A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders

A superb aspect of A Tribe Called Quest was how their albums were sewn together with flow, sequence, theme and overall impact always in mind. By now, they’re surely a hip-hop group many love and many proclaim on high ground above, but that’s mostly due to the fact that they simply might be the best hip-hop group of all time. Their albums possessed an unmistakable drive where each MC fed of each other’s energy, bite and spirit to amount for amazing moments. On Midnight Marauders they reach tremendous highs with a semi-concept album about the musical capabilities in night. It might be their best album, maybe, but here’s some finer moments.

The grimy and dark beat that flows throughout “Midnight” is a timeless loop that will forever remain sublime. It’s the kind of steady bump that supports the MCs on top of bubbling waves. It’s a supportive cast throughout and it shines all over this album; there was always chemistry within the group. It’s what really made A Tribe Called Quest so good, and there’s tons of evidence here.


The next-to-last song, “Lyrics to Go,” is maybe, the best song on the whole thing! It’s got this twirling guitar and pensive keyboards, resting on top of stamping drums. Q-Tip’s production values shine the most here; but the way the group jumps in and out, the turntable scratches, the background loop: all genius. The beats sound entirely within their scope and time, the early 90s in New York and the MCs ebb and flow through some memorable lines. – Bryan