Originally released in 1998, 'South Central Thynk Taynk' by Abstract Tribe Unique (Abstract Rude, Fat Jack, Zulu Butterfly Priest, Irie Lion King, and DJ Drez.) captured a pivotal moment in Los Angeles’ underground scene—when young Black artists were reimagining hip-hop from the ground up. Blending jazz-inflected beats, spiritual insight, and fiercely independent production, the
album became an anthem for self-reliance and creative rebellion.

At the cultural core of the record is Project Blowed, a legendary L.A. crew founded by Abstract Rude and Aceyalone, which birthed a lineage of rap innovators whose fingerprints are still felt in global hip-hop. While mainstream rap embraced the West Coast’s G-funk boom, the Blowed crew forged an alternate path—steeped in jazz, radical politics, and Afrocentric futurism. 'South Central Thynk Taynk' stands as a richly layered time capsule from this revolutionary moment, pairing Ab Rude’s deep lyricism with Fat Jack’s genre-melding approach to production, creating a poetic reflection on family, struggle, and artistic purpose.

This new edition includes the 'L.A. Styles Back (Project Blowed Remix)' featuring a cross-generational lineup of heavyweights— Aceyalone, Myka 9, Medusa, Pigeon John, Blu, 2Mex, Ellay Khule, Riddlore, and NGAFSH—underscoring how L.A.’s underground has remained a creative epicenter for decades. 'South Central Thynk Taynk' is more than a cult artifact; it’s a living document of transformation, community, and artistic power.

TRACK LISTING

1. Explanation
2. Hits Like Hank
3. Renaissance (While We)
4. Them That’s Got
5. Through These Streets
6. A.T.U. Is In The House Tonight
7. L.A. Styles Back
8. Mass Men Baby
9. No Regrets
10. Front Row
11. Just Like Akira
12. They Ryde
13. Showgun
14. Why Oh Why
15. L.A. Styles Back (Project Blowed Remix) [feat. Aceyalone, Myka 9, Medusa, Pigeon John, Blu, 2Mex, Ellay Khule, Riddlore, NGAFSH]

More excellent and previously unreleased instrumental 1970s roots from 12 Tribes musical director Pablove Black and cohorts. Side A has an instrumental cut of the sublime rhythm used for Ewan Naptali's classic "Africa Awaiting Its Creator", the flip side has another instru titled "Sons of the Most High", which we think was voiced by Dan Hutson but never released.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Africa Awaiting (Instrumental)
B1. Sons Of The Most High (Instrumental)

Axel Boman’s critically acclaimed double album "LUZ/Quest For Fire from 2022 gets a remix & dub treatment from one of Scandinavia's finest reggae-and-beyond soundsystems, Trensum Tribe.

'Great, now they sound better that the originals' said Axel when he heard the remixed versions for the first time, excitedly starting to collect the best ones for an album. Having been heavily inspired by Mad Professor’s work for Massive Attack since a young age (listen to "No Protection" for example), a project like this had been a dream of Axel Boman's for decades. There is a certain freedom that comes with remixing, where you can step outside yourself as a producer and take risks and chances you might not in your own work, and Trensum Tribe really took an adventurous new path when they approached this music. On this homage to soundsystem and rave culture, jungle, dub, disco and house all become best friends in front of a huge stack of homemade speakers, standing tall on fresh dew in a Swedish forest on a cold summer night.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Sottopassaggio Dub
A2. Gröna Dalen Dub
A3. ’Atra Dub
A4. Dub Grape
A5. One Two Dub
B1. Bhuka Dub
B2. Nowhere Good Dub
B3. Les Lèvres Dub
B4. My Dub Is Out Sailing
B5. Hold On Dub

Fresh off the success of her sold-out self-titled debut album, her breakout performance at WOMADelaide Festival, and the dance floor anthem "See You Shine", Australian soul powerhouse Erin Buku returns with her most ambitious project yet; a collaborative EP with legendary Brooklyn producer DJ Spinna. Blending raw soul, deep hip-hop grooves, and future-facing electronic textures, she redefines modern soul with timeless intention. The record weaves Spinna's unmistakable cosmic production with Erin's rich, honeyed vocals, bringing together a stellar lineup of collaborators from around the globe such as Chali 2NA (Jurassic 5/ Ozomatli, Steve Spacek, John Robinson & Bloomy Meadows. .

