People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

Classic

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

Great album, messaging is great. Nothing beats old school rap. Ham n’ Eggs is my favorite

Alright, I get to check out A Tribe Called Quest's debut after the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After listening to People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, I can see how they were considered pioneers in the conscious hip hop I've come to appreciate. Ali Shaheed Muhammed worked wonders on the programming and turntable to create strong and accessible hooks amidst all the experimentation. The jazz-influenced style served as an eclectic backdrop to rap, accentuated by Q-Tip's clean production and sample choices. As for the wordplay, Q-Tip, Jarobi White, and the late Phife Dawg struck a balance in poetic wordplay that comes off as a conversation where thought and expression were valued over machismo. I am genuinely impressed with their flows early on in their career. That said, as much as I enjoyed the album, I still had in the back of my mind that this is a debut album and it shows in places. For one, this album is a bit longer than it needs to. Not that any one song was particularly bad, but the opportunity was there to tighten the overall experience. Especially where attempts were made to connect songs with short interludes led by Jarobi where it seems like they had a loose concept for the album but never coalesces into a truly meaningful or engaging narrative to tie it together outside of the funkiness. Still, I had a good time traveling through the paths of funk and rhythm for Tribe's debut. This debut gets a solid recommendation, and I look forward to checking out Low End Theory later on this journey.

Interesting vibe with no crazy songs. Can't say that 24 hours later I remember any of them, though.

Not bad, lot of innovative and interesting sounds.

Sample queen

"Smooth Hip-hop". Who knew? I will likely give this another listen.

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.

Kannski hefur rappafstaða mín aðeins mildast með öllum rapplötunum sem ég hef verið að hlusta á. Þetta er allaveganna ekki alslæm plata. Þetta er reyndar rapp eins og ég hlustaði á í barnæskunni. Sömplin voru skemmtileg en oft pínu undarlega útfærð en ég skemmti mér yfir mörgum af þeim. Mun samt ekki setja plötuna aftur í spilun

Jag gillar A Tribe Called Quest.

Very good. Feels like something I would like more and more on repeated listens.

Another terrific album! I hadn’t heard this particular Tribe album before but not surprisingly it was fantastic.

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.

Really cool album that's slightly marred by over length and a lack of Phyfe Dog. Still, an important album from the old school hip hop days that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Muy buen álbum. Aunque no conozco mucho, debe ser de lo mejor del género. El sampleo aquel con Walk on the wild side me pareció increíble.

Not bad at all, but also not outstanding. A few highlights that bring it up to 4 stars but I have to admit it's a push.

Albumi #89, 25.10.2024 A Tribe Called Questin debyyttialbumi vuodelta 1990 oli kovassa kuuntelussa itsellänikin sen ilmestyttyä.

This'll probably surprise you, but I really enjoyed this. Though I have previously mentioned I'm not averse to rap/hip hop/whatever. This started off really quite mellow and relaxing, then sort of lost its way in the middle, but came back strong from Ham and Eggs. Not quite a 4, but a very strong 3. Probably a 3.8.

Groovy and chilled. A high 3.

A couple of big tunes from my youth which were played incessantly on the radio. But the problem is they weren't in my orbit of musical tastes. The rest of the album wasn't good enough to pique my interest either.

Two great songs with Can I Kick it and Youthful Expression

It’s hard not to wax poetic about the Golden Age of Rap, in which albums like this said something important. Q-Tip and crew were revolutionaries carrying rap/hip-hop into new directions by blending Afro-beats with Brooklyn rap and Harlem jazz. Key tracks for me include AfterHours, which lyrically puts you one the streets with him, and the flamenco-flavored I Left My Wallet in El Segundo.

Quite enjoyed this one. Lots of great cuts on here. Left My Wallet, Can I Kick It. For whatever reason Tribe escaped my young radar which is a shame. I was too into pop and gangsta rap.

It's one of the better classic hip-hop albums but this genre will never get a really high score from me

Being so laid back is both this album's blessing and curse. If this was ~40min it'd be great, but at 65min it verges on repetitive and boring.

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.

Ich rauche dafür immer noch zu wenig

Just really pleasant listening.

very fully realized for a debut album.

Tribe Vibes

Good stuff.

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 was surprised by how much I liked this, but hesitated between 4 and 5... in the end, it was solid with a few numbers that I enjoyed, but just short of 5*s for me.

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!

Sometimes the beat was a bit repetitive, but this was generally fun and fresh.

So good

Фон в ушах, иногда занимательный.

really cool throughout - as these guys tend to be. might even put this a notch above Low End Theory but idk

And out of all the 80s gangsta rap came People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. Intelligent, even maybe nerdy rap. It’s brilliant, smooth jazzy, flow from start to finish. Amazing what you can do with a real drummer. 8.5/10

Not my style

Alright nothing standing out but Qtip and a couple of well known songs

This was a fine early rap album. Some good raps and backing loops but nothing that stands out too much besides Can I Kick It? I'm sure it was groundbreaking at the time but through today's lens it's just a bit above average. 6/10 (3/5)

Loved this album when it came out. Three or four classic songs. I love this era of building backing tracks by quilting samples. An era tragically cut short by greed and an ignorant U.S. District judge in NY. I was lucky enough to see Tribe play in a basement in Oberlin, OH to about 100 people. They were fantastic live. All that said, I don't think this album ages terribly well. Across time it sounds quaint and awkward - like they had an idea of what they wanted to sound like and were exploring in an attempt to realize it. In that regard Low End Theory ages much better; the sound of that album is perfected, it flows brilliantly and the rhymes are much more confident and interesting.

