A Tribe Called Quest

Definition

A Tribe Called Quest is an influential hip-hop group formed in 1985, known for their innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and hip-hop elements. They played a pivotal role in shaping alternative hip-hop, bringing a more introspective and socially conscious perspective to the genre while also impacting mainstream hip-hop culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A Tribe Called Quest released five studio albums, with their 1991 album 'The Low End Theory' being particularly celebrated for its innovative blend of jazz samples and thoughtful lyrics.
2. They were known for their distinctive style, characterized by laid-back beats, clever wordplay, and themes that often addressed social issues, relationships, and self-reflection.
3. The group was instrumental in promoting alternative hip-hop alongside other artists like De La Soul and The Beastie Boys, helping to diversify the genre beyond the dominant gangsta rap narrative of the early 90s.
4. Their song 'Can I Kick It?' famously sampled Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side,' showcasing their ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly.
5. Despite disbanding in the mid-1990s, A Tribe Called Quest reunited multiple times, leaving a lasting legacy on both hip-hop and popular music culture.

Review Questions

• How did A Tribe Called Quest's musical style contribute to the development of alternative hip-hop?
  • A Tribe Called Quest's musical style significantly contributed to alternative hip-hop by blending elements of jazz and funk with traditional hip-hop beats. Their use of complex rhythms and diverse samples created a fresh sound that set them apart from mainstream rap at the time. This innovative approach not only influenced their peers but also helped to broaden the scope of hip-hop as a genre by showcasing that it could incorporate various musical influences while still addressing meaningful themes.
• In what ways did A Tribe Called Quest influence the lyrical content of hip-hop during their active years?
  • A Tribe Called Quest influenced the lyrical content of hip-hop by emphasizing socially conscious themes and personal narratives over materialism and violence. Their introspective lyrics tackled issues such as identity, race, and relationships, which resonated with listeners seeking deeper connections with music. This shift encouraged other artists within the genre to explore similar topics in their work, contributing to a more diverse lyrical landscape in hip-hop during the late 80s and early 90s.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of A Tribe Called Quest on both alternative hip-hop and mainstream music culture.
  • The long-term impact of A Tribe Called Quest on alternative hip-hop and mainstream music culture is profound. Their innovative sound and thoughtful lyrics paved the way for future generations of artists who sought to blend different genres and address social issues through their music. The group's influence can be seen in contemporary artists across various genres who draw inspiration from their eclectic style and commitment to meaningful content. Moreover, they played a crucial role in legitimizing alternative hip-hop within the broader music industry, encouraging labels to support diverse voices in rap music.

Related terms

Jazz Rap: A subgenre of hip-hop that incorporates jazz influences, often featuring samples from jazz records and themes of social commentary.

De La Soul: A hip-hop group that emerged around the same time as A Tribe Called Quest, known for their eclectic style and positive messages, contributing to the alternative hip-hop movement.

Q-Tip: The primary MC and one of the founding members of A Tribe Called Quest, known for his unique vocal style and production contributions to the group's sound.