friendship with hip-hop act Jungle Brothers, both groups formed a collective dubbed Native Tongues, which also included De La Soul People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm has been described as "a celebration of bohemia, psychedelia and vagabondia",[11] as well as "laid back"

Absolute fire. I could probably jam this all day.

Tribe never lets me down

Everything you want from a hip hop album… chilled beats and amazing rhymes!

I didn't know much about ATCQ - I read only just now about the Native Tongues collective - I was into some other acts in that collective, I definitely liked the positivity, relaxed and good-natured rapping, eclectic samples and jazz influences. All of which I recognised as soon as I started listening to this, ATCQ's first album. There are some very nice funky grooves here, it's pretty enjoyable though without being earth-shaking. Extended use of small number of core samples and core beats for each track produces relatively simple tracks from musical perspective - less stimulating than eg De La Soul - but still interesting enough, not wowing me but not boring. The album is long but there is variety in the feel of different tracks so it's okay. I read some reviews here - was struck by a comment about how many people praise this album by reference to what it isn't (hip hop with aggressive rap, gangsta, misogynist etc). but really to be praised it has to be not just not the bad things, it also has to be good. I'm happy that this is good in itself - it's not just a relief (relaxing) to get the funky hip hop and not be put off by the rap, the rhythmic play in delivery of lyrics is part of the pleasure. That said, I'm not wild about the words, they don't do that much for me, that's okay by me, I'm happy enough with the musicality. Small coincidence from my Generator journey: my album before this was Electric Ladyland, I was touched to recognise sample from "Rainy Day, Dream Away" at the beginning of Go Ahead In The Rain :-) This album, overall, it's Very Good at being what it is, 8/10.

An almost perfect blend of hip hop, rap, funk, even a riff or two from the likes of Lou Reed and Stevie Wonder. Like the “daisy age” the sound of a tribe called quest deserved a bigger impact.

Tutaj już bardziej słychać zmiany utworów mimo, że dalej mam z nimi problem gdy słucham albumów. Album jest dość rapowo-hip hopowy i ma też fajne instrumentale. Z artystów których słucham daje mi mocny vibe tyler, the creator. Podoba mi sie tu wykorzystanie dźwięków które można usłyszeć na codzień jako melodia lub rytm piosenki

Timeless. Just wish I could have been more into this back in the day.

Foundational hip-hop. You can hear their finger prints in music today. This album took me a couple listens to really enjoy. The first time it was background while I was doing stuff, that did not give this album the respect it deserved. The second listen was more intentional and that really made a huge difference for what I got out of the album.

This was really good, I have a soft spot for that vintage hip hop from the 90s, and this album hits that on all cylinders

I bet they have done a steady business for the last 25 years selling tourists wallets in El Segundo

Going from the big hit singles and the irreverent, almost "cute" tales they weave, you could’ve been forgiven for judging A Tribe Called Quest as a novelty act based on their debut. But while “El Segundo” and “Ham & Eggs” bring the light-hearted fun, they’re also not afraid to tackle weightier topics, like venereal disease and partner abuse. To me, this album works best as an introduction to the group’s skill at establishing a deep and irresistible groove, such as on “Youthful Expression” or “Pubic Enemy,” for which they would become so famous, plus introducing the world to the dual charms of Q-Tip and Phife Dawg.

Imagine how great life would be if it had been Q-tip instead of Snoop dog who was America's favorite rap pitch man, hanging out with Martha Stewart and showing up as a guest judge on talent competitions.

