“Not no Parkay, not no margarine, strictly butter baby, strictly butter,” raps A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip on the fourth track “Butter” of their second album The Low End Theory (September 24, 1991). Smooth like butter is exactly what this album is with nothing but its tight knit, groove driven drums, go with the flow jazz inspired bass, and witty, fun filled yet proactive lyrics. Tribe delivers nothing short of hip-hop magic on this landmark album that combines the old with the new. Fusing jazz emulated rhythm sections with lyrics that would put most MC’s to shame, ATCQ showcases hip-hop’s roots and creates a gem for any music lovers’ collection.
If you know me, you’ve probably realized that hip-hop/rap is not usually my go to style of music. However, while flipping through records at my local music store looking for a new vinyl to add to the collection, I came across The Low End Theory. Something about it was calling my name and my gut instinct was telling me to buy this album. When I first got my record player, I decided that I wanted to establish a diverse collection of music. So, I said to myself, “Why not?” bought the album and was on my way home ready for some fresh rhymes to infiltrate my ears.
When I first put the needle to the wax, a lone bass line came in on the first track “Excursions” that beckoned me to come along for the journey and learn a life lesson or two from Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. What I love about ATCQ is how simple and stripped down they are, yet amazingly powerful and effective with the way they combine the essentials of drums, bass, and vocals. I can’t even pinpoint a specific song because they are all so good in their own respect. It’s what hip-hip was meant to be and not most of the garbage you hear coming from the radio nowadays. Every song on this album is so damn smooth and easy to listen to that you can’t help but bob your head to the funky beats. It’s a perfect album to kick back to on a lazy day or cruise to on a longboard through the neighborhood streets. Thank God I went with my gut and bough this sweet, sweet ear nectar.
Ironically, the same day I bought The Low End Theory I had the honor and privilege of purchasing a Louis Armstrong greatest hits album for one dollar! That’s right, one dollar! Best dollar I ever spent in my life! If Chuck Norris played trumpet and sang, even he wouldn’t sound as good as Louis Armstrong. Thank you, Louis. For without you, we wouldn’t have A Tribe Called Quest or much else for that matter.