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Erin Buku properly impresses here with four tracks that hint at a greatness on parallel with some of neo-souls best voices. It's early days obviously but we might just have a new soul star on our hands here.

TRACK LISTING

A1. The Ones
A2. We Shine Feat. Chali 2na Of Jurassic 5, John Robinson, Bloomy Meadows
B1. No More
B2. Will It B Far Feat. Steve Spacek

"The Sheer Action of Fini Tribe" is a colossal retrospective anthology curated /designed by the band. Compiled from the years 1982 to 1987, it includes a wealth of archival photographs, an essay by original member Andy McGregor, who also designed the sleeve, and essays by longtime friend Shirley Manson (Garbage, Goodbye Mr. MacKenzie) and author Alastair McKay, an early champion of the band. The release features the first legendary John Peel Session, produced by Dale Griffin and originally broadcast in May 1985.

"This compilation was a long time in the making, a labour of love for the band, showcasing our most productive years as a six-piece. The compilation of tracks - from professional BBC recordings to live performance and rehearsal room demos - it gives as broad a spectrum of the breadth of the band’s creativity during those five important years from 1982 to 1987" says founding member Chris Connelly.

Born into the cash-poor but culturally-wealthy environs of post-punk Edinburgh in 1980, as a three-piece with no drummer, they soon swelled into a muscular six-piece with inherited or cheaply-purchased instruments. Drawing on influences from Throbbing Gristle, Wire, Can, Captain Beefheart, to numerous angular funk bands, they also drew from the seemingly bottomless well of modern film, writing, and art that was abundant in the festival city.

These works include the legendary John Peel session from 1985, the original 12" singles (including "Detestimony") and the WaxTrax! singles, as well as unreleased live tracks. All tracks have been lovingly remastered and produced by the band’s members.

TRACK LISTING

CD DISC ONE: SINGLES & COMPILATION TRACKS
1. Cathedral (from Curling & Stretching 12")
2. Backwards And Forwards We Lean (from Curling & Stretching 12")
3. Curling Theme (from Curling & Stretching 12")
4. All Fours (From VA: You Bet We’ve Got Something Against You)
5. Detestimony (from Let The Tribe Grow EP)
6. Throttlehearts (Rising Mix) (from Let The Tribe Grow EP)
7. Adults Absolved (from Let The Tribe Grow EP)
8. Monimail (from Let The Tribe Grow EP)
9. I Want More (from The Sheer Action Of Fini Tribe EP)
10. Idiot Strength (from The Sheer Action Of Fini Tribe EP) -
11. Make It Internal (from Make It Internal 12" EP)
12. Little Visitors (from Make It Internal 12" EP)
13. All Fours (Remix) (from Censorship Sucks Compilation)
14. I Want More (7" Mix) (from The Sheer Action Of Fini Tribe EP)
15. Make It Internal (Integrity Mix) (from Make It Internal 12" EP)

CD DISC TWO: SESSIONS & DEMOS
1. Splash Care (John Peel Session)
2. Goose Duplicates (John Peel Session)
3. An Evening With Clavichords (John Peel Session)
4. We’re Interested (John Peel Session)
5. Paperself
6. Me And My Shadow
7. Goose Duplicates (Instrumental)
8. Splash Care
9. An Evening With Clavichords
10. Goose Duplicates (Vocal Mix)
11. We’re Interested (Instrumental)
12. Big Jug / Wet Steel Rail
13. We’re Interested (Vox)
14. Restless
15. The Cure For Madness
16. Bye Bye To The October Sky
17. The Constant
18. Throttlehearts (vocal Version)