hahahahaha yeah i like this album it's not quite as good as what came after it, but man they had some ones on here. i remember getting really into Go Ahead In the Rain (the chop!!) and Description of the Fool because the samples are so weird. Footprints too I'm gonna be so real Q-Tip is a way better sounding rapper than he is lyrically; like he's fun to listen to and the flow and voice are impeccable, but his lyrics and storytelling are just dated more often than not (I like Midnight, but that's not on this one). This is probably the most apparent on this one.. buuut it is 1990 early Native Tongues, so that fun and goofiness is part of the charm. Push It Along is a great intro to the group, very simple After Hours is one of the tracks on this album where I think the sample choice really shines! It's very spacey and jazzy combined with a solid break. More storytelling that I think is okay, relatable though; I've been here before. Most of this album is just Q-Tip if you listen carefully; Phife said he was too busy bullshittin to make it to the studio and he regrets it. Footprints is kind of the exact same situation as the last song, but Tip is a little more vague with his lyrics and I think it's for the better - not a long ass story this time. The flow is dated though. I love how primitive the drum chop is. El Segundo is a classic! Definitely a silly one, what the fuck was he doing in El Segundo to begin with?? That's such a drive man. Lowkey the song is kind of boring outside of the hook and the absurdity. I ordered enchiladas and I ate em... Pubic Enemy is ridiculous, not a highlight for me. Yes STDs scary women "dirty" it's the 90's. The hook is also ridiculous, and Q-Tip making all these HUP! noises on top. Not a fan of silly interjections into the verse either. Bonita Applebum... shoutout Roy Ayers and RAMP. Not much going on, but not much is needed. Can I Kick It? Probably! Unless Lou Reed takes all your money. Classic sample, classic break, we finally get some good stuff from Phife! It’s always bugged me how the very last line of his verse doesn’t rhyme with the rest of it “as you inhale like a breath of fresh air..”.; he could’ve said ay-er at least. Tip sounds great, the break is perfect, what else can you say. The scratches are fun too. Youthful Expression never stood out to me that much. The sample is fine, the lyrics are actually kind of good on this one! Very interesting, laid back flow. Callout to Rakim “I like fried foods, especially fish”. The piece of the sample they use for the hook is good and the bassline is nice, maybe this song isn’t so bad. Still doesn’t do it for me like the other deep cuts do, this song is ok. Rhythm is another sleeper with a sample and break combo I love. There’s that weird sub bass sound in the verses that works well with the drums (that I have to add sound great), but it disappears when the sample comes back in. Dave from De La comes in to say a line Mr. Muhammad is a lot like the other sleepers but a bit of a dud for me again, the sample isn’t as fun outside of the vocals, and the drums are a little more basic. Ali Shaheed definitely deserved some shine though; it tripped me out as a kid learning Tip made all of these beats and not Ali Shaheed! Phife is here and he sounds great! His juvenile flow worked better than Tip’s on the rare occasion he pops in. Ham N Eggs is a fun back and forth cut with them both over a classic sample that I forgot the name of. Definitely a bit more gimmicky than I would like but this track is just a good time. Bridge!!!! Go Ahead In the Rain is my shit. The sample is SO good, especially those high pitched chords that come in the last part of the 2 bar. The vocals going from side to side make it sound a little trippy. Tip sounds SLEEPY on this one, he’s got this low register as if he’s trying to sound older or something lol. Nice drum fill that lets the 808 bass shine - I LOVE when an 808 kick is on boom bap drums. It fills the track out so well, it works super well when I’ve done it. I like the drum solo towards the end, and the beat rides out to really let you hear how good it grooves. Description of a Fool! The break is great, the lyrics are there on this one. More standard hip hop shit talking that we would see more from Tribe on their 3rd and 4th albums, but with a twist towards pumps and abusive men. What’s da matter withcha BOYYYY?? Love the keys that come in on the latter half of the verses, one of my favorite parts. The vocal sample echoes out once we get towards the hook and really shape out the track. Not a fan of the HOOOO! scratched into the hook, but then the next verse pops in and we’re right back. Favorites: Footprints, Description of a Fool, Go Ahead In the Rain Least favorite: Pubic Enemy Shoutouts: Bonita Applebum :) 7, but we’ll lean towards 4 stars! I don’t care for the remixes and never have. I don’t care what J Cole is doing to Can I Kick It. Ok the Pharrell one is kind of cool…

Awesome album, first one i got given on here and has set a great precedent!

Þetta er hip hop mér að skapi. Nær næstum því Digable planets, en ekki alveg.

I really enjoyed this album, especially considering that it's an album I probably wouldn't have chosen by myself.

Loved this, my favourite kind of hip hop and one of my favourite new discoveries from the project.

cool!!!

The song "I left my wallet.." was for a long time my favourite hiphop track without knowing the artists behind it. After a decennia I discovered the music of A Tribe Called Quest and still today it is one of my go to hiphop acts. The whole album sounds a bit more of the same as the hit singles, so therefor for lack of some diversity 4/5

Rap is not my thing, but this understated minimalist approach is such a delightful listen. Jazzy, chill and the lyrics are refreshingly positive.

A favourite. ATCQ on the way to greatness

Great album… enjoyed this one a lot. Kinda forgot about it

"НУ ИЗВИНИТЕ ЧТО Я ТАК ПРЕДВЗЯТ К ОЧЕРЕДНОМУ РЭП АЛЬБОМУ" ... Хотел было я начать. Но когда дошло до уже второго трека, мне начало нравится? Прикольные джазовые семплы, взятый кусочек из вступления к all you need is love, типа как намекающий на музыкальную подкованность коллектива, расслабленный флоу, как мне нравится. Крч, не так уж и плохо. Даже прикольно. Я уже видел примеры "интеллегентного репчика" на этом сайте, и знаю что эти ребятки из того же стана. Но я плевать хотел на их исключительность и нетакусечность если их скучно слушать. Этих не скучно.

Listen later but know them always banging

If you wanna get the rhythm then you gotta join a tribe, this album is a vibe. 4/5 Top tracks: luck of Lucien, can I kick it?, Mr muhammed

A great record. It’s not like other hip hop, not heavy on the self aggrandisement and sexism, heavy on the actual groove and their biggest concern could very well be a lost wallet. So much more musical that you may expect

Absolutely delightful. 9/10. Only two songs that took it away from a perfect album. "Pubic Enemy" and "Ham 'n' Eggs" really don't belong here despite their cultural relevance. They're just bad songs.

8/10

Overall it’s a good album, there’s some great rapping and lyrical content.

No private session used for Spotify. Whenever I hear a hip hop album like this that is so upbeat and positive I get a little sad about what the genre could have been instead we got angry and misogynistic gangsta rap. This album is delight, its like chilling out a summer's day in the shade with a cold beverage of your choice. Love the beats and the lyrics.

not my favorite tribe album, but not my least favorite. they are so cool and epic

Not my favorite Tribe album but I understand the importance. A lot of great samples and conscious rhymes I think some of Phife’s most underrated work. Not everyone will feel the lyrics this was a very progressive pan African time in hip hop.

