A Tribe Called Quest "The Low End Theory" (1991)

Where has this album been my whole life? Right under my nose. I've had this Hip Hop classic for years, yet it was only earlier this year i gave it a proper listen. And oh my, what have i been missing out on? A lot. I also found out after getting deep into this record that Tribe played their last live shows last year. I had no idea they were still playing shows. I am sore but lets not dwell on that. Lets talk about this wonderful album.

Tribe are an upbeat, positive Hip Hop group from Queens, New York who broke out the year before with the classic "Can I Kick It". This album represents a fitting evolution in the groups sound that gave birth to one of Hip Hops greatest albums of all time, The Low End Theory has the trio bringing there very best to the table. Q-Tip's production on this album is inspirational, every song has fantastic chemistry between the beats and samples that make for some memorable jazzy, grooving tracks that will get you moving (Sky Pager). Theres many choice edits and breaks to keep the beats feeling fresh throughout, which is an art in itself considering the repetitive nature of Hip Hop beats. 

On the lyrical front Q-Tip & Phife Dawg are at the peak of there game with fantastic street wise & socially conscious story telling songs that have many memorable lines that will get stuck in your mind  (Yo! microphone check, one two what is this?) . Collectively there flow is just right for these beats and you couldn't picture having anyone else on these tracks... Saying that, Busta Rhymes makes an welcome appearance on Scenario, the albums darkest track. All in all the chemistry here is on point as a Tribe at there peak deliver a Hip Hop classic.

Favorite Songs: Butter, The Infamous Date Rape, Everything Is Fair, Sky Pager

Rating: 9/10

Skee-Lo "I Wish" (1995)

When i heard Skee-Lo's "I Wish" single on youtube i instantly liked the song, it was a simple straight forward radio friendly hip hop song with good production and decent rapping, i didn't seek out the album straight away as the vibe of the single gave me the impression that Skee-Lo was in a record deal to push a radio friendly record for sales. When i finally got around to getting the album and giving it a listen i was more than presently surprised, Skee-Lo is a talented rapper with a very warm and likeable flow. His lyrical content is decent but his honesty in tracks like "Never Crossed My Mind" & "Top Of The Stairs" is a really nice break from the more common image oriented "boasting" found in rap.

What makes this record a hit for me is the production. Behind Skee-Lo's likeable sound is some tight and approachable production from Walter Kahn who does every track on the album. The vibe overall is more 90s west coast, with ghetto whistles and sequenced beats, but there is a welcomed variety of hip hop sounds everywhere in this album, even an east coast track "Waiting For You" & a jazz-hop track "This Is How It Sounds". The sampling choices are great, i especially enjoyed hearing some Isley Brothers in the mix.

Skee-Lo & Walter together have made a really approachable and enjoyable record here with no filler. A recommend for any hip hop fan.

Favorite Tracks: Superman, Come Back To Me, Crenshaw

Rating: 7/10