A Tribe Called Quest’s “Sgt Pepper of Hip Hop”

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The album “The Low End Theory” by A Tribe Called Quest from 1991 is, for multiple reasons, the Sgt Pepper of Hip Hop. On BOTH albums you’ve got the exploration and expansion of new production techniques, both reintroducing their respective groups in a new form, and there are even some direct Beatles crossovers on The Low End Theory.
Today we’re talking about the classic album “The Low End Theory”, diving deep into production styles, samples, Tribe’s evolution as a group, and seeing how this album is like the Sgt Pepper of Hip Hop.
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SOURCES
Bob Power Interview: • A Tribe Called Quest E...
"Check the Technique" by Brian Coleman - amzn.to/3E8JEim
www.vh1.com/ne...
observer.com/2...
beats-rhymes-l...
TOPICS COVERED
A Tribe Called Quest
ATCQ
The Beatles
The Low End Theory
Sgt Pepper
Q Tip
Phife Dawg
Ali Shaheed Muhammad
Jarobi White
Hip Hop
Music History
Production
#hiphop
#musichistory
#atribecalledquest
beat breakdown

[@breannaw7254]

One of my all time favorite albums!!! I could listen a million times

[@diggingthegreats]

One of the best albums ever 🔥

[@3d1k3]

A true fan would have already listened to a million times 🤣. But in all seriousness I agree. It has aged so well and I love it more with each listen. Never gets stale or common.

[@christianterrill3503]

Agree 100%, one of the best albums EVER Made. The flows, lyrics and the jazzy grooves are just timeless. People that have never heard of a tribe called quest think it's modern music. That says something play most rap and hip hop made in the early 90s it sounds like it's from the early 90s. A tribe had their own sounds and some of the most crisp productions. Legit lighting in a bottle

[@Dis-Emboweled]

I think I have!

[@romeokoroma3341]

Can you please do 2pac’s 1995 classic album me against the world because he intentionally tried to make the album more personal and reflective than his previous efforts but considered by several music critics to be the best of any of his albums up to that point in his career.

[@Becauseimme]

It’s the most important album in hip hop to date. I cried at the end of “We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service” because I know I’ll never hear a new Tribe album again. 😢

[@HimmyHendryx]

Fax

[@ri067953]

Changed the game for sure

[@LaurenLawDawg]

It was a moment of sheer terror and gratitude at once

[@atxrich]

So glad you finally got around to ATCQ. The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders are two of my all-time favorite hip hop albums.

[@hlahla9479]

Same same same

[@garrbigster]

Dude, I just found you a few days ago and I've practically binged all your stuff. Your vids are great, the edits, the jokes, the knowledge...and then to see you pick up instruments and tear it up, maneuver around on Ableton, and sample up stuff in the blink of an eye. You're kicking ass man!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏

[@Obdilord]

Came here to comment but you worded my thoughts exactly.

[@idrissekhelifi]

Same here!

[@berattaren]

word

[@MegaVern1]

Well said! Amazing videos

[@jackseph03]

I played Midnight Marauders in my car this morning for my 10&7 year olds. It’s one of the few classic albums that I can play them. Being a hip hop head can be hard when you have children. It’s easy to forget how amazing ATCQ were. I’m going to bring out Low End Theory for my run this afternoon.

[@missgigip]

I’m teaching my nephews and stepson all about dope hip hop..my nephews love Saturdays and Scenario..I’m making sure I expose them..my stepson is older and he likes “award tour”..gotta teach the babies ❤

[@T_R_O_Y_McClure]

Ugly Duckling is also a great group to introduce younger ones to hip hop.

[@chrisschneider850]

MM is my fave actually

[@peace_of_mind_00]

You can play ATCQ, common, talib kweli, mos def, Q-tip (solo work), the roots, black thought (solo works) slum village, de la soul, MF doom, & the jungle brothers

[@BigO7duce]

I’m 50 and you was able to explain this in a way that my kids could understand. Thanks so much for breaking it down to the basics also explaining the how

[@DrVenture45]

R.I.P. to David Jude Jolicoeur (a.k.a. Trugoy The Dove) of De La Soul.✊

[@grinchoi1]

Low End was the first album I listened to where I felt an artist was speaking directly to me. I hold this album very dear to my heart. I love Midnight Marauders equally but for different reasons. Thank you for breaking this album down. The Sgt. Peppers comparison is on point.