#31 This album is a good contrast to the gangster rap of the early 90s, maintaining a nice laid-back and jazzy vibe throughout. It stays cohesive without getting too repetitive (at least as far as Boom-Bap goes), and the sampling is very creative. The lyrics are well-written and flow nicely, and even when they get corny a few times it comes across humorously instead of cringey. Very impressive for a debut album! Footprints, El Segundo, and Mr. Muhammad are all excellent, and of course Can I Kick It? is a classic.

😃 Tribe y’all

9 / 10

Very cool old-school hip-hop, but it didn't move me much. I think I'm too Eastern European for it to truly and deeply get it. Huge drums.

Very of the time. Great bassline and drum mixing, quite inventive for 1990 in terms of rap drums. A lot of reverb and phasers which I didn't expect, a real sonic journey. Not one I'd necessarily take often but still.

Liked the vibe, will def have to relisten to really fall in love with it but I like the lyrics, the melodies and everything in between

Can I Kick It? Not with these shoes. Anyway, Tribe is awesome.

It gives the vibes of friends having fun but it’s also the most talented group of friends you’ve seen.

I'm not sure this deserved a place over Midnight Marauders, despite being really quite excellent

Think of the year this came out. Imagine most of the other rap albums that were making the rounds in 1990. You had standouts like N.W.A and Rakim, but you had a lot of corny, goofy stuff. This album is chock full of intelligent rhymes, brilliant samples and infectious beats. I have nothing funny to say about this. As if my other reviews are "funny." Ugh. We're breaking the fourth wall here. Hey Colt Cabana. I'll hate you in ten years. These guys are great. Listen to them. Or don't. What do I care? 4 HIGHLIGHTS: See you've got this group, we'll call 'em uhh ahh a "Tribe." and wait uhh no, that's not right, they're called "Quest." Ahh jeez I ruined the whol ahh come on man uhh ahh

Overall wholesome and very enjoyable. Ham N' Eggs made me giggle and will probably make my regular music rotation. However the first track was so mid, I can't give it more than 4.

Cool album art and album name

For the first two songs so far, the album sounds interesting and nice. I like it so far one third of the way there, I like it a lot I am listening it while working on some photos and the music is amazing for setting the mood and vibes to energetic and do-stuff-y for me, which is a plus Bonita Applebum was kind of strange Can I kick it - it was cool overall the album was great. the artist sounds cool - I will have to see other albums from the "A Tribe Called Quest"

Rv

Rating:★★★★ Good, "Old fashioned" Hip Hop.

Good! Only listened to a few songs, but very relaxing hip hop ish

Day871 - can i kick and bonita applebum are my two favorite tribe songs and qtip has one of the most iconic voices in hip hop.

I think I enjoyed this more than I liked Low End Theory. At least the highs of this album were higher than Low End Theory, even if a few of these songs are probably longer than they should be. This was another very important album in the early evolution of rap and worthy of being on this list. My favorite songs: Push It Along After Hours Footprints I Left my Wallet in El Segundo Bonita Applebum Can I Kick It Mr. Muhammad

As always, Questlove is awesome. I wish there was a little more variety though.

Okay . . . yeah, I can kick it!

It’s Tribe. It’s great. Compared to The Low End Theory it doesn’t quite reach those levels, but that’s a tall bar to meet. Just classic hip hop at its finest and probably the best hip hop group of all time.

Really nice rap with a quite amazing story

This was great, easy to dismiss it as "trendy cocktail bar music" that I am quite guilty of doing. Aside from it being really nice and easy to listen to, it's a pretty important capsule of the time where people were rapping about important political issues too. Love to hear it.

Mint, R&b, hip hop at its finest

Album is very yummy 8/10

I always underestimate Tribe. What a great discography

i would happily listen to this whole thing

not for me

A pesar de que los ritmos son bastante similares, cada canción me pareció diferente. Muy chulo y divertido. No le he prestado atención a las letras, pero me ha llevado a crear una playlist de canciones de estos álbumes que me gustan. Odio el rap, pero este hip hop se me hace muy potables y escuchable. Me siento gangsta 😎😎😎.

Not their best album but proof that hip hop doesn’t have to have every other word profanity to be great.

I liked this record.

Harde beats, maar A Tribe Called Quest heeft voor mij helaas vaak té erg het hippidyhoppidyhiphop-achtige van 80s en begin 90s hiphop. Maar +1* voor de impact

Another slam dunk from the Tribe! I didn't get quite AS down with it as their later album The Low End Theory, which we got earlier in this challenge, but as a debut this is some rock-solid East Coast rap.

I ordered enchiladas and I ate 'em 🔥 Some of the smoothest voices in hip hop gliding effortlessly over equally smooth grooves!! Standouts: Luck of Lucien • After Hours • I Left My Wallet in El Segundo • Bonita Applebum • Can I Kick It? • Youthful Expression • Go Ahead In the Rain • Description of a Fool

Q-tipi flow on lihtsalt super. See oli vist esimene album, mida ma Tribe'lt kuulsin. Kusjuures kõige popim lugu "Can I Kick It" on just see, mis mulle siit ei meeldi, ülejäänud täitsa istuvad. Tribe tegi sämpeldamise ja chill flow'ga uskumatuid asju. Räpiajaloo fännile kindlalt kohustuslik kuulamine. 4/5

4.5, awesome debut album

banger beats every track and qtip got crazy flow fav probs eggs n ham

This album really surprised me. I had zero idea what to expect. Very listen-to-able. Hi end production. Great musicianship and very creative.

didnt love this one the first time i checked it out but it really shines the second go around. still not my favorite Quest record for a few reasons; Tip's flow is pretty basic compared to his later work, Phife is barely present, and the lyricism is pretty edgeless. but goddamn its hard to dislike the production. overall, very good, but i know they're capable of better.