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

Coming back to fill in some review gaps, I decided to explore Tribe’s debut alongside De La Soul’s first album and Ice Cube’s “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted.” They all came out 35 years ago, and I recently heard an interview with the writer of the new book “High and Rising” about De La. More about that in the “3 Feet and Rising” review, but Tribe had an important place in building in the space that De La Soul created. “People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” is such a great title and indicator of the kind of mindset and vibe that Tribe and other alternative hip hop artists would bring. It’s a refreshing respite from the anger that was enveloping hip hop in the last 80s and early 90s, and although the gangsta rap that followed NWA and Ice Cube was more popular, I so greatly prefer Tribe and De La Soul and wish theirs was the template that shaped the future of hip hop.

I appreciate the chill, laid back nature of this album. I like that Tribe eschewed the bad boy image of hip hop and let their personalities shine through. I am not so thrilled with the conversational style for the lyrical delivery. I wish I liked that more because I truly appreciate the ground breaking nature of this album.

I don’t quite know what to think. Interesting. Distracting. Black eyed peas? Ultimately I’m not having much interest to listen to it again.

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.

3/10

Amazing hip hop and rap setting the stage for the nineties.

I’m afraid I just got quite bored with this. Didn’t really do anything for me.

The slick beats are well produced and the performances here are good too. Unfortunately there is too much filler that end up making the album blend together in a not great way.

Blueprints for early 90s hiphop

Great

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

Better than expected!

# Album Name: People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm # Artist: A Tribe called quest # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: I am not a fan of hip hop but i can appreciate this album. i like the style, sounds and feels of the earlier stuff. Its not bad at times. I've never heard of these guys apart from can i kick it. There was a couple of other good tracks like luck of lucien and after hours. The first 7-8 songs are a decent listen. Could definitely stick it on as easy listening or in the background. # Top Tunes: Can i kick it / luck of lucien / after hours # Would I listen to it again? Probably a few tracks.

I enjoyed this a lot

Quite decent hiphop, Can I Kick It being the clear standout track. As usual with hiphop, it’s a bit too samey and lengthy.

This is an album that I was surprised about. I’ve heard a lot about A Tribe Called Quest over the years, but I never really took the time to listen to them. What was surprising to me was how awful a lot of the lyrics were. “I left My Wallet in El Segundo” is a prime example of this. Incredibly lazy and super predictable rhymes, a boring story that seems to go absolutely nowhere, I just genuinely hope I never have to sit through it again. There are a lot of positives on this album, instrumentally it’s fantastic. Once you get passed the obnoxious and annoying baby crying, “Push it Along” kicks off with a wicked break beat and a properly groovy bassline. There’s a lot of really good musicality throughout. Unfortunately the rapping in this album really missed the mark for me. 2 stars.

Huippuhyvä räppiplatta! Hieno debyytti. 4/5

Hyvällä tavalla levoton ja energinen debyytti. 4/5

Can you dig this?(Yes, you can). This is the second album from A Tribe Called Quest I've listened to, and it slaps. Some fun, old-school hip-hop beats, and lyrics throughout this album(I was born the year this album was released- good shit). Favorite Track: "Can I Kick It?"

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.

I guess I was not in the mood for this kind of music 3/10

Nice

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

qué placer cuando los samples están bien usados.

Not something that I listen to. Can understand how people might find this appealing. But not for me.

Enjoyed this album quite a bit!

Cool old school hip hop. I love the music, sounds kind of neo-soul. Also the samples are great and unusual. The rap reminds me of "prince of bel air". In general I am not super hooked by this album but I enjoyed it.

An outstanding debut - from the first track, Quest tells us exactly who they are and what they’re about. They manage an album that is thematically sprawling but stylistically cohesive and wholly unique. No finer sampling work can be found anywhere. 8.5/10

absolutely beautiful

Decent milk

Groupe inconnu. A chaque fois que la liste me propose un album de rap ou hip/hop, j'espère toujours un miracle ... Le premier morceau est pour la première fois un petit peu différent. L'intro est intéressante, mais dès que le chant rentre c'est comme d'habitude long, répétitif et ennuyeux ... sauf la présence de samples de chorus plutôt pas mal. En tout cas ce morceau me donne envie d'en écouter un peu plus. Les morceaux suivants sont moins mauvais que d'habitude, les samples sont plutôt bien choisis (+1), mais je pense que jamais je ne l'écouterais de nouveau. Le miracle n'a pas eu lieu. =>2/5

Great discovery. Not my usual music but I was able to listen to this particular rap music till the end.

Horrible really ... everything sounded the same and none of it was good at all

carino, ma luuuungo. bello anche il sample di walk on the wild side, inaspettato

Meglio di altri album hip hop capitati, ma trooooppo lungoooo

An interesting album but not my preferred style of music.

