A Tribe Called Quest - People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

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 Amazon.com essential recording

Great album defining a lost generation of Rap art

Ok, all you young thugs cranking the same "holla" raps need to listen up. I used to love Hip Hop. Then it got played out, thug heavy, uncreative and plutocracized (look it up bitches)by P-Ditty and Wu-Family schlock. Nothing can compare to Tribe Called Quest at their peak. This album was the pinnacle of stylistic raps, groovy rhythms and a track lineage that works as a full album.
They dont make them like this anymore. August 12, 2008

People's Instinctive Travels and The Paths of Rhythm

Tribe is one of the best hip-hop (and I mean real hip-hop not what passes for it these days) groups of all time. Great album, what else can I say? April 13, 2008

The Soundtrack for life's defining moments

It's hard to summarize the power of this album in a simple album review. These artists understand the power of communication and they use it effectively. The tracks on this CD are so deep and multi-layered that I still find myself discovering new words and sounds almost 15 years later.

To put it in perspective, I purchased this CD 3 times and I'd buy it again if I had to.

Purchase one: Cassette tape. I listened to it so many times it got warped.
Purchase two: another cassette tape (I STILL didn't have a CD player yet)
Purchase three: CD

If you love strong beats and music with a positive, yet real message you'll groove on this CD. March 20, 2008

The greatest rap album of all time

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is the best rap album ever created. This is why:

1.No one ever will make an album as jazzy and smooth as this. It bleeds with cool, wit, and vibes. Listen to those samples, the beats, the way they are composed. The smooth jazz guitars of Push it Along and a cool wit of After Hours. The only thing I would call dope is this.

2.Tribe cared about everything. The artwork is a freakin' work of art.
The music is, the videos. I don't even care about this stuff!

3.At times, this is actual jazz rap. Many artists have tried to do that,
but failed. Push it Along actually sounds like jazz and hip hop, mixed seamlessly.

4.Where else do you find a love song for rap, that brims with emotion? Soulja Girl? I don't think so. Or emotion like this in general? The beats and rapping have them too? You bet. Listen closely to After Hours, Description of a Fool, Bonita Applebum, Footprints, and Those songs have a lot. Listen to everything. And they put songs like Mr. Muhammad and Go Ahead in The Rain. They balance things? COOL.

5.As a matter of fact, Tribe go through some of the most character filled raps ever. Playful, no nonsense, funny, sultry, cool, positive. Ever noticed how Push It Along's beat at the beginning is dark as night?

6.Least danceable rap album ever. Rolling Stone said that. After Hours? Rhythm (Dedicated to the Art of Moving Butts)? Push It Along? Sure, you can't dance Hammertime or Vanilla Ice (like that's saying anything), but who says you can't dance your own style? Variety in dance? You dang right, people at the dances I go to (oh, wait, I'm done with that ______).

7. I consider Eric B. minor compared to this Muhammad guy. And all respect for the legendary Eric B. and Rakim.

8.Wait a sec? What are some of these songs about? You mean, the greatest hip hop album has some messages and lines still waiting to be discovered? That means the music has been so compelling, I merely just listened to the music the most. Heck yes!

9.The concept of the gospel group. What other rap album has a gospel format? More rap artists should pull off stuff like this. It just feels more complete. Of course, it's rhythm based with positive messages. You'll be feeling on top of the world in no time.

10.Every song on here is a classic, the beats are one of a kind, and it's my favorite rap album and set the bar on what I consider a good rap album. I give high praises to artists that makes every other artists in their genre (or close to similar) have their bar lowered (Amon Tobin), and an album is even more impressive. The whole rap genre, as a matter of fact. And THAT, is impressive. When does THAT happen for people?

11. It has it all. Thanks to George Carlin (hilarious comedian) for pointing out something in his Ten Commandments banter.

This suffers from hyperbole, I know. Oh wait, in your eyes if it does.

10/10 January 21, 2008

GET IT

I first heard the track "Footsteps", from this album, on my cousin's turntable (he's a DJ) when I was 18.

I HAD to know who made it and I got it the first week before i went to university. Their sound was jazzy and their flow was dynamic. I fell in love with Q-Tip, Fife and most definitely Mr. Muhammad.

My favorites would be "Push It Along", "Footsteps", "Bonita Applebaum" (although I like the remix version best), "Go Ahead in the Rain" and "Description of a Fool"

If you have any appreciation for hip hop or want to know what good hip hop is (not most of the BS currently in rotation), get it.

October 1, 2007

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