Groovy

Fantastic, but could help but feel it was missing something.

not on AM

Yeah this was really fun. I listened to it thrice. I think I’m drawn to 90s hip hop where lyrics were intelligent and it wasn’t all about the vices of life.

It was cool to hear Rap music that wasn’t about how badass the rapper is or how many women the rapper slept with. I felt a sense of unity among the whole tribe throughout the whole album.

Sophisticated. Classic.

Really enjoyed this one!

What a great record

Classic hip hop

Muy top, me gusta y eso q se sale de mi zona de comfort

Classic

this was great

I like the chilled vibe of this. Clever use of samples with good rhymes over the top. 3.5 rounded up.

Yess this is dope! Never heard the full album, only tracks here and there

Really nice. I wish I listened to lyrics but overall great vibe. 4/5 because he talks instead of singing.

Really good album!

High four

They’re so nice

wowwww this was crazy. so chill and oozes of cool aura.

The main thing that hurts this album is its length. There are some great songs, and it is solid throughout, but it is too long and, therefore, drags at a few parts. If they would have cut a few songs, it could have stayed more exciting or at least a tighter experience that would make me want to revisit it more often, rather than just play their "Greatest Hits," which is what I always do for Tribe, if I want to listen to them.

Between this and The Low End Theory, they've got to be one of the top options of the '90s hip-hop sphere for sheer enjoyment's sake. Fun album full of quirky, groovy rap songs, the flow on the first song feels pretty distinct but the rest of the album might get a little consistent in that regard, doesn't stop me from enjoying all the eclectic songs offered

I've enjoyed this. It's good fun to listen to.

So many songs I've heard before but didn't know the source. The sound of the snare drum rules.

Sunny afternoon hip hop. Nice.

1/1001 Can I kick it? YES YOU CAN Can I... kick it? YES YOU CAN Can I kick it? YES YOU CAN

There’s something really appealing in how loose and musical this feels. The jazz influence isn’t just aesthetic, it actually shapes the flow, rhythms breathe, samples feel chosen with intent, and nothing is overly rigid. It’s not especially complex structurally, but it doesn’t need to be, because the groove itself keeps evolving in subtle ways. It’s the kind of record that feels alive rather than constructed, and that goes a long way.

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 duh 1: Bad | 2: Okay, No Desire to Revisit | 3: Good, Conditionally (OR Inconsistent Mix of Qualities | 4: Great (OR Technically amazing but missing the sauce emotionally) | 5: Amazing

Ugh this was so cool???? Wiped my feet REALLY good on the rhythm rug and didn’t want this to end. Point off for uhhh vague misogyny vibes I guess?

I’m a sucker for the jazzier hues of hip hop and this had some nice samples used from bygone eras. Found it had a relaxed flow in most of the songs which fit the mood I was in but could imagine others might find it a little lackadaisical. The beats had that J Dilla timing which has become a bit trite with the advent of lo-fi hip hop, but was likely breaking new ground at the time.

Nice

Som att lyssna på Do the right thing. Eller Nåt sånt.