Fun jazz and samples based hip-hop with catchy hooks. Reminiscent of De La Soul but less goofy. Q-Tip has a better flow than any of the De La dudes. Highlights: "Push It Along" (good intro to the group's sound that includes some socially conscious lyrics. I can do without the Jarobi part, though, in the last few minutes), "After Hours" (interesting story song, feels more like spoken word), "Can I Kick It?" (a classic), "Description of a Fool" (the lyrics are basically the opposite of gangsta rap...) Notable: "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" (epic story song), "Pubic Enemy" and "Ham 'N' Eggs" (okay, maybe sometimes they're goofier than De La...), "Bonita Applebum" (the musical hook is iconic, but the song itself is a bit lackluster), "Go Ahead in the Rain" (Q-Tip but his voice sounds deeper and flow is more like LL)

Uh! Some smooth hip hop album. I like the samples on this one and the vibes too, but didn't impress me much. I'll leave 3 stars.

I respect it, I just don’t like 90s rap

Survey says they can, indeed, kick it.

El rap de A Tribe Called Quest parte de unas evidentes influencias del jazz y contenidos más reflexivos que callejeros. Destaca "Can I Kick It?", con el smple de Take a Walk on the Wild Side al fondo y una letra desenfadada sobre el ritmo y sentirse libre sintiéndolo. No está mal el humor con el que tratan las enfermedades de transmisión sexual en "Public Enemy" o el rechazo a las personas violentas en "Description of a Fool". Pero a mi personalmente la canción que más me gusta es un tema de amor, "Bonita Applebum", con un interesante sample de sitar.

Very old school, I like it.

People's Instinctive Travels starts out slow, but after about 10 minutes it becomes clear that this is a staggeringly rich, deep album that rewards repeat listens. That Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad did this on their first album is mind-blowing. The only real demerit is that Phife, Tribe's secret sauce, was not yet committed to the group as a serious endeavor, so he only appears sparingly.

Good vibes but quite samey throughout

A very enjoyable album with a few amazing songs. Fun from start to finish

Really like their instrumentals and flow

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

- Can a kick it Rainy day

Really enjoyed this. Regonizing all the samples in permit the fun haha.

Usually not a big hip hop fan but Tribe is incredible.

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

Did not enjoy, every track rolls into one 3/10

every song slaps, fun lyrics, very nice beats, very cool very nice would listen again

Still not a fan of rap but at least this was somewhat musical and not vile to the point of having to take it off

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.

The samples are cool and they have a nice laid back vibe. Can I kick it is great, but throughout they album there are dumb lines like ‘wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug’ so I can’t go higher than 3

This was really worthwhile. Ive never given any time to A Tribe Called Quest, so it was all pretty much brand new for me The sampling was creative and the storytelling was generally interesting. There is definitely a flow to the album as a whole. Lots of great tunes that ill be spinning later

Decent but not my favorite early hip hop

A little corny at times, but the 90s were just so damn fun.

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.

The production on People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is superior. The balance of highs, lows, right, left . . . it just sits right. The beat punches through. The samples highlight a broad range of influences and styles. The lyrics are refreshing. After the joke raps of the Fat Boys doing the twist or wiping out, or the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff providing various narratives where parents are unable to understand their spawn, and before gangsta rap became the equivalent of rap's punk rock in its rallying protest against the life imposed upon them by the authority, we have a happy medium with A Tribe Called Quest. Light-hearted, but intelligent. Creatively fun. "I ordered enchiladas and I ate 'em; Ali had the fruit punch." "I don't eat no ham n' eggs, 'cause they're high in cholesterol." Where else would you hear this? For all the freshness and surprises, the less-inspired tracks stick out like a sore thumb. They should have trimmed some of the 76 minutes down and just keep the best offerings. What's good is good; what's overly repetitive is just derivative of itself.

Creative, cool use of sampling and production, an enjoyable listen. I could have listened to this around the kids -- I think "jimmy hat" is as blue as it gets here.

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.

Not as good as Low End Theory but still good

First listen Saved 5/14

Not great didn't really enjoy

My first listen to A Tribe Called Quest, I am very impressed. Favourite Songs: Push It Along, Footprints, Can I Kick It?, Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts). Least Favourite Songs: Mr. Muhammad, Ham 'N' Eggs.

a tribe called quest deliver once again. they absolutely perfected this genre. they are lyrical masters, and the beats flow through you with ease. whilst this record is brilliant, it doesn’t quite top the low end theory for me - that is their masterpiece.

Wasn’t as immediately taken with this album as I was with their other one on this list. Doesn’t mean it’s bad by any means. “Can I Kick It?” is such a good song it gets a star just for that. Listened to a few of the tracks again and came around on the album a little more. Wish I could give it a 3.5, but I’m rounding up because there are some really stellar tracks.

All time classic

Fav: Footprints Least Fav: Pubic Enemy The highlight for me was the instrumental sections, and overall album was great with 1-2 meh tracks. I’d say overall I am very excited to listen to more albums by A Tribe Called Quest.

Loved getting turned on to this one. Keep it rolling. Loved the frogs too. 🐸

One of the classiest hip hop albums ever made. Perfect for Sunday morning porch sitting.

