Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory
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Artist: Tribe Called QuestBrand: TRIBE CALLED QUEST
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1991-09-24
Music Label: Jive
Soundtracks:
- Excursions
- Buggin' Out
- Rap Promoter
- Butter
- Verses From The Abstract
- Show Business
- Vibes and Stuff
- The Infamous Date Rape
- Check The Rhime
- Everything Is Fair
- Jazz (We've Got)
- Skypager
- What?
- Scenario
Music reviews of The Low End Theory
Music Review: The Low End Theory
Rating: 5 Stars
I don't know very much about rap. Up until recently, I had no sympathy or understanding for rap. Even now, I couldn't tell you the difference between hip hop and rap. But I do know that this is one of those albums that transcends its genre. This and other albums proves that not all rap is crap and that there are respectable rap artists out there(especially if you look far enough back in time).
The Low End Theory melds jazz, funk and rap. What really stands out to me is the use of upright bass performed by Ron Carter. Great basslines. When the basslines perfectly lock in with the funky beats(listen to Buggin Out), you have a recipe for success. Not to downplay the role of the actual rappers. Phife Dawg and Q-Tip drop some cool lines. Q-Tip is probably the better of the two rappers.
The lyrics here are important as they are in any rap album. A Tribe Called Quest refrains from gangster arrogance. In contrast, they exude a level of intelligence and refinement that was missing from their west coast counterparts. The lyrics also have a playful and funloving quality. There's profanity, but its not excessive. A variety of topics are covered here from outrage at the music and rap industry (Show Business, Rap Promoter, a couple lines of Check the Rhime), music(Excursions, Vibe and Stuff, Jazz), women(butter, The Infamous Date rape)and others.
Making this album a classic is its collection of top notch rap songs. A funky churning bassline opens up the album on "Excursions". Q-Tip drops some cool verses on this one. I like the jazzy instrumentation on the chorus. "Buggin Out" starts out with a great bassline that works perfectly with the drums and some cool rapping by Q-Tip and Phife. One of the highlights. "Rap Promoter" is an attack on the rap industry and its trickery. The beat has another great bassline(notice a pattern), beat and some rhythmic wah wah guitar distortion. "Butter" is a smooth number about women. The jazzy chorus is a highlight. "Verses from the Abstract" namechecks many area NY rappers and drops some insightful lyrics about the black condition in America. I love the vocal melody in the chorus. "Show Business" is another high energy attack on the music industry. "Vibes and Stuff" is a jazzy number that pays tribute to slain NY rappers. "Infamous Date Rape" is a song about its title. Not one of the huge highlights for me but its still solid. "Check the Rhime" hits with its funky trumpet line and smooth verses wit Q-Tip and Phife Dawg trading off lines. Q-Tip has some pretty good lines about the music industry in this one. "Industry rule number four thousand and eighty, record company people are shady." "Everything is Fair" is a Q-Tip solo with a great funky intro/chorus. "Jazz" is aptly titled. The music is smooth as Q-Tip's voice. The next two tracks "Skypager" and "What?" are solid funky songs. What? has some pretty cool lyrics. The finale is the classic "Scenario". The great soft bass and drum beat form a solid foundation for the rapping. Phife Dawg kicks it off with a great verse. This leads into the highlight of the song, an awesome verse from Charlie Brown. "Boom bip with a brother named Tip and we're ready to flip East coast stompin, rippin and rompin New York, North Cak-a-laka, and Compton Checka-checka-check it out!" The song closes with a memorable performance by Busta Rhymes. HIGHLIGHTS: Buggin Out, Butter, Rap Promoter, Show Business, Check the Rhime abd the Scenario.
All in all, this is a great album not to be missed by any rap or hip hop fan, or anyone with an open mind. The jazzy, funky sound of this album was never duplicated. The Low End Theory is an album with lasting value. It has stood the test of time and won't be discarded like much of the disposable music that populates the radio nowadays. A Classic album that helped me (along with Public Enemy and others) gain a more open mind toward rap. Highly Recommended.
Description of The Low End Theory
No Description AvailableNo Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: TRIBE CALLED QUEST
Title: LOW END THEORY
Street Release Date: 09/24/1991
Genre: RAP/HIP HOP
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