CD DISC THREE: LIVE+
1. Dirty Harry
2. Do We Understand Each Other
3. I Want More
4. Idiot Strength - Note: Explicit Lyrics
5. Bye Bye To The October Sky
6. Backwards And Forwards We Lean
7. Cure For Madness
8. Restless
9. Paperself
10. Backwards And Forwards We Lean (Instrumental)
11. Monimail
12. City On A Fence
13. Torch/Distance
14. Choke

Vinyl Track Listing:
1. Splash Care (Peel Session)
2. We're Interested (Peel Session)
3. Goose Duplicates (Peel Session)
4. An Evening With Clavichords (Peel Session)
5. Detestimony
6. I Want More (7" Edit)
7. Me And My Shadow
8. Paperself (Live At Pleasance)
9. Do We Understand Each Other (Live At Calton Studios)

Inkswel presents: "Mystikal Majic, four unreleased & never-before-heard mixes of Lee Scratch Perry's last known recording. The Jamaican dub legend teamed up with Aussie beat maker Inkswell for this twisted yet infectious, beat-boogie, dub-flecked, hip-hop styled jam that's completely out there in terms of style and swagger. Featuring club ready mixes from James Curd & Sofatalk.(Inner Tribe) this is a mega versatile record with all four mixes coming up trumps. Check!  

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: One of Perry's final projects was this release with Aussie boogie-man, Inkswell. Now finally seeing the light of day, it comes bolstered with a slick house remix from James Curd.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Mystikal Majic Feat. Elf Tranzporter (James Curd Remix)
A2 - Mystikal Majic Feat. Elf Tranzporter (Sofatalk Remix)
B1 - Mystikal Majic Feat. Elf Tranzporter (Extended Original Mix)
B2 - Mystikal Majic Feat. Elf Tranzporter (Unreleased Demo)

Hot from his recent outing on Soundway (and his remix of labelmate Erin Buku), Sai steps up with a full length album full of soulful house numbers, jazzy broken beats and neo soul stylings. Guest appearances from Eglo's Natalie Slade, Horatio Luna, and more. 6 tracks of forward thinking club jams that also sit comfortably in the living room, at the afters, in the car on the way to the gym! A versatile and pleasing album from this rising Melbourne talent... RIYL: Moodymann, Amp Fiddler, Bugz In The Attic, Dames Brown.

TRACK LISTING

A1. You're Not Alone
A2. Invincible
A3. Run Away

B1. Eyes Like Cinnamon
B2. When I'm With You
B3. Kinda Strut

'Beats, Rhymes and Life' is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Released on July 30, 1996, it followed three years after the highly regarded and successful 'Midnight Marauders'. Produced by The Ummah, the album is a departure from the joyful, positive vibe of the group's earlier albums and is regarded as their darkest album in content.

TRACK LISTING

1. Phony Rappers
2. Get A Hold
3. Motivators
4. The Jam
5. Crew
6. The Pressure
7. 1nce Again
8. Mind Power
9. The Hop
10. Keeping It Moving
11. Baby Phife's Return
12. Separate/Together
13. What Really Goes On
14. Word Play
15. Stressed Out

'Hits, Rarities & Remixes' is a compilation album by A Tribe Called Quest. Featuring at the time two previously unreleased songs ('Mr. Incognito' and 'The Night He Got Caught'), as well as remixes and some of the group's more familiar songs, it also contains songs that were featured in movie soundtracks.

TRACK LISTING

1. Oh My God [Remix]
2. Award Tour (featuring Trugoy)
3. Can I Kick It?
4. One Two Shit (featuring Busta Rhymes)
5. Electric Relaxation
6. Mr. Incognito
7. I Left My Wallet In El Segundo
8. Check The Rhime
9. Lyrics To Go [Tumblin' Dice Remix]
10. Scenario (featuring Leaders Of The New School)
11. Same Ol' Thing (from Men In Black: The Album)
12. Buggin' Out
13. Bonita Applebum
14. Jazz (We've Got)
15. Glamour & Glitz (from The Show Soundtrack)
16. Clap Your Hands
17. The Night He Got Caught
18. Peace, Prosperity & Paper (from High School High Soundtrack)

Groove-laden remix of the standout track from Erin Buku's self-titled debut LP. Sai Galaxy bridges the gap between the soulful introspection of the original, and the infectious, danceable grooves he's known for. With an Afro-disco flair which is infectious and a horn motif that makes it super memorable. This remix, complete with instrumental has tons of milage ahead of it. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Silky soft disco-soul with r'n'b flavours. Sounds like Jamiroquai meets Jungle if you ask me!