3+

I'm torn between giving this a 4 or a 5 because in terms of its influence on hip hop music, it's a huge milestone. In terms of comparing it in hindsight to their other albums, the Tribe was just getting started. To review this album, it requires you do a circuit of 90s and early 2000s hip hop music before you attempt to appreciate just how well this album was produced and its lyrical content. It's easy to get a club banger with a good producer, it's almost just as easy to find a rapper who can put out a dozen or so lyrically dense songs but it's rare to see an album with timely yet timeless classics composed of good production, great lyrics, and lasting influence. It's easy to exempt those rating this below 4 stars are lacking in their ability to see the historical importance of a hip hop album when all you've been salivating over is heavily made up glam rock and stadium rock bands who have exhausted their audiences' eardrums to appreciate the subtle nuances of samples picked for the stereos of cheap cars.

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

Not my style. 1 song

Classic group, brilliant album!

Not my cup of tea

Still not into Hip Hop, but I liked this album

q-tip ещё в пиздючьем возрасте делает плотный звук, остальные негры чета там начитывают, без них как будто лучше

One thing this book has absolutely nailed is its coverage of classic Hip-Hop from the golden era across the late 80s and early 90s. This is yet another superb entry to the chapter. The beats are slick and just incredibly listenable. It never outstays its welcome and the blend of vocals keep it fresh, fun and arresting throughout. Still find it astonishing that this album, along with its peers, is over 30 years old. It surprises me that there aren't more acts like this in the 2020s; solo rappers and RnB artists seem to have taken over and it's a real shame.

Not for me

Classic.

+3

every tribe album just makes you feel groovy. awesome

Mildly impressed by this. The usual MO for this genre playing out but instead of becoming bored there was something about the collection. Maybe the odd placement of the samples. The seemingly less preachy outlook. Edging towards the hinterland of cool.

Great album, particularly the first half. Wanes a little towards the end but Side 1 is excellent. Push It Along, Luck of Lucien, Bonita Applebum the pick of the songs. 7/10.

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.

Bueno

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

8/10 Favourite tracks: Luck of Lucien Bonita Applebum Can I Kick It?

14/02/08

Delivered on the promise.

Genius writing only gets you so far

I liked it a lot, but most of the songs felt very strenuous and repetitive which isn’t really my thing. It didn’t make them bad songs, it just made them songs that weren‘t my favorite thing in the whole world. That being said, I really really liked it overall.

I'd just rather hear the songs that they sampled in their original form. I didn't hate this album, but there was nothing at all that I liked. 700 albums into the 1001 and hip-hop is still unable to inspire me.

Can I Kick It?

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.

great

I can kick it.

Vibes

Decent but long. Drawn out. 2.5 maybe a 4

Love this record

Sweet album

I'm still too sick to write a proper review. It bops. 4/5

a teenager's guide to jazz rap -- and that isn't a bad thing! i feel like a lot of people stack this thing up against its follow-up, and to me, that just isn't fair. why should we devalue this album's accomplishments just because it's stacked up against The Low End Theory? pit most albums against TLET and you don't really have to guess which one comes out on top. anyhow, i think what makes People's Instinctive Travels stick out to me is its willingness to delve into being relatively lighthearted. sure, there's a few moments where it gets a little too silly for comfort (and Ham N Eggs is NOT one of them), but for the most part, i feel as if what PIT lacks in maturity it makes up in creativity. q-tip's an incredible MC -- as the main rapper on the album, he better be -- but what mostly carries the album is his and mohammed's production. i can count the number of times i smiled and said "oh my god are they really doing this one" on both hands whenever a sample came up, and yet every single track makes it work. maybe the tribe had yet to mature, but now and then i think we all need to savor when we were a hungry, horny little bastard. you don't stop having fun until the record ends, and then you gotta move on.

A Tribe Called Quest came out swinging with this phenomenal, genre-changing record. It was positive, experimental, well-rounded, and exclusively different than anything that rap and hip-hop was known for in the early 90's.

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.

Stellar album. One of my favorite hip hop acts. Favorite track: Bonita Applebum other picks: push it along, footprints, can i kick it, rhythm

p651. 1990. 2 stars. Rap/hip-hop, so wrong audience. Well done of its kind but... meh.

I’m pretty sure I prefer this to The Low End Theory—it’s not quite as focused, but the beats are fresher, the lyrics are stronger, and there’s a little more range. Great production as you’d expect. Could be a little shorter but a really solid album. Best song: Can I Kick It?

8.5/10

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

Fav: Mr. Muhammed Least Fav: Ham 'N' Eggs

Favorite: Bonita Applebum Least Favorite: Footprints

This was fun. Sampling done right. Also, any artist that can fit the word 'nincompoop' in without being cheesy is a winner. 4/5

