A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest released Peoples' Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm in 1990. This album was quite different than any other rap album of its time. It strayed away from the gansta rap theme and went back to jazz like melodies and lyrics that were very different.

Other groups that were prominent at the time of the release of this album were Public Enemy, NWA and KRS One which were all known for their harsh lyrics usually involving social issues. A Tribe Called Quest was very different. Some of the names of the songs on their album were "Ham N Eggs" and "Bonita Applebum" which were very different than "Fuck the Police" by Public Enemy.

A Tribe Called Quest was energetic, youthful and quite silly. This album, which did not gain much mainstream appeal, is known for its lyrical creativity and humor while incorporating socially aware messages. A Tribe Called Quest created a stage that directly led to the success of many future hip hop artists.

"Bonita Applebum" was a fresh song that musically was light yet was about virgin courtship. It is objectifying, but respectful. It is confident, yet awkward and flattering, yet uncomfortable.

38-24-37 (uh, uh, uh!) You and me, hun, we're a match made in heaven I like to kiss ya where some brothers won't I like to tell ya things some brothers don't If only you could see through your elaborate eyes Only you and me, hun, the love never dies Satisfaction, I have the right tactics And if you need 'em, I got crazy prophylactics So far, I hope you like rap songs Bonita Applebum, you gotta put me on

Checking out the above verse, you can see that the Tribe is somewhat similar to other hip hop groups of their time yet so different. They are not objectifying women like other groups and directly talking about "bitches and hoes."

One of the most famous songs from the album was "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo." Q-Tip, one of the artists of the group, goes on a trip and stop to eat at a fast food place in El Segundo. This entire song is narrated from a police station, while there Q-tip pays for his meal and while he gets hit on by a hot chick forgets his wallet.

A Tribe Called Quest album artwork was also quite different than its counterparts. Public Enemy's albums usually all involved guns in their album cover artwork. NWA's albums covers showed the men in the group in a very ghettoized view, one even resembled mug shots. A Tribe Called Quests album artwork for Peoples Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm was much different. The artwork was mostly drawn, involved lighter colors, similar to colors one would see on Bob Marley. There is a street in the middle with many people of all different colors walking on it, and a community along the sides. Check out the album cover below. It is without a doubt that A Tribe Called Quest was much different than any other hip hop group of its time.

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