TRACK LISTING

1.See You Shine(Sai Galaxy Remix)
2.See You Shine (Sai Galaxy Instrumental)

THIS IS A BLACK FRIDAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8AM ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30TH).

Soul Jazz Records are issuing Tribe ‘Dedication’, a superb rare 1970s funk/soul/jazz album, as a one-off pressing special limited-edition orange coloured vinyl edition, fully remastered with exact reproduction artwork especially for Black Friday 2024.

In similar vein to groups such as Mandrill, Jimmy Castor Bunch, The Blackbyrds, Pleasure and Kool and the Gang, Tribe blend together elements of funk, jazz, rock, latin and soul music into a unique sound (their first album was aptly named ‘Ethnic Stew’). 

‘Dedication’ is a fantastic long-lost album of deep funk, soul and jazz from the group, originally released independently in 1977 and out-of-print for over 45 years.

Tribe was the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Earl J Foster, who put together the band along with producer Big Dee Ervin in 1974. Aside from Earl Foster the band features Clyde Jardine Powell on bass, Billy Soto on guitar, Jimmie A. Clapper on sax, Benjamin Taylor and Harold Clayton on vocals and Harold Davis on drums.

The group made three albums, but ‘Dedication’ remains their tour de force, a fantastic slice of spaced-out funk, jazz and soul.

TRACK LISTING

A
1. Share It (4.22)
2. Firesign (3.26)
3. Vulcan Voyage (4.01)
4. Love You Like A Brother (4.13)
B
1. Ain't Nothing But A Party (4.22)
2. Got To Be Something More (3.17)
3. Baby Feet (3.48)
4. Funky Reggae (3.21)
5. Celebrate Your Love (5.29)

Ulrich Troyer has been producing music now solidly for over twenty years within a largely genre free framework, but whilst navigating forms such as avant-garde, techno, leftfield, field recording, electronica, glitch and ambient it is the aesthetics of dub that guide his creative direction. Not really recognisable in an orthodox form as remixed versions of roots reggae songs but in the way sonics are manipulated with space, the application and layering of delay, reverb and echo that fixes his output well within the scope of what might be called futurist dub.

The nearest comparisons to his new album TRANSIT TRIBE can only be established by a synthesis of some of the more adventurous explorations in modern music such as African Head Charge, Jon Hassell, Pole (Stefan Betke), Bill Laswell or even Miles Davis; featuring a diverse selection of artists and friends not only from Vienna and environs but also from around the world, sounds are not so much fused but allowed to float along the continuous flowing tide of warm waves of bass.

Rather than to allow the names of Ulrich Troyer's collaborators be merely listed in the album credits, what they bring to this joyful affair needs to be outlined, albeit briefly: Co-producer credits go to Osman Murat Ertel from Istanbul, who employed a variation on the old foolproof Nick Lowe method for checking out the impact quality of his own sound productions by playing tracks through his car sound system speakers!