### **In-Depth Review of "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" by A Tribe Called Quest** **Introduction** "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm," the debut album by A Tribe Called Quest, was released on April 17, 1990. The group, composed of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White, is often credited with pioneering the jazz-rap subgenre. This album marked the beginning of their influence on hip-hop, blending innovative production, clever lyricism, and socially conscious themes. The album stands as a seminal work in the genre, setting the stage for A Tribe Called Quest's illustrious career. ### **Lyrics** The lyrical content of "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" is both playful and introspective. Q-Tip, the primary lyricist, uses his smooth, conversational flow to weave narratives that touch on a range of topics from everyday life to philosophical musings. The album is less aggressive than the more politically charged rap of the late 1980s, such as Public Enemy, and instead opts for a more laid-back, positive approach. Songs like "Bonita Applebum" showcase Q-Tip's skill in storytelling, focusing on themes of love and attraction with a poetic and almost whimsical style. The lyrics are not overtly complex but are clever and filled with double entendres and metaphors. On "Can I Kick It?", the group offers a laid-back anthem that plays with the call-and-response style of classic hip-hop, creating an infectious and memorable hook. The lyrics often reflect a youthful exuberance and curiosity, as seen in "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo," which tells a humorous tale of a road trip gone awry. This narrative style is one of the album's strengths, as it allows the listener to engage with the songs on a personal level, making the stories relatable and memorable. However, the album does not delve deeply into the socio-political themes that would later characterize much of their work. While the lyrics are clever and engaging, some critics argue that they lack the depth and urgency found in the group's later albums like "The Low End Theory" and "Midnight Marauders." ### **Music and Production** The production on "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" is innovative and groundbreaking for its time. A Tribe Called Quest, led by Q-Tip's production alias "The Abstract," crafted a sound that was heavily influenced by jazz, funk, and soul. The use of samples was meticulous and creative, drawing from a diverse range of sources including Lou Reed, Roy Ayers, and Stevie Wonder. The album's production is characterized by its use of jazz loops, warm basslines, and crisp drum patterns. This jazz-inflected production would become a hallmark of A Tribe Called Quest's sound and influence a generation of producers and artists. The sampling technique on this album is more melodic and harmonically rich compared to the more rhythmically focused sampling of other hip-hop producers of the time. Tracks like "Footprints" and "Push It Along" exemplify this style, blending smooth jazz instrumentation with head-nodding beats. The use of space in the production, allowing the tracks to breathe, is another notable aspect, giving the album a laid-back, almost meditative quality. One of the standout features of the album is its seamless blend of different musical styles. The group was not afraid to experiment, and this resulted in a unique sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. The album also utilizes call-and-response vocal techniques, which add a dynamic and engaging element to the music. However, the production, while innovative, is somewhat uneven in places. Some tracks feel more fully realized than others, and the album's experimental nature sometimes leads to moments that are less cohesive. This is perhaps a reflection of the group's early stage in their career, still finding their signature sound. ### **Themes** The themes explored in "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" are varied, reflecting the group's curiosity and wide-ranging interests. The album touches on themes of self-discovery, love, humor, and social consciousness, but it does so with a light touch. One of the central themes is the idea of a journey, both literal and metaphorical. The album title itself suggests a journey through life, exploring different experiences and perspectives. This theme is reflected in the album's eclectic sound and the stories told in the lyrics. Tracks like "Pubic Enemy" deal with adolescent experiences and the awkwardness of youth, while "Description of a Fool" addresses the importance of self-respect and integrity. "Ham 'N' Eggs" uses humor to discuss dietary choices, but also subtly critiques societal norms around food and health. The album also reflects a sense of positivity and optimism, which was somewhat countercultural in the hip-hop landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s, which was often dominated by more aggressive and politically charged content. This positive outlook is part of what made the album stand out, offering a different perspective on the black experience in America. However, some critics have noted that the themes, while refreshing and diverse, are not as deeply explored as they could be. The album's lightheartedness, while appealing, sometimes comes at the expense of more profound social commentary. This is not to say that the album lacks substance, but rather that it does not delve as deeply into the issues it touches on as some of A Tribe Called Quest's later work. ### **Influence** The influence of "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" on hip-hop and music in general cannot be overstated. The album helped to define the sound of alternative hip-hop, paving the way for other groups like De La Soul, The Pharcyde, and Digable Planets. Its blend of jazz, funk, and soul with hip-hop was revolutionary at the time and helped to expand the sonic possibilities of the genre. The album also influenced the way samples were used in hip-hop production. The creative and diverse sampling on this album demonstrated that hip-hop could be more than just beats and rhymes; it could be a rich tapestry of sounds and influences, creating a new musical language. Lyrically, the album's playful and introspective approach helped to broaden the scope of what hip-hop could be about. It showed that rap did not always have to be about bravado or social issues, but could also explore personal experiences, humor, and abstract ideas. This opened the door for more diversity in hip-hop lyricism, influencing countless artists in the process. The album also had a significant impact on the development of jazz-rap as a subgenre. By incorporating jazz elements into their music, A Tribe Called Quest helped to legitimize hip-hop in the eyes of a broader audience, including jazz aficionados and music critics who may have previously dismissed rap as a passing fad. However, the album's influence was not immediate. It took some time for its significance to be fully recognized, as it was somewhat overshadowed by the more commercially successful and socially charged albums of the time. But as the years passed, "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" came to be seen as a classic and a blueprint for what hip-hop could become. ### **Pros of the Album** 1. **Innovative Production**: The album's production is one of its most significant strengths. The use of jazz, funk, and soul samples created a unique sound that was fresh and groundbreaking at the time. The production is warm, melodic, and has a timeless quality that has aged well. 2. **Creative and Clever Lyrics**: The lyrics are witty, playful, and often introspective. Q-Tip's storytelling ability and Phife Dawg's energetic contributions add depth and personality to the album. The lyrics are accessible yet thought-provoking, making the album appealing to a broad audience. 3. **Cohesive Theme**: The theme of a journey is woven throughout the album, both musically and lyrically. This creates a sense of coherence and unity, making the album feel like a complete work rather than just a collection of songs. 4. **Pioneering Jazz-Rap Sound**: The album helped to define the jazz-rap subgenre, influencing a wide range of artists and helping to expand the boundaries of hip-hop. Its blend of genres was innovative and set a new standard for hip-hop production. 5. **Cultural Impact**: The album's positive and optimistic outlook was refreshing and provided an alternative to the more aggressive and confrontational hip-hop of the time. It helped to broaden the scope of what hip-hop could be, influencing both the genre and the wider music industry. ### **Cons of the Album** 1. **Uneven Production Quality**: While the production is innovative, it is somewhat uneven. Some tracks feel more fully realized than others, and there are moments where the experimental nature of the album leads to less cohesive results. 2. **Lack of Depth in Themes**: While the album touches on a variety of themes, it does not explore them as deeply as some of A Tribe Called Quest's later work. The lighthearted approach is appealing, but it sometimes comes at the expense of more profound social commentary. 3. **Youthful Inexperience**: The album reflects the group's youthful exuberance, which is both a strength and a weakness. While the album's energy and creativity are infectious, there are moments where the inexperience of the group is evident in the execution of certain ideas. 4. **Overlooked Upon Release**: Despite its innovation, the album was somewhat overlooked upon its initial release. It did not achieve the same level of commercial success as other albums of the time, and its influence was not immediately recognized. This means that its impact was somewhat delayed, and it took time for the album to be fully appreciated. 5. **Lack of Phife Dawg Presence**: Phife Dawg, who would become a more prominent voice in the group's later albums, has a relatively limited presence on this album. This results in a somewhat unbalanced vocal dynamic, with Q-Tip dominating most of the tracks. ### **Conclusion** "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" is a seminal album that helped to shape the future of hip-hop. Its innovative production, clever lyrics, and pioneering blend of genres set it apart from its contemporaries and laid the groundwork for A Tribe Called Quest's later successes. While the album has its flaws, including uneven production quality and a lack of depth in some of its themes, its influence on hip-hop and music in general cannot be denied. The album's positive outlook and creative approach to storytelling and production opened new possibilities for what hip-hop could be. It stands as a testament to the group's creativity and vision and remains an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolution of hip-hop. As the album's influence continues to be felt, it is clear that "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" is not just a milestone in A Tribe Called Quest's career, but in the history of hip-hop as a whole.

