People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

A Tribe Called Quest

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 12, 1990)
• Original Release Date: April 17, 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Jive
• ASIN: B0000004WA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,859 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #85 in	Music > Rap & Hip-Hop > Experimental Rap
  #99 in	Music > Rap & Hip-Hop > East Coast

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm is, quite simply, one of the finest albums in hip-hop. It's easy to argue that A Tribe Called Quest reached their zenith on this, their debut album: though they went on to produce another world-class disc (The Low End Theory) and broadened their palates and their consciousness, never again were they quite this naturally free and easy. Q-Tip and Phife's delivery is deceptively simple, flowing like wine and tasting like candy, and Jairobi adds some contrast. The music, so self-assured that it never raises its voice to make a spectacle, follows suit. Four albums later, on their last tour, songs from Paths of Rhythm still were at the top of the set list. --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip Hop Masterpiece, July 13, 2000

By	Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Quite possibly the finest album in hip hop history. When Tribe came onto the scene in the late 80's, no one in hip hop were the using the type of beats they employed. By mixing jazz and smooth R & B, they created a totally original and innovative sound that still sounds fresh ten years later. Q-Tip is the best MC in the business and has a voice as sweet as honey. He and Phife mesh perfectly together. There is not a bad song on the album and standouts include "Push It Along", "Luck Of Lucien" & "Can I Kick It?". Tribe preach a message of positivity and pride in yourself and your culture. This album was a breath of fresh air amid all the negative vibes and anger that was coming from the hip hop community at the time. This album has stood the test of time and nothing that has come along in hip hop has yet to match it. This is not only a hip hop masterpiece, but a musical masterpiece and it can be compared with the greats of any genre.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Beginning Of One Of Hip-Hop's Greatest Groups., June 17, 1999

By A Customer

Do you remember when a little crew called the Native Tongues stepped onto the hip-hop scene? Sure you do. Do you remember the last group to drop a debut LP? Yep, it was A Tribe Called Quest. Did this LP change the face of hip-hop? Yes. Did this LP get the recognition it deserved? Nope. Does this LP have both strong lyrics and beats? Of course. Does this album have any hits? Yes, there's "Bonita Applebum", "Can I Kick It?", "Footprints", "Push It Along", "Description Of A Fool", etc. Are there any filler tracks? Not one. Is this album just as good as The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders? Damn right. When should you get this album? RIGHT NOW!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CLASSIC , What more can I say ?, August 16, 1999

By A Customer

This CD is the first of the classic material put out by TRIBE . I must have single-handedly put at least every hip-hop fan I knew up on this cd in 90 . This group set the baseline for putting out good quality music . A tribe called quest " Best hip-hop group of all-time ".