Murat is a member of the electro-psych-folk group Baba Zula where he plays electric saz, oscillators and theremin and played a key part in the creative development of the album. Mamadou Diabate, the balafon master originally from Burkina Faso and now resident in Vienna, has developed his own unique technique of playing solos that replicate the sound of three instruments playing in unison; however the multi-talented Mamadou is engaged here on singing and playing the talking drum. From South Tyrol Reinhilde Gamper is a member of the experimental trio Greifer who are bringing the sound of the zither into the twenty-first century using new playing techniques and electronic gadgets. Susanna Gartmayer is an Austrian composer and bass clarinetist specialising in improv and multimedia sound research. Diggory Kenrick has been engaged with creating new dub fusions and also re-energising classic rocksteady and roots reggae classics, renowned for his interventions on flute. Didi Kern is an electronic dance musician and drummer from Vienna with a focus on free improvised music. Hamidou Koita, a singer and multi-instrumentalist, is from a traditional Griot family in Burkina Faso but now resident in Vienna and a regular musical partner of Mamadou Diabate playing drums and calabash. Austrian Lukas Lauermann is both a studio and live musician playing cello, also working on electronic sound design and writing string arrangements. He has recorded extensively and appeared on stage with both Mark Lanegan and Hans-Joachim Roedelius. Martin Mallaun is a Tyrol-born specialist in both the development of the zither in modern music and also as a researcher in the effects of climate change on the vegetation of Alpine ecosystems. After studying classical percussion Flip Philipp is now a jazz vibraphone player and member of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Wolfgang Pfistermüller is a member of the Vienna Trombone Quartet and the developer of the incredible bass-trombone Aurora with its uniquely warm and resonant sound. Roger Robinson is a renowned British poet, winner of many contemporary poetry prizes and member of the experimental music group King Midas Sound. Kwame Yeboah is a Ghanaian born UK based keyboard wizard who tours regularly with Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Ms. Dynamite and Pat Thomas.

So contained on the album is an astonishing mix of musicians and instruments: sounds of cowbells recorded in the South Tyrolean alps processed by modular synthesizers and heavy analogue bass synths combined with instruments such as zither, bass-zither, electro saz, flute, talking drum, trombone, cello, marimba, djembe, contra-alto clarinet, Farfisa - all bound together by organic live-drums and dub effects.

TRACK LISTING

1. VAJOLET (feat. Lukas Lauermann, Wolfgang Pfistermüller & Flip Philipp)
2. AUTOSTRADA DEL BRENNERO (feat. Diggory Kenrick)
3. LATZFONSER KREUZ (feat. Mamadou Diabate & Hamidou Koita)
4. LAGO DI GARDA (feat. Roger Robinson)
5. ALFA ROMEO 145 (feat. Kwame Yeboah)
6. FELTUNER HÜTTE (feat. Osman Murat Ertel)
7. AVRUPA KÖPRÜSÜ (feat. Osman Murat Ertel)
8. EUROPABRÜCKE (feat. Susanna Gartmayer)
9. ANCIENT ATOLL (feat. Reinhilde Gamper, Martin Mallaun & Flip Philipp)

A Tribe Called Quest weren't rap's biggest hit makers, but their signature numbers indeed fill this collection with style, eclecticism, and laid-back but deliberate flow; indeed, the group's stature seems to have grown since its 1998 breakup. The continued importance of their music and ideals for many hip-hop fans will only be enhanced by Anthology's 18 tracks (Q-Tip's recent hit "Vivrant Thing," from the Violator album is a bonus track).

Those unfamiliar with Tribe's achievement should have their heads and booties set into motion by the fellas' many moods, from the playful "Check the Rhime" and "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" to trenchant commentaries such as "Description of a Fool" and "Sucka Nigga." And with its inclusion here, the somewhat rare and all-the-way out "If the Papes Come" will doubtless re-establish itself as an underground favourite.​

TRACK LISTING

Side A
Check The Rhime
Bonita Applebum
Award Tour
Can I Kick It?
Scenario

Side B
Buggin' Out
If The Papes Come
Electric Relaxation
Jazz (We've Got)
I Left My Wallet In El Segundo

Side C
Hot Sex
Oh My God
Stressed Out
Luck Of Lucien
Description Of A Fool

Side D
Keeping It Moving
Find A Way
Sucka Nigga
Vivrant Thing

In 1991, A Tribe Called Quest released The Low End Theory, a groundbreaking album that solidified their status as hip-hop legends. Building on the jazz-infused sound of their debut, the album featured sparse grooves and expertly chosen bass samples, with jazz bassist Ron Carter contributing to 'Verses from the Abstract.' DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad's minimalistic approach allowed Q-Tip and Phife Dawg's lyrical prowess to shine, showcasing their clever wordplay, humor, and social commentary. Tracks like 'Butter' and 'The Infamous Date Rape' addressed misogyny, while 'Rap Promoter' and 'Show Business' critiqued the music industry.