4.75

Why does every song so aggressively cut off I don’t LIKE it

The baby intro was weird to start with at 7am on a friday. The first song is nearly 8mins long, I ended up giving up half way through the song and didn't listen to the rest of the album.

Outstanding. Never heard anything other than can I kick it but by god this was amazing.

Fluid. Innovative. Rap perfection.

Just not my kind of music

Honestly, I listened to this yesterday and it was OK. Nothing stood out apart from the game of working out what's been sampled. I knew Description of a Fool and Can I kick It? but a whole album of more or less the same thing? Nah. I'm 60 already. Time is short and I can't see how this is one of the albums I have to listen to before I die.

Very laid back and funky

Finally something that was worth listening to unlike the previous shites. First few songs were quite good (lyrics and beat wise)

meh. Had 1 good song. not my cup of tea

Ah, the times where hiphop was funky and rap didn’t go deeper than “I went to the store and bought a hat”

I liked "can I kick it?" , the rest is not really for me

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

not terrible but not impressive

Unbearable

That frog remix deserves five stars though. Quack quack quack!

A very chill and groovy take on the hip-hop genre that I wasn't expecting. It's one of the best in the genre – certainly in the decade. (Though it doesn't have much competition.) Nice to see Ghana's flag on the cover representing the deep African roots found in nearly all American music. The beats and riffs behind the vocals in nearly every track are excellent – so much so that I would've loved to have this album be instrumental, or even better, have a soulful/rocky singing vocal rather than a rapping one. The guitars and bass in particular really stand out. I'm not a fan of the sampling at all. Even though the source material is great (Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Beatles... dang), the actual licks are sloppily edited into the beginning of their respective tracks and not really integrated into the song. It's like the band's saying, "Hey geezers, we like your music too! Please give us money." And, like I mentioned above, the vocal just don't cut it here. We need some kind of melody to make this music memorable and singable, otherwise it just comes across as trend-riding dreck designed to appease the hip-hop crowds of the era. 3/5 Key tracks: Luck of Lucien, After Hours, Can I Kick It?

Repetitive rhythm with juvenile lyrics. Sounds like a middle school poetry assignment done the night before due date.

This is a group I had heard of but never heard. I really appreciated it and how well it was written. Rap gets so bogged down but tittes, drugs and how amazing the rapper things he is so I always really appreciate rappers that go beyond the obvious and talk about deeper topics and do it so flawlessly and effortlessly. This was a great example of an album and group that did that. Titties, drugs and their egos may have been included but they all had purpose and reason, not just because it sells records. Overall great album.

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!

Music is really great, but the vocal performance definitely dates this album. 3.5 stars for me.

When it comes to old-school hip-hop, I’ve often pointed out how a lot of it hasn’t aged particularly well. But this album is an exception—it’s definitely held up better than most from its time. It may not have the same energy and punch as some of the other records that dropped around the same period, but that’s exactly what makes it timeless. The lyrics are more thought-provoking, and the production has a jazzy, laid-back, smooth vibe that plays to its strengths. While it might not have aged perfectly, I find myself coming back to this album far more often than other releases from the same era.

