Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011) directed by Michael Rapaport
What is Tribe's best album? Low End Theory or Midnight Marauders? For the longest time, I didn't even realize there was another album in the discussion; their first album People's Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm is also a heralded classic. It's a pretty close call but I think I'd go with Low End Theory. My buddy thinks its Midnight Marauders and it's not particularly close. But the whole debate just goes to show how awesome A Tribe Called Quest was. How many other musical acts out there can claim two or three certified classics? How many other musical acts can claim have been so influential and important as to redefine their genre? ATCQ is arguably the most influential hip hop group of all time. The slick production, the smooth voice of Q-Tip, and the aggressive tone of Phife Dawg made for a perfect match to make music gold.
It is easy to assume that such a talented group with such great musical chemistry would have great chemistry in real life, yet often times this doesn't seem to be the case. ATCQ seemed to be perfect for each other, a couple of childhood friends get together to form their own little group and shake up the world. But as kids grow into men, other issues come into play; pride, ego, differences of opinion, whatever. In Michael Rapaport's documentary about ATCQ, he outlines the earnest beginnings, rise to fame and eventual falling out of one of hip-hop's most beloved groups.
This isn't a particularly outstanding documentary, but it does a good job in teaching the viewer about the group and its history through various interviews with the members and people in the music industry. It is interesting to note that other than concert footage, the members of the group are rarely seen together. It's been over 10 years since their last album and each of the members have gone on to do their own thing and they reflect back on the times with nostalgia and later resentment and regret. They are musicians but more importantly people first and I feel like the documentary does a good job in capturing their personalities and feelings.
It also does a good job in capturing the musical vibe of the group. I'm listening to ATCQ right now on my iTunes as I type this and I'm bobbing my head to the beats and slick verses. What I love most about the group's music is that it isn't what you'd typically expect out of rap these days; they don't talk about guns and drugs or use excessive profanity. Their music just makes you want to kick back with your feet up and just nod your head, maybe even get down and dance. I like all sorts of rap, but as someone says in the film, different groups can give you different things; there's enough room for everybody.
What the film also shows is that while Q-Tip and Phife Dawg have had their share of differences they still see themselves as family. They have this beautiful music that they've created together to always link them, but in the end that isn't what brings them together again. It is their friendship, love and experiences together that ultimately bring them together.
Grade: B
What is Tribe's best album? Low End Theory or Midnight Marauders? For the longest time, I didn't even realize there was another album in the discussion; their first album People's Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm is also a heralded classic. It's a pretty close call but I think I'd go with Low End Theory. My buddy thinks its Midnight Marauders and it's not particularly close. But the whole debate just goes to show how awesome A Tribe Called Quest was. How many other musical acts out there can claim two or three certified classics? How many other musical acts can claim have been so influential and important as to redefine their genre? ATCQ is arguably the most influential hip hop group of all time. The slick production, the smooth voice of Q-Tip, and the aggressive tone of Phife Dawg made for a perfect match to make music gold.
It is easy to assume that such a talented group with such great musical chemistry would have great chemistry in real life, yet often times this doesn't seem to be the case. ATCQ seemed to be perfect for each other, a couple of childhood friends get together to form their own little group and shake up the world. But as kids grow into men, other issues come into play; pride, ego, differences of opinion, whatever. In Michael Rapaport's documentary about ATCQ, he outlines the earnest beginnings, rise to fame and eventual falling out of one of hip-hop's most beloved groups.
This isn't a particularly outstanding documentary, but it does a good job in teaching the viewer about the group and its history through various interviews with the members and people in the music industry. It is interesting to note that other than concert footage, the members of the group are rarely seen together. It's been over 10 years since their last album and each of the members have gone on to do their own thing and they reflect back on the times with nostalgia and later resentment and regret. They are musicians but more importantly people first and I feel like the documentary does a good job in capturing their personalities and feelings.
It also does a good job in capturing the musical vibe of the group. I'm listening to ATCQ right now on my iTunes as I type this and I'm bobbing my head to the beats and slick verses. What I love most about the group's music is that it isn't what you'd typically expect out of rap these days; they don't talk about guns and drugs or use excessive profanity. Their music just makes you want to kick back with your feet up and just nod your head, maybe even get down and dance. I like all sorts of rap, but as someone says in the film, different groups can give you different things; there's enough room for everybody.
What the film also shows is that while Q-Tip and Phife Dawg have had their share of differences they still see themselves as family. They have this beautiful music that they've created together to always link them, but in the end that isn't what brings them together again. It is their friendship, love and experiences together that ultimately bring them together.
Grade: B
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