[@MR2JONESY]

NEVER clicked so fast. Love your videos dude, keep it up 💪🏽

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏 Such an incredible album!

[@Jacqueal]

Additionally, I love how Tip pointed out the impact of the first and third albums. Marauders was absolutely brilliant.

[@quamifilms]

I remember hearing this record for the 1st time… blew my mind.. low key .. Qtip is a highly underrated producer… he’s on another planet. Classic albums

[@WuntaykTimmy1]

Bro. The research that goes into these and the stories you find fr making me appreciate life I love getting behind the scenes of artists and there process You showed me j Dilla and I've been BINGING his interviews. I can't thank you enough boss

[@diggingthegreats]

Man, thank you 🙏 That's the goal: trying to celebrate the music and pay respect to it, unpack it all and find new appreciation for it, and inspire further creativity

[@AdamMikolon]

if you like Dilla check out Madlib

[@WuntaykTimmy1]

@@AdamMikolon ive have bandana on repeat. Good thing I also love coke rap Gangsta Kane

[@AdamMikolon]

@@WuntaykTimmy1 yeah man gangsta gibbs don't miss, him and madlib are a legendary combo

[@flowerponyrecord]

If anything the low and theory is like revolver, it was the first step into a new sound that eventually lead to sgt pepper aka midnight marauders.

[@loveandrockets4life]

First album I ever owned on CD. I traded my buddy a fitted California Angels hat and five bucks for it and a Bulls Starter hat. I still feel like I got the best end of the deal.

[@billyalarie929]

Bro you ABSOLUTELY did, it’s not even close.

[@klubstompers]

The low end theory always gets the most attention, but i will always argue that Midnight Murders is a step or two ahead.

[@lw1391]

You know something? I don't know if I really have a ranking personally. To me it feels like different flavours. I'll get into one album and listen to it over and over, and then switch up to listen to a different one. I think you could make a case for any of the first three being a standout.

[@Jacqueal]

Native Tongues was definitely an all-star ensemble. Tribe and De La have two of the greatest discographies in Hip-Hop music.

[@bagelssmellgreat]

Keep digging those greats! Can't get enough.

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏 One of the greatest albums ever 🔥

[@shulestuff]

You deserve a Netflix or pbs series on hip hop, this is waaay better than what is out there

[@CaldoHits]

Fun fact, The Low End Theory was recorded on the same Neve 8068 console that John Lennon used. It seems intentional of the type of sound they were going for. Also, I was listening to this album this week at work. No wonder J Dilla looked up to Q-Tip. The production on the album is amazing. Great video, Sir.

[@missgigip]

My fave group ever..I’m so lucky to have seen them perform together more than once..also helped w their web/graphics during the release of the documentary..they are the nicest dudes..❤ I hope u do a video on De la next

[@blogabenteuer]

That is so cool!! Loved that documentary!

[@johnbsouth1]

Being a rock guitar player and alt rock pop musician for two decades, I am thankful to you for showing me why I dig this music so much and now knowing the backstory and some of the producing tactics and musicians and artist’s contributions, I can really appreciate this genre of music even more. Always loved the groove, beats and bass lines of R & B and Rap. Thanks for sharing this with us bro! Old Rockers can still learn stuff too 😆 Sad that so many of these artists did not get the credit they deserve outside of the R&B and Rap communities.

[@fettywapsmissingeye]

14 from Ireland here! I love your channel and you definitely got me to buy Dilla Time, great book 😂 This video is about to be a ten just like this album. You never fail to deliver quality with these videos. I love how mood lifting this album is. Really the album that got me into rap/hip hop music when I listened when I was about 11 or 12. Rap isn’t greatly popular in rural Ireland as you would probably imagine, so it was like this whole new magic that I hadn’t yet discovered. Verses from the abstract is probably the dopest track on this LP. Ron Carter on the bass!

[@SpaceAgeConsulting]

The Scenario music video was also epic. Not only is it one of my favorite songs it has one of my favorite videos. When I look at any music videos I think of how I could recreate it or edit it. The Scenario has me stumped in certain parts. It is that good.

[@steve_santiago]

Another great video. One of the greatest albums of all time of not just hip hop but of any genre. Yo, if all you made were videos about Tribe I would not complain. Hahaha

[@diggingthegreats]

😂😂

[@steve_santiago]

@@diggingthegreats Now you gotta do a video on Midnight Marauders please!

[@KardiFan2000]

@@steve_santiago I second this!