Great debut, great beats and great bars. Set the standard for future quest records. Loved it

This album had a lot of personality, I'm not usually a rap person but this was kind of fun

Stone wall hip hop classic.

When it comes to old-school hip-hop, I’ve often pointed out how a lot of it hasn’t aged particularly well. But this album is an exception—it’s definitely held up better than most from its time. It may not have the same energy and punch as some of the other records that dropped around the same period, but that’s exactly what makes it timeless. The lyrics are more thought-provoking, and the production has a jazzy, laid-back, smooth vibe that plays to its strengths. While it might not have aged perfectly, I find myself coming back to this album far more often than other releases from the same era.

Erm, it’s not bad, it’s kind of catchy, I knew one of the songs. They like to start their songs with intros from other peoples music. It was ok.

This muthafuckas Jamin’. Was not expecting Bonita Applebum to be the original sample for Fugees Killin Me Softly.

Oh dear. more hip hop. The album is a bit too long.

Some good bars and beats but the overall feel is pretty chill. Im giving this a three even though I have a like or two on here.

153/1001

Now this is a hip-hop group that belongs on this list! A Tribe Called Quest is arguably the most acclaimed hip-hop group that I've gotten an album from so far. They're certainly up there. Here we have their debut album. I've been getting a lot of those lately. Does this album hold up? Yeah. I'd say it does. This is a pretty good album right here. It's definitely one of the better hip-hop albums I've gotten so far. The beats are great. There's an element of light jazziness that gives this album a different vibe in comparison to other acts of the time. And you know what? I like that. Of course, the jazz elements apparently end up increasing in later albums of theirs, including their most acclaimed album, and this album's followup, The Low End Theory. I'll have to hear that for myself whenever this generator decides to give me that album though as it fortunately also appears on this list. Another thing that apparently increases on later Tribe albums is the presence of members that aren't Q-Tip. Despite being a group, the vocals in this album primarily come from Tribe's de facto leader, Q-Tip. While he does a great job and I can see why he's the leader, I did enjoy Phife Dawg's verses and hope to hear more of him on The Low End Theory. The writing on this album is also solid. It's a nice album. Songs like "Can I Kick It?" showcase the joys of music quite well. The album's closer "Description of a Fool" is an entertaining call-out making fun of abusive boyfriends. "Ham 'N' Eggs" is about healthy eating. Everything comes together to make an album that's fun but also a bit chill. It's a mellow fun, you know? Good album. Low 4/5.

could i write poetry to this? y

Much more my speed

Great fucking album. Had previously heard some music from A Tribe Called Quest but never really had the chance to do a discography dive into their work. Glad this site gave me a reason to listen to more.

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

Tribe is awesome...but I am a bigger fan of other albums. I left my wallet in el segundo and can I kick it are the clear winners of this album. You know, I think I was just put off by the first long song on this album, it is actually better than I was originally thinking.

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.

I liked it more than I thought I would, but it's not really my cup of tea

Fedt album men det tidligere jeg hørte The Low end theory var lidt federe. Jeg kan gost lide de benytter andre musik elementer af tidligere kunstnere i musikken

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, released in 1990, marks the innovative debut of A Tribe Called Quest. The album showcases the group's unique rap flow, blending smooth, conversational delivery with thoughtful lyrics. Tracks like I Left My Wallet in El Segundo hint at the band's future direction, combining storytelling with a laid-back vibe. The album's production, characterized by eclectic samples and jazz influences, sets it apart, though the backing music can sometimes feel less polished compared to the vocals. Songs such as Bonita Applebum and Can I Kick It? highlight the group's ability to create catchy, memorable hooks. However, the album occasionally suffers from repetitive beats and less dynamic instrumental arrangements. Despite this, the overall cohesion and originality make it a significant entry in the hip-hop genre. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 3 STAND OUT TRACK - I Left My Wallet in El Segundo

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.

Good I guess. For hiphop. Mediocre but full of itself.

For a second I was going into this thinking it was The Roots. Not sure if there is any relationship there or if I'm being ignorant, but at any rate. This album had some good moments. A few of the beats I could swear are sampled from or in other songs, upon review of some notes it seems that is fairly common amongst their songs. With the samples providing some familiarity and the general casualness of the lyrics helps make this a good chill out album. Not really anything super heavy about Ham N Eggs, and it's good to have some albums like this. Not really my style but it wasn't that bad. Favorite track "Footprints" 2.5/5

Classic hip hop

Liked this, very smooth

A bit of good hip hop, no complaints here.

If I am going to listen to hip hop, this is the type of album I’d choose: lots of energy, positive, and a bit silly.

It's fine.

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.

It’s probably a crime to say this because of how influential these guys are, but it was boring. I swear at one point a dude was rapping about buying a sandwich.

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

Killer album.

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.

song reco: can i kick it, ham n' eggs ⭐⭐⭐⭐ not my thing but they got the vibes.

The little outros actually got me super hyped just by hearing the enthusiasm. A good 'eyyyy' goes a long way! Today's winner is the 'yo, what's wrong with snails?' panning like crazy between my ears haha. I am also confused, am I being told a fairy tale about STDs?? I think I'm having fun but it's bizarre. Bonita Applebum seems to be a man trying to proposition a lady in a board room of friends who keep agreeing with him.. the random sitar isn't even the weirdest sample in there. you know the one I'm on about... WHO came up with Ham & Eggs?!? idk if it's brilliant or stupid. just yelling 'bridge! whOOO' General vibe for me is bemused and ocassionally delighted in the chaos

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.