The album's production is consistently smooth, with standout tracks such as 'Check The Rhime' and 'Jazz (We've Got).' The posse cut 'Scenario,' featuring Leaders of the New School, is a legendary closer. The album's influence on hip-hop is undeniable, inspiring future artists like Kendrick Lamar and Outkast. The Low End Theory remains relevant and refreshing, a testament to Tribe's creativity and unflappable style. It's a masterful blend of thought-provoking lyrics and impeccable production, making it one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: It can be disheartening sometimes to see just how far hip-hop has diverged from its original themes and message. Against a backdrop of regression, with violence and misogyny seemingly rife amongst current drill and trap styles; ‘The Low End Theory’ serves as a consistent reminder of the genre’s positive, innovative and socially-engaging roots.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
Excursions
Buggin' Out
Rap Promoter
Butter

Side B
Verses From The Abstract
Show Business
Vibes And Stuff

Side C
Infamous Date Rape
Check The Rhime
Everything Is Fair

Side D
Jazz (We've Got)
Skypager
What?
Scenario

The Love Movement" stands as A Tribe Called Quest's fifth studio album. It was initially launched on September 29, 1998, under the Jive Records label. This album is a concept masterpiece delving into the theme of love through its 15 album tracks and 6 bonus tracks, spread across 3 LPs. Notable singles from the album include "Find A Way" and "Hot Sex".

TRACK LISTING

DISC 1 - LP - Side A
Start It Up
Find Away
Da Booty
DISC 2 - LP - Side B
Steppin’ It Up
Like It Like That
Common Ground
4 Moms
His Name Is Mutty Ranks
DISC 2 - LP - Side A
Give Me
Pad & Pen
Busta’s Lament
Hot 4 U
DISC 2 - LP - Side B
Against The World
The Love
Rock Rock Ya’ll
DISC 3 - LP - Side A
Scenario (Remix)
Money Maker
Hot Sex
DISC 3 - LP - Side B
Oh My God
Jazzy (We’ve Got) (Re-recording)
One Two Sh*t

‘Angry Songs’ by Omega Tribe is anarchist punk at its finest, with powerful unrelenting lyricism, caustic riffs and an immediacy that came to define the genre.

It was produced by Penny Rimbaud plus Pete Fender and included Hugh Vivian on guitar and vocals, Daryl Hardcastle on bass, Pete Fender on guitar and Pete Shepherd on drums.

The band have recently reinvented themselves, are creating and releasing new music, and they have a new album out.

First released on 7” vinyl, limiting the sound, the new repressing has been remastered for 12” at Abbey Road Studios, allowing the release to be heard as never before.

This, plus enlarged replicas of the original covers, brings new gusto to the already radical sound.

TRACK LISTING

Another Bloody Day
Profiteer
Is This A Future?
Time For Change

The third and last of the 'classic' Tribe records (preceding the addition of Jay Dee and the formation of the Ummah production team), "Midnight Marauders" sees the group at their most musically sophisticated, marrying the distinctive Tribe sound with groundbreaking sampling and adventurous rhymes. The logical evolution of the bop-influenced hooks which characterized "Low End Theory", "...Marauders" seemlessly balances jazz, soul and reggae influences with pure golden age hip hop, graduating from a cool school aesthetic to an electric jazz sound (reminiscent of fusion-era Miles Davis). Lyrically "Midnight Marauders" finds the group's abstract poetics in excellent form as usual, and Phife is miles ahead of the 'mayor-flavor' rhymes of "Can I Kick It." As per the title, the album develops the introspection of "After Hours" into a nocturnal feel which winds its way through "Midnight," the party-rock of "We Can Get Down," "Clap Your Hands" and the complex layers of "God Lives Through." No review of this LP would be complete without a moment in tribute to the majesty of the Ronnie Foster sampling "Electric Relaxation", a flawless cut which sees Q-Tip and Phife Dawg trading killer bars with effortless flow. All in all, a true classic from back in the day, which no home should be without.

