I Own That Vinyl - A Tribe Called Quest

A week or so ago, my friend Thomas and I happened upon a record store in Berlin, Maryland (Sound Storm Records) and I picked up three fantastic releases, including A Tribe Called Quest's debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. Released in 1990, the album is a seminal work that heralded a new direction in hip-hop. The album is full of jazz-influenced beats, thoughtful lyrics, and a laid-back yet compelling delivery and it’s today’s feature on I Own That Vinyl!

The group's influences are wide-ranging and deeply embedded in their sound. A Tribe Called Quest drew heavily from the jazz tradition. Artists like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Roy Ayers provided a sonic foundation that the group skillfully integrated into their tracks. Additionally, the socially conscious lyrics and Afrocentric themes can be traced back to the influence of groups like The Last Poets and contemporaries such as De La Soul and Jungle Brothers, with whom they were closely associated as part of the Native Tongues collective.

Q-Tip is in the top three rappers for me - His delivery is smooth and fantastic. Their songs had a wide range of appeal on their debut. From the playful energy of "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" to the introspective "Bonita Applebum," the album showcases the group's unique ability to blend storytelling with social commentary. “Can I Kick it?” samples “Walk on the Wild Side” perfectly - combining two great NYC artists - Lou Reed and ATCQ. The beat is incredible and the hook is iconic. It also brings Phife Dawg into the spotlight (who admitted that he wasn’t a huge part of the whole album - regretfully so). The innovative production, handled primarily by group member Q-Tip, stands out for its eclectic sampling and smooth integration of various musical elements.

The album set the tone for what was to come from A Tribe Called Quest and how the band and their music has been immensely influential in the hip-hop world and beyond. Their innovative fusion of jazz and hip-hop paved the way for other artists like The Roots and Common, who have acknowledged the group's impact on their music. The album's emphasis on thoughtful lyricism and sophisticated production also helped elevate hip-hop as an art form, challenging stereotypes and expanding the genre's boundaries.

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its originality and artistic vision. The album is a testament to A Tribe Called Quest's ability to push creative boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Its enduring appeal lies in its perfect blend of infectious rhythms, insightful lyrics, and innovative production. For anyone exploring the roots of hip-hop, this album is an essential listen - and I’m thrilled to have found it on vinyl - as it offers a glimpse into the early days of one of the genre's most influential groups and setting the stage for their future masterpieces.