Oh, this sounds fresh. This is why I like this project because knowing very little about hip hop, I get introduced to some great albums. I like the teases of other songs (footprints intro, can i kick it). 4* Highlights: luck of lucien, can i kick it

I really enjoyed this one. Not sure I will revisit it ever but it was a good listen. Not obnoxious, it was catchy. Great 90s hip hop. Wonder if other records were as good.

This music sucks. Not just Tribe Called Quest. The whole genre.

Although I realize this out them on the map, I like their next two albums much more. Maybe the sampling of familiar songs runs me the wrong way.

All over the place

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

Cool Favorite tracks: Luck of Lucien, I left my wallet in El Segundo

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.

Definitely a very mid album, nothing interesting happened. I started listening to this at 7am on a Monday and the first song was a baby crying, which was very annoying, so that was already a bad start. Then the people were just talking about stuff but I guess it was decent for a background listen if you are not really paying too much attention.

Quality as expected 4*

good but not great songs.

Can i kick it?

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.

Previously rated: The Low End Theory (3/5) ******************************** The music is fine, good beats, outdated rapping style. Lyrics not at smart as people seem to think, but I'm so glad they aren't rapping about guns, drugs, violence and n-words. I could play it with kids in the car, for the most part. I might skip the one about STDs. The appeal is still somewhat limited as they talk about Afrocentrism multiple times, which just isn't very engaging to me.

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

Doesn’t do it for me, sounds too dated

Good beats, good vocal delivery

Awesome album, would recommend.

Great flows on the album. Some songs may drag a bit, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the listen

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).

I really cannot feel anything listening to the heroes of conscious hip hop. It‘s so boring that I‘d rather listen to some white noise like a distant vacuume cleaner.

As someone who is a fan of The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, I've surprisingly never made it around to listening to ATCQ's debut. I enjoyed this as the production is crisp and you can see they are starting to develop their classic sound. The downsides are the lyrics and flows are definitely dated and this feels more like a Q-Tip album with Phife Dawg only providing features. One of the things I love about their later releases is Q-Tip and Phife Dawg going back and forth and neither of them dominating the stage.

La producción es alternativa, con su lírica a veces con diálogos. Muy buenos beats. Le daría 4.8, ¿tal vez después 5?

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

If I need some nice, smooth R&B-flavored rap, this would be a good option.

Classic, old school rap of the wholesome variety. A very fun listen!

Kinda fun! I Left My Wallet in El Segundo and Bonita Applebum were my favorites! Pretty clever lyricists!

evidently important for hip hop, but i didnt vibe with it as much YNN

Less funky than other quest and not as pumped up at jurassic 5

A beautiful album from the masters of the craft.

I enjoyed this a lot. Somehow A Tribe Called Quest passed me by at the time though I was into De La Soul and similar groups. This is one I will return to.

Enjoyed but beyond the classics a lot of it does not stick in your brain even after repeated listens.

Creative fun rhymes

Super fun listen, the beats and samples were really cool

I love the vibe of this album. So many good songs.

Absolute must for any hip hop fan. 6/5

it was easily the best album i have gotten so far and i have not been doing this for that long only 3 days but this is a very good album, i would listen to it again. 4/5

The beats were the highlight here and I love Q-Tips flow. The improv stuff where they keep the tape rolling doesn’t yield much. Ultimately very cool for the year.

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

Classic powerhouse album. A good listen,

Non male, ma neanche troppo bene,

Fun lyrics and wordplay over jazzy New York beats. Psychedelic and funky. Their style definitely feels underdeveloped, especially compared to the next two albums they would release. Not my favorite tribe album, but still good.

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.

Interesante

Old school rap +

Really solid album - great beats, fun samples, and awesome lyrics that you would expect from such a hugely influential early 90s rap/hip-hop group. Incredible how many artists were clearly influenced by them.

I like hip hop, and this is just ok. It didn’t blow my mind at all?

Cool

First half is an absolute banger, the second half... just as good!

Bop after bop. Isaac (1.5 y/o) is bobbin and dancin along the whole album

It’s alright

旧派嘻哈

Vibin all the way through. Doesn’t get much cooler than this. 8.5/10

1 hours 18 mins seemed a little self-indulgent. Some good rhythms.

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!

Honestly, this was fun. Heard a riff I knew but never knew where it was from.

Loved it.

Liked a few things - low key, laid back mood, smooth delivery But the repetition got old fast. I never want to hear the sentence ‘I left my wallet in el segundo” or the name “Bonita applebum” again.

Worth a listen.

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

Good.

-love the drums -love Tip's flow -samples are used so nicely -influential -lyrics are also great -not the most consistent tho, but still the "worst" track on this albus is also a great song -production in general is dope -the baby crying on "Push It Along" as a metaphor for the group being born is just pure genius! -favourite songs: Push It Along, Luck For Lucien, Footprints, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It? (<3), Rhythm, Description Of A Fool (<3) -least favourite song: Ham 'n' Eggs

This is one of the greatest hip-hop albums. The moment I heard it for the first time, I instantly liked it

Natuurlijk 5/5