TRACK LISTING

Midnight Marauders Tour Guide
Steve Biko (Stir It Up)
Award Tour
8 Million Stories
Sucka Nigga
Midnight
We Can Get Down
Electric Relaxation
Clap Your Hands
Oh My God
Keep It Rollin'
The Chase (Part II)
Lyrics To Go
God Lives Through

All-time classic hip-hop of the highest possible grade from A Tribe Called Quest, featuring that verse from Busta Rhymes. Replica reissue of the prized, Germany-only 7” from 1992, cut loud.

TRACK LISTING

Scenario (Album Version)
Scenario (Young Nation Mix)

One year after De la Soul re-drew the map for alternative rap, fellow Native Tongues brothers A Tribe Called Quest released their debut, the quiet beginning of a revolution in non-commercial hip-hop. People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm floated a few familiar hooks, but it wasn't a sampladelic record. Rappers Q-Tip and Phife Dawg dropped a few clunky rhymes, but their lyrics were packed with ideas, while their flow and interplay were among the most original in hip-hop. From the beginning, Tribe focused on intelligent message tracks but rarely sounded over-serious about them. Includes "Can I Kick It?", "Bonita Applebum", "I Left My Wallet In El Segundo", "Description Of A Fool", "Luck Of Lucien" etc.

TRACK LISTING

1. Push It Along 7:42
2. Luck Of Lucien 4:32
3. After Hours 4:39
4. Footprints 4:00
5. I Left My Wallet In El Segundo 4:06
6. Pubic Enemy 3:45
7. Bonita Applebum 3:50
8. Can I Kick It 4:12
9. Youthful Expression 4:52
10. Rhythm (Devoted To The Art Of Moving Butts) 4:01
11. Mr. Muhammad 3:33
12. Ham ’n’ Eggs 5:27
13. Go Ahead In The Rain 3:58
14. Description Of A Fool 5:42

Just when it looked like The Avalanches had the 'unlikely comeback of the year' award sewn up, legendary hip hop ensemble A Tribe Called Quest return with their first album in eighteen years, months after the death of group member Phife Dawg. Recorded at Q-Tip's home studio after the group's reunion on Jimmy Fallon, the set sees Q-Tip, Phife and Jarobi swapping the mic at will, exchanging couplets and finishing each other's lines like they'd never been apart. Musically, "We Got It From Here..." finds the group flipping their well loved jazz samples into contemporary arrangements alive with collaborative performances from a whole host of A-list guests, while the free flowing lyrics meditate on culture, sociology and the total shit show which is US politics. As a longtime fan of ATCQ, I'd have been happy with a decent rehash of their early nineties stylings, but "We Got It From Here" excels with modern production and pointed subject matter, serving up a stinging critique of society's ills over the most infectious grooves. Simply put, it's a masterpiece.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Space Program
2. We The People...
3. Whateva Will Be
4. Solid Wall Of Sound
5. Dis Generation
6. Kids... 
7. Melatonin
8. Enough!!
9. Mobius
10. Black Spasmodic
11. The Killing Season
12. Lost Somebody
13. Movin Backwards
14. Conrad Tokyo
15. Ego
16. The Donald

One of the finest hip-hop albums ever made, A Tribe Called Quest's debut record (featuring stone-cold classics like "Can I Kick It?" and "Bonita Applebum") took the idea of the boasting hip-hop male and turned it on its head. For many listeners, when this non-traditional, surprisingly feminine album was released, it was like hearing an entirely new form of music. In this book, Shawn Taylor explores the creation of the album as well as the impact it had on him at the time - a 17-year-old high-school geek who was equally into hip-hop, punk, new wave, skateboarding, and Dungeons & Dragons.

All of a sudden, with this one album, the world made more sense. He has spent many years investigating this album, from the packaging to the song placement to each and every sample - Shawn Taylor knows this record like he knows his tattoos, and he's finally been able to write a fascinating and highly entertaining book about it.