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A Tribe Called Quest The Low End Theory

Jive | Item No: 24544
CD | 1991 / EU – Original | New
17,99 €
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Item Description
The Low End Theory is the second studio album by A Tribe Called Quest, released on September 24, 1991. Widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, it marked a significant moment in the genre, blending elements of jazz with boom-bap beats, and pioneering what would become the cornerstone of alternative hip-hop.

The album is known for its innovative fusion of jazz samples with minimalist hip-hop beats, creating a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible. Unlike the dense, layered production of many contemporary hip-hop records, The Low End Theory focuses on space and simplicity, with deep basslines and crisp drum patterns.
Q-Tip (Kamaal Ibn John Fareed) and Phife Dawg (Malik Taylor) trade verses over the jazzy instrumentals, creating a unique vocal dynamic, where Q-Tip’s smooth, philosophical tone contrasts with Phife Dawg’s more playful, energetic style.
Ali Shaheed Muhammad handled the DJing and production, contributing to the overall smooth, laid-back vibe of the album.

Lyrically, The Low End Theory covers a wide range of topics, including Afrocentricity, Black identity, the music industry, and the state of hip-hop culture at the time.
The album is both introspective and socially conscious, with songs like “Excursions” reflecting on the evolution of hip-hop and its roots in jazz, while “Check the Rhime” is a more playful celebration of the group’s rise in the rap scene.
“Jazz (We’ve Got)” explicitly pays homage to the connection between hip-hop and jazz, reinforcing the album’s central theme of blending the two genres.

"Excursions" – The opening track, which features Q-Tip reflecting on the history of music and the parallels between jazz and hip-hop. It sets the tone for the album’s jazz-influenced sound.
"Check the Rhime" – One of the album’s lead singles, this track is an upbeat, braggadocious song that showcases the chemistry between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, with its catchy hook and memorable horn sample.
"Scenario" – A high-energy posse cut featuring Leaders of the New School, including a young Busta Rhymes, who delivers one of his most iconic verses. The song is a standout due to its explosive energy and rapid-fire lyricism.
"Jazz (We’ve Got)" – This track serves as a tribute to the connection between jazz and hip-hop, with a smooth, mellow beat that perfectly complements Q-Tip and Phife Dawg’s lyrical flows.
"Butter" – A Phife Dawg showcase, this track finds him reflecting on relationships with wit and humor, over a funky, bass-heavy beat.

The Low End Theory was not just a commercial success, reaching #45 on the Billboard 200, but it also had a profound influence on the direction of 90s hip-hop. Its emphasis on live instrumentation and jazz influences inspired countless artists, including The Roots, Common, and Kendrick Lamar.
The album is widely considered one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, often appearing in "greatest albums" lists. It was instrumental in defining the alternative rap movement and proved that hip-hop could be both musically sophisticated and commercially viable.
The fusion of jazz and hip-hop on The Low End Theory created a template for the genre’s future evolution, especially with its influence on the development of neo-soul and jazz rap in the following years.

The Low End Theory is a landmark album that changed the landscape of hip-hop. Its minimalist production, jazz influences, and thoughtful lyricism continue to resonate today, and its impact on the genre remains undeniable. A Tribe Called Quest created a timeless record that pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, showing that the genre could be introspective, artistic, and intellectually engaging while still maintaining mass appeal.
Item Details
Item No: 24544
Artist: A Tribe Called Quest
Title: The Low End Theory
Label: Jive
Format: CD
Pressing: EU – Original
Release Date: 1991
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: US Hip Hop
Available since: 2005-01-06
Condition: New
Price: 17,99 €
Weight: 100g (plus 250g Packaging)
Tracklist
01 Excursions
02 Buggin' Out
03 Rap Promoter
04 Butter
05 Verses From The Abstract
06 Show Business
07 Vibes And Stuff
08 The Infamous Date Rape
09 Check The Rhime
10 Everything Is Fair
11 Jazz (We've Got)
12 Skypager
13 What?
14 Scenario
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