Variety: 3 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 4 Emotionality: 3 = 4 "Get inside the groove and get nasty/ Funky nasty, crazy classy" I have fond associations with this album and a whole slew of similar stuff from middle school. Aside from being a "safe" ( parents didn't have much to object to content-wise) choice for Midwest, suburban white kids, I remember it being way more chill and musical than most of the harder stuff I would hear on MTV. But it's possibly been since then that I've heard most of this other than the handful of tracks that still pop up on Satellite radio regularly. Let's see how it holds up. As with most hip-hop we've gotten on the list, I will be using whosampled.com, and possibly be making a playlist of those tracks. Changing things up as of this one and will be including samples going forward for anyone curious. Songs repeated throughout the album are only listed once so as to save on digital ink :) THE TRACKS "Push It Along" - Psychedelic birth flashback aside, this one eases you in pretty well to the sound. We're in good hands as Q-Tip acts as midwife to the group's sound ( does that make Phife Dawg the doula?). No one's doing anything too acrobatic, but the flows here are very solid. We even get some nice intros at the end provided by Jarobi. Sampled: "Loran's Dance' by Grover Washington, Jr. "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Junior Mance ( original by Sly & the Family Stone); "Jagger the Dagger" by Eugene McDaniels; "It's Yours" by T La Rock and Jazzy Jay. "Luck of Lucien" - We get a call out to The Beatles ( or possibly the French National anthem) before the sweet, sweet groove sets in and Q-Tip starts the tribute to Lucien Revolucien ( had to look this up). So thinking it's probably the anthem. Though the track is full of affectionate little digs at the man, so maybe both? This feels very lighthearted, but not throwaway. Sampled: "Fourty Days" by Billy Brooks; "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles "After Hours" - The spotlight is on Q-Tip once again, and no wonder as the dude makes this look easy. An even funkier groove underlines this pleasant slice of life. The trials and tribulations of the outside world aren't invisible, put they can be pushed away momentarily for some good times with good friends. Sampled: "Remember Who You Are" by Sly & the Family Stone; "North Carolina" by Les McCann; "Hot Hot Summer Day" by Sugarhill Gang; "Footprints" - A nod to Stevie Wonder starts this one off, and Q-Tip is still holding down the fort. He's at full power here slicing through the verses with speed and focus. Where the last track was comforting in the face of reality, this one leans way more darkly philosophical and introspective. A mission statement maybe, with Jesse Jackson prividing some inspiration. Sampled:"Think Twice" by Donald Byrd; "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder; "Walk Tall" by The Cannonball Adderley Quintet feat. Jesse Jackson; "Son of Public Enemy ( Flavor Whop Version) by Public Enemy; "A House is Not a Home" by Dionne Warwick "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" - Some nice Spanish guitar dishes the ball to Q-Tip, but alas, he fails to deliver what should have been an easy layup. This shaggy dog story goes nowhere, of course, but we don't even have fun on the journey. His flow is as lifeless as I've heard it and the beat is as elementary as it gets. Could have at leats been funnier. Hopefully this is a small blip. Sampled: "Funky" by The Chambers Brothers; "Sueno" by The Young Rascals; "Children's Story" by Slick Rick "Pubic Enemy" - So this one's about STD's, and specifically pubic lice I guess? And nothing to do with THE Public Enemy. I'm sure this sailed WAY above my head in middle school, if I even paid attention to the lyrics. It's also not that funny, but it's at least got more going on musically than "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo". Sampled: "Pity for the Lonely" by Luther Ingram; "Communication Is Where It's At" Billy the Baron and His Smokin Challengers; D'Ya Like Scratchin'? by Malcolm McLaren and World's Famous Supreme Team; "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus Thomas; "Funky President (People It's Bad)" by James Brown "Bonita Applebum" - Here it is. This is the one even the most casual of fan remembers if they remember any of these tracks. Everything is on point here. Lyrics, Q-Tip's chill flow, the music, he humor, the horniness... Top shelf Tribe. Sampled: "Daylight" by Ramp; "Memory Band" by Rotary Connection; "Fool Yourself" by Little Feat; "Soul Virgo" by The Cannonball Adderley Quintet; "Can I Kick It?" - Or maybe they remember this one best. Just as good. Think I may have heard this before I heard the Lou Reed song. Certainly before I knew who Lou Reed was, anyway. Classic. Sampled: "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed; "Spinning Wheel" by Lonnie Smith; "Sunshower" by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band; "Fun" by Sly & the Family Stone "Youthful Expression" - My favorite lyrics so far on the album. This one keeps it simple, but not simplistic. There's plenty going on here, but it's TIGHT. Also my favorite sample on here - do yourself a favor and go listen to the source. Sampled: "Inner City Blues" by Reuben Wilson "Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts)" - Up there with the best headnodders. The beat on this is almost hypnotic. By this point Q-Tip has proved his skill and it's not a criticism to say that he might be one of the more consistent to ever do it. Never the flashiest or the most nimble, but rarely stumbles. And when he does ( See "...Wallet...") it's when you can hear his enthusiasm flag. He's the John Stockton of hip-hop. Sampled: "Get Off Your Ass and Jam" by Funkadelic; "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango; "Pull Up to the Bumper (12 Inch Version)" by Grace Jones; "Keep on Doin' It" by The New Birth; "Black Rhythm Happening" by Eddie Gale "Mr. Muhammad" - Most creative use of samples on the album on this tribute track to DJ and producer. Solid stuff, if not the cream of the crop. Sampled: " Brazilian Rhyme (Beijo Interlude)" by Earth, Wind & Fire; "Medley: Vertical Invader/T.H./Dr. Honoris Causa" by Weather Report; "Electric Frog" by Kool & the Gang; "Superappin'" by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five "Ham 'n' Eggs"- Tribe are most definitely a deeper group that this, but in my memory ALL their songs were like this. Funny slice of life stuff. The Pharcyde would certainly take this sort of thig and run with it. Delightful. Also best chorus on the album, hands down. Sampled: "We've Gotta Find a Way Back to Love" by Freda Payne; "Nappy Dugout" by Funkadelic "Go Ahead in the Rain" - Their most danceable on the album I think. While steam isn't anywhere close to running out, things have begun to run together a bit near the end. Sampled: "Son of Slide" by Slave; "Rainy Day, Dream Away" by Jimi Hendrix; "Joy and Pain (Live in Los Angeles)" by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly; "Classic Funke" by Brother Jack McDuff; "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" by Stevie WOnder "Description of a Fool" - Sold ending with something of a social message song. It doesn't hit hard and shock, but that's not what Tribe is here to do. Even when Q-Tip is laying down some real world wisdom there's always, always a funky ass groove underlining the point. Sampled: "Running Away" by Roy Ayers Ubiquity; "Running Away" by Sly & the Family Stone; "Still Good - Still Like It" by B.T. Express; "Don't Make Me Wait (Special Version)" by Peech Boys; "Miss You" by The Rolling Stones; "Braggin & Boastin" by The Jungle Brothers HIGHLIGHTS - "Push It Along" - "Luck of Lucien" - "After Hours" - "Footprints" - "Bonita Applebum" - "Can I Kick It?" - "Youthful Expression" - "Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts)" - "Ham 'n' Eggs" - "Go Ahead in the Rain" - "Description of a Fool" MIDLIGHTS - "Pubic Enemy" - "Mr. Muhammad" - "Description of a Fool" LOWLIGHTS - "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" FINAL THOUGHTS Overall this was just as good as I remember it, though I don't recall being so annoyed by anything as I was by that one track. Definitely looking forward to more stuff from them, but no idea how many they have on the list. In addition to diving into more of their stuff, as well as work from associated acts, I also plan on giving the sample playlist a couple of spins. For those interested, you can find it here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7az5SAtq2JTE653Swddw3N?si=89153e2c0b8a445a PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS - "I left My Wallet in El Segundo" does not make the cut FURTHER LISTENING - The Sweet Life by Reuben Wilson - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde - by The Pharcyde - 3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul - All Hail the Queen by Queen Latifah - Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience by P.M. Dawn - A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Black Sheep - Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) by Digable Planets - Done by the Forces of Nature by The Jungle Brothers

