Throwback: People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm by A Tribe Called Quest
- Killjoy Reviews
- Aug 28, 2020
- 2 min read
By Dylan Shulman
The 2015 25th Anniversary Edition of the trailblazing rap group's first album brings a remixed and remastered record with all the 90's flavor still packed inside. Main trio Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and part-time host Jarobi deliver clear and cool rap over jazz-infused beats non-stop over the duration of the album. Catchy hooks, clever storytelling roll over every smooth instrumental, pioneering the alternative hip-hop and jazz rap genre that new school artists like Mac Miller and Mick Jenkins occupy. As a 19-year-old white kid I'm sure much of the historical and cultural resonance of the album within hip-hop at the time are likely lost on me, however I still find and enjoy the creativity and wit on this project. The Tribe talks about societal plagues (ones that still remain today: "The pigs are wearing blue, and in a year or two, we'll be going up the creek in a great big canoe"), dieting, pretty women, STDs, and always, rhythm and funk. Oh, and Tribe was doing "After Hours" before it was cool. My favorite tracks are "Luck of Lucien," Bonita Applebum," "Mr. Muhammad," and of course "Can I Kick It?"
The lyricism of Q-Tip cannot be overlooked. He maintains steady flow and speed while spinning poetry full of rhyme, assonance, alliteration and other sound devices. His storytelling is top-tier, evident on tracks like "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo," "Luck of Lucien" and "Description of a Fool." The choruses on the album are usually fairly repetitive, but there are more complex refrains on songs like "Ham 'N' Eggs." Phife Dawg has significantly less time on the mic, yet still he makes his presence known with quick bars and clever rhymes. I think the real magic of this album is the production. Q-Tip and primary producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad create sample-heavy instrumentals that rely on everything from jazz to Jimi Hendrix to The Beatles. The drums and record scratching are perfect 90's style, rhythmic and explosive, ideal for a breakdance. I think the only shortfall is that strange "yah" vocal cut on "Rhythm," which is otherwise a groovy track. As for the three extra remixes added for the anniversary edition, I think all very nicely add modernity to a quarter-century old project (at the time) while still holding true to the source. CeeLo Green's track is smooth, Pharrell William's is sexy, and J. Cole shows off some exceptional production chops.
"People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" is a groundbreaking album, with dance vibes and chill vibes all held up by the signature positive attitude and ingenuity of A Tribe Called Quest, who would go on to make even better music.
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