A Tribe Called Quest People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm

Songs on this reissue literally run the gamut, from early singles (the hits “I Left My Wallet In El Segundo” and “Can I Kick It?”) to flirty and infectious (“Bonita Appelbum”), in addition to mixing in non-preachy social messages, as on “Push It Along” (about staying positive in a chaotic world) and “Pubic Enemy” (about STDs and the importance of safe sex). Deeper album cuts like “Luck Of Lucien” and “Youthful Expression” show wisdom beyond their years, going beyond brags to explore personal relationships and days in their own lives. With soul- and jazz-inflected, expertly constructed beats to propel their words and thoughts, it was an unmistakably powerful combination.

Lyrically Q-Tip and Phife played off each other perfectly, which is not surprising considering that they had been friends since elementary school. Ali Shaheed masterfully manned the decks, while adding crucial audio seasoning to production. And Jarobi, who would later become a professional chef, was the secret ingredient early-on, pushing the group along in the studio and adding energy to their early live shows.

Presented in this very special “45s Box” edition, the 16 sides here – with a sequence set in collaboration with the group – are not in exact order of the original album sequence. “Luck Of Lucien,” for instance, has been re-created as a two part suite in this edition. And “Footprints” moves from earlier-on, to the final side.

Additionally, there is one rare bonus song, “If The Papes Come,” which was the B-Side to the “Can I Kick It?” single. Also, three songs here – “Pubic Enemy”; “Go Ahead In The Rain”; and “Description Of A Fool” – were only included on CD and Cassette pressings of the original album, not the original LP. All songs in this new pressing have been remastered by legendary engineer Bob Power, who engineered and/or mixed all five of the group’s albums, in addition to many other hitmakers of the era.