A Tribe Called Quest is one of the most influential and innovative groups in hip hop history. The group, consisting of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White, formed in 1985 in Queens, New York, and became part of the Native Tongues collective, which also included De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, and Queen Latifah.
A Tribe Called Quest is known for their eclectic and experimental sound, which fused jazz, funk, soul, and rock samples with witty and socially conscious lyrics. The group also challenged the stereotypes and conventions of mainstream hip hop, by embracing their individuality, diversity, and creativity.
The group released six studio albums, all of which are considered classics in the genre. Their debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, was released in 1990 and introduced their signature style and themes. Their second album, The Low End Theory, was released in 1991 and is widely regarded as one of the best hip hop albums of all time, featuring the hit single “Scenario” with Busta Rhymes. Their third album, Midnight Marauders, was released in 1993 and continued their artistic and commercial success, featuring the singles “Award Tour” and “Electric Relaxation”.
The group’s fourth album, Beats, Rhymes and Life, was released in 1996 and marked a change in their sound and direction, as they incorporated more production from The Ummah, a collective that included Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and J Dilla. The album was darker and more introspective than their previous works, and received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Their fifth album, The Love Movement, was released in 1998 and was their last album before their initial breakup. The album was a return to their more upbeat and positive vibe, but also reflected their growing tensions and frustrations as a group.
The group reunited in 2004 for a series of live shows and festival appearances, and in 2006 they released a documentary film, Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, directed by Michael Rapaport, which chronicled their history and legacy. In 2015, the group recorded their sixth and final album, We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, which was released in 2016, following the death of Phife Dawg from complications of diabetes. The album was a tribute to their fallen member and a farewell to their fans, featuring guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Kanye West, and more. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
A Tribe Called Quest is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative groups in hip hop history, and has inspired countless artists across genres and generations. The group has received numerous accolades and honors, including four Grammy nominations, a Billboard Music Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, a VH1 Hip Hop Honor, and a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame1. The group has also been praised by Rolling Stone, The Source, Spin, Pitchfork, and other publications as one of the greatest and most important groups of all time. A Tribe Called Quest is more than just a group, they are a movement, a culture, and a legacy.
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