great early rap and hip hop

Very enjoyable. Great samples, voices, and often humorous and interesting lyrics.

Pretty good. Elements of it sound a bit dated and they've got a few albums with good tracks, which might argue for a best of. But this was enjoyable

This album is so cool and smooth, it's like roaming slowly in a convertible without a care in the world. Perfect for a Monday. Nice cover art for once. Favorite Songs: After Hours ; Can I Kick It?

This was a fun listen. Well produced. An all around good time!

Perhaps I was distracted but I didn't love it as much as I have similar albums in the past. Still a solid offering and overall a good day on the 1001 Album Generator

This album is a great blend of hip hop, funk, and sampling. The message is fantastic, the groove is there and they aren't afraid to take some risks. It's a groundbreaking album to transition out of 80s hip hop into 90s hip hop.

This is an album I would have enjoyed more than I did if I was in a better mood for it. I had a very full day and minimal time for an hour long record. I liked the beats and the samples. What I caught lyrically I also liked. This felt like something I needed the lyrics in front of me for, and I wasn’t able to do that. I’m giving it a four rating. It could’ve been a five if it was a better day.

Disclaimer: I love Tribe. This isn't my favourite of their offerings, however. It's got some great hits (Can I Kick It?), and it's a groovy classic hip hop record, but the goofiness (Ham 'N' Eggs anyone?) undercuts the all-time-ness of the record. 7/10

Absolutely incredible sound mix

It’s not totally my vibe, but it’s chill enough. I do get a bit tired of the same beat over and over, so it’s more background music for me, but I like the fact that this album one of the early hip-hop albums without all the hate — it’s really light and easygoing. Plus, back then it was actually something new for people. love it

8/10

Four stars just based on how much i loved it in college, Left My Wallet in El Segundo & Bonita are all-timers

R +B Regea Rap, Es hört sich gut an und ich fühle mich gut

This album made me feel nostalgic.

3.5⭐️/5 04.06.2026

I've always been aware of this album and its influence but hadn't sought it out. It's not entirely my thing but I did enjoy it and it was a really cool listen.

Tracks are very groovy, I can see why a lot of these sounds are foundational to hiphop.

Great hip hop album. Can I Kick It is a classic

This was a long one, and I continued to enjoy it the whole way, which I take as a good sign. I can tell this was a foundational or early version of a lot of hip hop, and might have been instrumental in a new style that other artists jumped off of. The beats were excellent, and I always enjoy the style of the music dropping out on a particularly powerful lyric.

Right off the bat I thought oh no, not a rap album. I was determined to give it a chance and it turned out to be a fun listen! The album just grew on me and I got more and more into it. I am going to give this 4 stars because it was such a surprise to me and it's obviously well performed and produced.

Joy

Loved the jazz elements Great lyrics

4/5 Ziemlich cool 😎

i've only listened to The Low End in full a long time ago, so this is totally new for me Push It Along - 5/5 Luck of Lucien - 3/5 After Hours - 4/5 Footprints - 4/5 I Left My Wallet in El Segundo - 3/5 Pubic Enemy - 3/5 Bonita Applebum - 5/5 Can I Kick It? - 5/5 Youthful Expression - 3/5 Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts) - 4/5 Mr. Muhammad - 3/5 Ham 'n' Eggs - 3/5 Go Ahead in the Rain - 4/5 Description of a Fool - 4/5 Average score: 3.8/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ eh, this doesn't beat The Low End in my opinion. most of the tracks just didn't impact me in the same way. the album is still a vibe tho, especially Can I Kick It?

not as good as the low end theory, but having something this good as your debut album is incredible.

Not being a fan of rap, I went in with low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised.

atrapado en los 90´s...

Tribe changed the game

Lo sentí más un soundtrack de alguna película más que un álbum en sí. Más allá de eso, los beats de cada canción y la producción me parecieron increíbles y muy interesantes. Sentí que se quedaron a medio camino, algo les faltó para terminar de gustarme, no es un "wow", tampoco un "ugh", sino más bien un "meh". Hay temazos, pero hay canciones que yo las consideré un poco de relleno pero bueno, mejor que muchos álbumes que he escuchado es.

