Beats Rhymes and Life

by A Tribe Called Quest

* Coming off their opening trilogy of classics, especially with the heavy hitters of 'The Low End Theory' and 'Midnight Marauders', making a satisfactory follow up would be a tall order for A Tribe Called Quest—and they managed to do it. While it may seem to fall short standing up against its older brothers, it is not far off, and it's incredible in its own right. It sports a production style with a whole different feel, airtight lyricism, and arguably heightened group chemistry, all summing up to an experience most rap groups couldn't hope to top.

* Beats, Rhymes & Life marks a shift in the production style for Tribe, still undeniably jazzy, but it has a different rhythmic feel. While J Dilla is only a third of 'The Ummah,' his influence seems to rub off every track. This difference is particularly felt in tracks like 'Word Play', the kick slams loose on the beat, not exactly following it, giving a sense of tension, something which has been dubbed "Dilla Time." This album feels entirely unique in the context of not only the group's previous album, but Hip-Hop as a whole in the mid 90's, and so while the production is weaker than their previous work, it stands on its own.

* Lyrically the Tribe is still on point 100%. Phife remains hungry and defiant, Q-tip balancing him out with soothing and stripped back lyricism. Consequence is able to become the fifth "member" of the group for with his many prolific features throughout. Weaving in and out of songs, trading lines, going bar for bar, the chemistry between the three is immaculate. It all provides that jazzy fun that is the entire ethos of Tribe, proving that four albums deep, they didn't lose sight of who they were as a group. Everyone is strong here, arguably at their best, putting the "Rhymes" in the album name.

* For its weaker production overall, I understand why it's not as well regarded as their other works, but to call it a disappointment is too far. The production from 'The Ummah' this early on is refreshing with the interesting time feel, giving this album a unique sound and identity from its contemporaries. They didn't show a sign of them falling off or getting worse as rappers. Their lyricism remained on par with their classics, and they emphasized group chemistry with both members and the Consequence features for a witty, and fun experience.