A Tribe Called Quest

The Profile

A Tribe Called Quest is an American hip hop group from Queens, New York, formed by Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, with early member Jarobi White. Pioneers of jazz rap and part of the Native Tongues collective, they earned critical acclaim for The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders and released a final album in 2016.

Core members: Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad; early member Jarobi White. Origin: Queens, New York, USA. Affiliation: Native Tongues; roots in Zulu Nation. Style: jazz-funk sampling, alternative hip hop. Key albums: The Low End Theory (1991), Midnight Marauders (1993).

Three DeBaser reviews celebrate A Tribe Called Quest’s jazz-rap alchemy and classic 1990s run. People’s Instinctive Travels gets a lyrical, ecstatic tribute; The Low End Theory is praised for its crafted, relaxing sound and Zulu Nation roots; Midnight Marauders is hailed as a masterpiece of production and flow. Highlights include their Native Tongues context, skits, and standout tracks like Award Tour, Electric Relaxation, and Scenario.