++: Push It Along, Luck of Lucien, After Hours, Footprints, Pubic Enemy, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It?, Youthful Expression, Mr. Muhammad, Ham 'n' Eggs, Description of a Fool +: Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts), Go Ahead in the Rain +-: I Left My Wallet in El Segundo 8,6/10

Can they kick it? Most certainly they can.

It's not as good as LET, and some of the samples I found a bit annoying, but it's still very, very good. Q-Tip is a phenomenal rapper. High 4

Their debut album. Hip Hop. Definitely a nice change of pace from Gangsta Rap. Clever and streetwise lyrics with some positivity too. The production is excellent as is the vocal delivery. Can I Kick It is a great track. A fantastic Hip Hop album.

Smart rap for smart people.

Love some Tribe.

Better than I remembered

I enjoy their other two albums more. But still great.

The hip hop picks in this book are consistently great.

Quite good

Really good album. Would say 4/5 because the songs were good, quite similar but had variation but at the end remixes of previous songs were too repetitive and got boring

Good

A lot of fun and some excellent beats!! I want to listen to After Hours right now. This album being the first one on the challenge sets the bar really high.

I really like the story telling on this album. The old school samples are always the best. I think the only song I’ve heard previously was Can I Kick It? which I loved. The way they pull and blend several different samples from different genres is amazing.

Loved this album a lot!

Great album that I need to revisit again soon

This is my favorite style of hip hop.

I really like ATCQ

Tribe's sound is infectious. Not as good an album as The Low End Theory, but it has a few classics on it.

- i love the sound -- i've been listening to a lot of funk lately and this has a similar feeling - the sax... hell yeah - i probably never would've listened to this album outside of this site but i have been wanting to get into rap and hip hop for so long and this seems like a great starting point - favorite tracks: luck of lucien, can i kick it?, go ahead in the rain - rating: 4/5

THE GOATS banger beats as always while not as flawless top to bottom as following albums low-end theory or midnight mauraders (feels like latter half runs slightly out of steam), still incredible production and flows 4/5

Pretty Good stuff. No swearing and solid. Bonita Applebum was my favourite song definitely

Great album. Super groovy

this is a vibe, i'm enjoying it luck of lucien--haha the french rapping loving that footprints i left my wallet in el segundo--love the intro with the vinyl static can i kick it--where do i know this guitar intro from????? ham & eggs--ok this is incredible enjoyable overall. it has a cohesive style & feel, but maintains variety between tracks. very listenable. it would be good mood setting music for just like hanging out with friends, but i probably wouldn't go out of my way to listen otherwise. 4/5.

It’s not as good as Midnight Marauders or The Low End Theory, but it’s still very enjoyable. The production is smooth and creative—Tip really sets the tone perfectly. The rhyming is sharp, and the whole album has this energetic, lively feel that makes you catch every single beat. Very good album overall, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of their later work.

Very vibey, their flow is incredibly unique and I liked the album a lot

Tribe is one of the best. RIP Phife Dawg

push it along

It's tribe. It's great.

EXACTLY the type of rap that I like!

I enjoyed this album, with the caveat that 80s and early 90s hip hop is not my favorite of the genre. But I respect the beats and they do have great flow. It’s definitely something I should delve further into.

Love the voice

Some classic tracks, great samples, and overall innovative hip hop. It's a bit too long/bloated to be considered their best work alongside of The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders. Still, a good experience and a must-listen for any true hip hop fan. 7/10

Nice rap

3/10/26. Cool to finally listen to this in full. I always knew Can I Kick It, but hearing the song in context with the rest makes it even better. Love the quirky but cool approach to hip hop, plus the sample choices and regular motif.

Hip hop 1990 tipo de NY no tan gangster para escuchar de chilling caminando 🍁

favorite song: ham 'n' eggs vibe: foundational hip hop/rap, originals to samples cropping up everywhere rating: 84/100

Great album, I knew the Kick It single but have never listened to the whole album

This really had a good beat tonight and was compelling.

Do I have permission to kick it?

Exuberant and vibrant hip-hop with great songs all around and one of the greatest songs of all time in the mix as well. "Can I Kick It?" is an amazing example of beat-craft and songcraft at the same time. Amazing debut from this group, even though they would move on and top this one in just a few years.

Ja, gewoon goed. Je moet de stijl en innovatie ook waarderen. 4 reeten

Every now and then (ok, probably twice in my life) I’ll get into a ATCQ mood and queue up all their records. They were a great group and I have nothing bad to say about them. I also can’t say I’ve ever considered myself a fan. Maybe they were just a little too far before my time, or not the right kind of cool enough to impress me when I was young. Who knows. I should listen to them more.

I think I can listen to Q-Tip rap all day. (That's not true, I can't listen to that much rap. But I'm really enjoying his catalogue and blending of hip-hop, jazz, and soul.)

Joyous hiphop that feels almost naive considering what came later. Fantastic production, and refreshing to hear lyrics that combine humour and vulnerability. Not a genre that I listen to often, but a classic in time.

Дефолт хип-хоп, в целом неплохо, чиловый.

Nice album for workout, chill day and for life

Extremely groovable. Obsessed with the samples chosen.

Youthful Expression

A banger of a debut album, I enjoyed listening to these rhymes on a walk. Can I Kick It? Will forever be a classic and the use of samples was classy. Fun lyrics too and I love Q-Tip.

