One of the most intelligent, ground-breaking rap groups of the 90's, ATCQ was THE alternative to the late gangster rap movement that was taking place at this time. Beyond bragging about mic skills and abusing women, Tribe confronted issues such as date rape and the record industry in general. The sound carried a definite jazz influence and a hypnotic array of samples and basslines. The group debuted in 1989 and immediately appealed to both hip hop afficianados as well as the new "alternative" group that was finding their niche at the time. Q-Tip and Phife (the groups two MC's) grew up together in Queens, NY, and Q-Tip met DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad while in high school.
The group went on to produce four albums: People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory, Midnight Marauders, and The Love Movement. Many considered The Low End Theory to be quintessential Tribe, and believed that they could never top this effort, despite the solid follow ups. After the group disbanded in 1998, Q-Tip released Amplified, his solo album, and Phife is working on a solo project as well. |
