A Quest Worth Following

Their unpretentious sartorial style might not be often imitated by today’s rappers, but if you can’t hear the influence of A Tribe Called Quest in the music of recent chart-toppers, you need to get your ears checked. The introspective lyrics of Kanye West, the experimentalism of OutKast, and the colorful...

By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

September 21, 2006

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Their unpretentious sartorial style might not be often imitated by today’s rappers, but if you can’t hear the influence of A Tribe Called Quest in the music of recent chart-toppers, you need to get your ears checked. The introspective lyrics of Kanye West, the experimentalism of OutKast, and the colorful mugging of Busta Rhymes (a member of the Leaders of the New School) can all be attributed to the authority of Tribe. The hip-hop trio abandoned the traditional macho swagger to create something fresh and new -- contemplative rhymes spit over laid-back grooves. Their formula changed the game completely.

Most rappers are lucky if they release one significant album. Tribe boasts at least three. People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm introduced the world to “Bonita Applebum,” and “Can I Kick It?” The Low End Theory featured “Butter” and “Check the Rhime.” On Midnight Marauders, they went on an “Award Tour” and taught fans the secret to “Electric Relaxation.” Expect to hear those songs and more in a set that will sound like a greatest-hits compilation tonight at 9:00 at Revolution. Tickets cost $35 in advance, $38 at the door. Call 954-727-0950, or visit www.jointherevolution.net.
Mon., Sept. 25

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