This one feels kinda bottom heavy. Tracks like footprints and El Segundo are good but then you have Rythem, Mr. Muhammad, Ham 'N' Eggs, Go Ahead In the Rain, and Description of a Fool all hitting one after another. Can I Kick It is good too. Another 4/5.

Heard before? Not all the way through Would I revisit? Yes Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Footprints, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It Oh hell yes to starting my morning off with a cup of coffee and A Tribe Called Quest! I'm amazed at how fresh this album sounds even though it was made in 1990. These guys are so creative and smooth. The album is playful, with excellent storytelling and vibes so thick it's impossible not to smile and bop along. Loved it!

This is foundation but that can leave it feeling a little basic by modern standards. Really nice sampling and flow though. 3.5*

Still magical. Some of the lyrics didn’t age well, in that they seem a little juvenile. Happens across genres, but seems to occur in hip-hop and (hair) metal most often. Literally had me dancing all day though.

Another band that I've never conscientiously sat down to listen to, and that's clearly my loss. This is not only a great hip-hop album... it's a great album of any genre. Engaging, clever lyrics, seamless integration of samples, melodic, and altogether enjoyable. I couldn't stop from grooving along. - Heard before? A few songs, but not in its entirety. - Will I listen again? Definitely. - Does it inspire me to listen to more of this artist? Yes.

A fun, laid-back hip-hop album with chill rhymes and samples and vibes. Jazz and funk were used for the backing tracks and production. Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, their next two records, are more of the same and just as good or better. Can I Kick It starts with a sample of Lou Reed's Walk On The Wild Side and is conducive to grooving. The other two singles are I Left My Wallet in El Segundo and Bonita Applebum. A fine debut by an influential group.

I'm a fan of these guys...but I haven't listened to them critically like this before. I would have thought I Left My Wallet and Kick It were on one of their later records! The lyrics are actually kinda umm...irreverent, goofy...dorky? The sample-based production quite rough around the edges, but there are some killer beats in here that I'm disappointed I haven't heard before. The flow sounds about as dated as ya might expect for a record from 1990. Massive record in the scheme of things though, and a fun listen. Family-friendly hip-hop.

I liked this album far more than I thought I would. Early 90s hip hop. Party jams that I was enjoying the entire time.

Maybe not as solid as later releases, but iconic sample and lyrics like Bonita Applebum prove this is a piece of music history.

Jamais écouté avant. Du hip-hop expérimental (peut-être trop, par moment ?), porté par des rythmiques festives entre jazz relax et soul funky, et des samples familiers. Jouissif, même en tant que néophyte du genre. Top : Go Ahead in the Rain Flop : Bonita Applebum

A much needed palate cleanser

Brought back some memories. I will look out for a copy of this on vinyl.

Cet album est parfait dans ce qu'il veut faire. Un gros gros 4

😗

Fantastic conscious rap

Solid throughout. Faves were footprints and Public Enemy. Ham and Eggs had me smiling.

Tribe is cool

I listened to this album while I was sick and resting at home, passing the time between bouts of sleep with Sonic Racing: Crossworlds. Having only ever listened to the final album by A Tribe Called Quest, it was refreshing to come back to their first album here! The lyrical jazz-rap style pushed forward here by Tribe would go on to influence many artists and albums which I love, and it's been enlightening to hear this early step on that artistic trajectory. The lyricism across the album runs from silly to uplifting, and there is a light-hearted and breezy energy to the performances here which can uplift you even at your lowest moments; they are indeed masters at the art of moving butts. Highlights: Push It Along, Luck of Lucien, After Hours, Footprints, Pubic Enemy, Can I Kick It?, Youthful Expression, Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts), Mr. Muhammad, Ham 'N' Eggs, Go Ahead In the Rain, Description of a Fool

sonically amazing

Another favorite from before the 1001 albums -- classic poetic hip hop.

Zeer goede week dit zeg, eerst al 2 andere albums met 4 sterren gerate en dan als 'toetje' een Tribe album! Dit is hun debuut album en eigenlijk hoor je dat soms ook een klein beetje. Waar The Low End Theory nog iets meer voelt als een perfectere benadering, en Midnight Marauders misschien wel mijn favoriete album is, is deze nog iets meer rauw. Wel mooi dat hun grootste hits al op dit album staan, of tenminste mijn favoriete nummers dan met Bonita Applebum en, natuurlijk, Can I Kick it? Dat nummer is echt prototype Tribe voor mij, heerlijk jazz/rock sampletje(Thanks Ome Lou) en dan de chillste flows ooit daarover heen. Och wat een top nummer is dat toch. Ook lekker dat daar meteen Youthful Expression op volgt, ook weer een heerlijke beat. Ik luister meestal hiphop voor teksten, maar merk wel dat ik bij Tribe vooral de beats luister en dan de flow daaroverheen. Jup, voor mij is dit weer een typisch, heerlijk Tribe album. Het is vibey, de beats zijn heerlijk simplistisch boombap maar wel met een sterke jazz invloed en de rhymes er over heen zijn gewoon prima. Niet de allerlastigste en dat is prima. Het is geen 5, daarvoor vind ik een heel album toch vaak net niet goed genoeg, maar dit is voor mij wel een album dat je bijna altijd aan kan zetten en dat gewoon bijna altijd lekker is. FAVO:Push it along, Luck of Lucien, I left my wallet in El Segundo,Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It?, Youthful Expression, Description of a Fool