Tribe Called Quest People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm Genres:Jazz, Pop, Rap & Hip-Hop, R&B People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is, quite simply, one of the finest albums in hip-hop. It's easy to argue that A Tribe Called Quest reached their zenith on this, their debut album: though they went on ... more »to produce another world-class disc (The Low End Theory) and broadened their palates and their consciousness, never again were they quite this naturally free and easy. Q-Tip and Phife's delivery is deceptively simple, flowing like wine and tasting like candy, and Jairobi adds some contrast. The music, so self-assured that it never raises its voice to make a spectacle, follows suit. Four albums later, on their last tour, songs from Paths of Rhythm still were at the top of the set list. --Randy Silver« less
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is, quite simply, one of the finest albums in hip-hop. It's easy to argue that A Tribe Called Quest reached their zenith on this, their debut album: though they went on to produce another world-class disc (The Low End Theory) and broadened their palates and their consciousness, never again were they quite this naturally free and easy. Q-Tip and Phife's delivery is deceptively simple, flowing like wine and tasting like candy, and Jairobi adds some contrast. The music, so self-assured that it never raises its voice to make a spectacle, follows suit. Four albums later, on their last tour, songs from Paths of Rhythm still were at the top of the set list. --Randy Silver
"Quite possibly the finest album in hip hop history. When Tribe came onto the scene in the late 80's, no one in hip hop were the using the type of beats they employed. By mixing jazz and smooth R & B, they created a totally original and innovative sound that still sounds fresh ten years later. Q-Tip is the best MC in the business and has a voice as sweet as honey. He and Phife mesh perfectly together. There is not a bad song on the album and standouts include "Push It Along", "Luck Of Lucien" & "Can I Kick It?". Tribe preach a message of positivity and pride in yourself and your culture. This album was a breath of fresh air amid all the negative vibes and anger that was coming from the hip hop community at the time. This album has stood the test of time and nothing that has come along in hip hop has yet to match it. This is not only a hip hop masterpiece, but a musical masterpiece and it can be compared with the greats of any genre."
The Beginning Of One Of Hip-Hop's Greatest Groups.
Thomas Magnum | 06/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Do you remember when a little crew called the Native Tongues stepped onto the hip-hop scene? Sure you do. Do you remember the last group to drop a debut LP? Yep, it was A Tribe Called Quest. Did this LP change the face of hip-hop? Yes. Did this LP get the recognition it deserved? Nope. Does this LP have both strong lyrics and beats? Of course. Does this album have any hits? Yes, there's "Bonita Applebum", "Can I Kick It?", "Footprints", "Push It Along", "Description Of A Fool", etc. Are there any filler tracks? Not one. Is this album just as good as The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders? Damn right. When should you get this album? RIGHT NOW!"
CLASSIC , What more can I say ?
Thomas Magnum | 08/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is the first of the classic material put out by TRIBE . I must have single-handedly put at least every hip-hop fan I knew up on this cd in 90 . This group set the baseline for putting out good quality music . A tribe called quest " Best hip-hop group of all-time "."
Enter the Kings of hip-hop
Sean Daly | Newton, NJ United States | 11/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is easily on the top 50 list of best rap albums of all time. The best thing about that is that it's not even Tribe's best album. The only better debut in hip-hop history is De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising".The intro to the first track, "Push It Along", immediately lets the listener know that this is not your average rap album. It's also not your average Tribe album. This is the only record that has Tribe as a whole. Jarobi's interludes are the only evidence that A Tribe Called Quest actually has (had) four members. The interludes also add an extra and unique quality to the album. They make it seem to be somewhat of a "concept album".Overall, the reason this album is so good is Q-Tip. He shines on every song. His flow is fantastic and his voice is at its most innocent. This album is also the best example of his and Tribe's good-naturedness and playfulness. From "Luck of Lucien" to "Ham and Eggs", the flat-out bizarre style of story-telling is a welcome addition to the hip-hop community.Phife's contribution to this album is a lot smaller than it is on future releases, but, in a way, makes his parts better. "Can I Kick It" in particular shows how well he compliments the crew. The back-and-forth flow between him and Q-Tip on "Ham and Eggs" is also a good example of this.Also a key feature to this album is Ali's scratching technique. Although some of his later productions are better, these are pretty damn good, and the inclusion of his scratching makes them better.Included on this disc are two bonus tracks that are every bit as worthy of bein on this album as any of the other ones on it. "Go Ahead In the Rain" is one of Tip's best solos, and "Description of a Fool" shows off Ali's ability of combining several different samples to create a really great song.Bottom line: This is a turning point in rap's history. If you don't already own this album, buy it now!"
One of a kind group!
Darryl Maurice Scott Jr. | Bronx, NY United States | 07/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a definetly a timeless classic. Even up to this day I pump it in my stereo! They don't make rap music like that anymore. 'TRIBE' possessed a talent and an ability that very few rap artists have.Today, hip-hop can sometimes sound monotonous, but on this album 'instintive tavels' they showed the world that it's alright to be different;it's alright to'be off the beaten path'. When you listen to songs like 'FOOTPRINTS' and 'DESCRIPTION OF A FOOL' you can hear that they were educating the urban youths of that time (especially black youths as I was at the time) to love and stick by each other;to be proud; not to be engrossed in violence toward each other like so many of young black people today are in. This album is not just for black youths, it's for anyone who loves pure, unadulterated hip-hop, with a twist. That 'twist' is something that can't be explained, it's something they've mastered. Something they've unknowingly mastered.It's a talent they were born with. This album has an innocence and humor such as on the track 'BONITA APPLEBUM'in which the artist Q-TIP rhymes about escapades with the female persuasion, and yet there are songs like 'PUBLIC ENEMY'that put us back in check. And who can forget the classic 'Can I kick it.' I miss these guys! The group is not together anymore, but they are immortal through this album they left us and four others that are great as well. Thanx Q-tip, Phife, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi, for broadening our conciousness, giving us a fly beats and lyrics with substance and meaning!"