A Tribe Called Quest, an influential group in the hip-hop genre, navigated the music scene with an unorthodox and profound take on rap, blending jazz-inflected soundscapes with thought-provoking lyrics. The group was formed in Queens, New York, in 1985, and consisted of core members Q-Tip (Kamaal Ibn John Fareed), Phife Dawg (Malik Izaak Taylor), and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. DJ and producer Jarobi White was also an intermittent member throughout the group's trajectory. Their unique sound was built on a bedrock of Afrocentric lyrics and rhythms, encapsulated by Q-Tip's smooth, mellow flow and Phife Dawg's punchy, self-assured verbal sparring.

A Tribe Called Quest soared to prominence with their groundbreaking albums, including 'The Low End Theory' (1991) and 'Midnight Marauders' (1993), which are often cited among the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The group's music was both a celebration of hip-hop's roots and a bold step into its future, infusing their tracks with elements of social critique, personal introspection, and a rich blend of samples that paid homage to a diverse musical lineage. Following their earlier successes, the group continued to release acclaimed projects such as 'Beats, Rhymes & Life' (1996) and 'The Love Movement' (1998), before taking an extended hiatus. They made a robust return with their final album, "We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service" (2016), released after the untimely death of Phife Dawg. The album was celebrated as a fitting coda to their legacy, addressing modern social issues with the same intelligent, layered lyricism and vibrant soundscapes that had marked their storied career.

Genres

Conscious Hip Hop

East Coast Hip Hop

Golden Age Hip Hop

Hip Hop

Jazz Rap

Queens Hip Hop

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De La Soul

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The Roots

Common

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LL COOL J

Gang Starr

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Talib Kweli

Black Star

The Notorious B.I.G.

Busta Rhymes

Latest Release

We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service

A Tribe Called Quest

Album - 16 Tracks - Released November 11, 2016