[@cashflowhustles]

I see this channel is for Hip Hop Scholars and Historians. Cool. I'm a Deep House Head but have always appreciated real hip hop from it's inception along with several other popular music genres. Great stuff.

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

Never knew that it influenced The Chronic, nice info! I did read once that the Beastie Boys took out their instruments again for Check Your Head after listening to the Low End Theory for the first time. Thanks for making these great videos!

[@beatsbybigjoe6222]

I cant articulate how much I appreciate your channel and what you're doing. As an old head beat maker, your videos are truly inspiring and insanely educational. Thank you so very much!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏🙏

[@zshakur]

Low End Theory SMASHED the notion of the cursed Sophomore project

[@Bonk_Quas]

Bro you always seem to drop during my lunch break at school lmao

[@diggingthegreats]

I gotchu 🔥

[@FMGA14]

This is my all time favorite album. I can listen to it every day and never get tired of it. It was also the album that got me into hip hop when I was 16. I remember my brother playing check the rhyme and I just kept thinking “who are these guys?” 11 years later and I still listen to this album pretty often.

[@Dickinabox]

I really hope you do a video on the beasties, they are so ahead of there time and the production on license to ill is immaculate

[@MirrorSurfer]

My mans. You've quickly become one of my favorite KZbinrs and definitively my favorite music historian. You have focus and passion that shines so bright. Keep on keepin' on player.

[@mrpresident74]

Low End Theory is a very personal album for me. I remember walking up to my neighborhood record store on a Monday just to see if anything new had dropped. The dude who worked there told me shipment hadn’t arrived yet. I went home and later that night after dinner, I got a strong pull to go back up to the shop before they closed. I did. Even though I had just been there a few hours earlier. I remember running my finger down the tapes and stopping at Low End Theory. Dude was ready to leave for the night, but he sold it to me anyway. I RAN home like I was being chased by a thousand angry dogs. Out of breath, I got home and ripped that plastic off the tape. I put it in my boom box l, and when I pressed play, I was mesmerized. When that bass from Excursions comes on, it hits you in the chest like your neighborhood bully. I listened to the entire project front to back in my kitchen. I think it was probably the only thing I listened to for at least two weeks. The power of Tribe is crazy! Every song on this one is absolutely 🔥

[@patrickcardwell8363]

Amazing vid as always, mentions of Paul's Boutique make me hopeful for a future vid on that album. Absolutely phenomenal

[@JeffryGonzalezHt]

You are so good at this - I appreciate you, man. One of the best albums of all time, and one of my favorites - I was just thinking "I wish that digging the greats guy would do Low End Theory"... and here we are. Thanks!

[@diggingthegreats]

Had to do it! One of the best albums ever 🔥

[@MusicFromAnotherTime]

I recently got the DAISY Age vinyl set. Such a great mix of music from Tribe and other Native Tongues groups.

[@sidepieceseason1414]

Thanks! Straight up CLASSIC!!!

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support 🙏

[@nathanmurage]

Vibes and stuff is probably my favorite song from the album. That Grant Green sample 😮‍💨

[@christianterrill3503]

Your videos are legit a master class in hip hop. I'm allready a huge hip hop head and I still learn new stuff about my favorite tracks and Mcs. Thank you for making this free to watch!

[@trailtherapyman]

Great stuff. Tribe, De La, and the Native Tongues influenced my life in so many ways. Almost like a foundation, or like their music gave me some kind of structure, that my young mind so terribly needed back then.

[@chandrastar5939]

Love this guy it's so native Tongues soulquarians heavy! Not that they don't deserve their flowers but I'd love to see him branch out. Like the other 4 LP's mentioned at the beginning.

[@morgangleave8518]

That intro... The bass just KICKS. Love hearing your thoughts on Hip Hop, it's a real education.

[@trueflip25]

Still my all time favorite record. Gets better every time.

[@bf5412]

Wow, I had The Low End Theory when it came out. I loved it and still do but knew nothing about what went into making it. Yet alone knowing they had some live bass player on it. Thanks for all these history lessons, we all need it.

[@XavierCoolDude]

Another great video-I just saw the Midnight Marauders video. Tribe is one of fav groups of all time. I was 13 when LET came out-I was obsessed with hip hop. Half of my little white town loved tribe-you either bought LET or had it dubbed off someone. The black cover with the painted female silhouette is just iconic. Another great video-you channel is a must see

[@kbcorp]

As a true fan of Hip Hop I just wanna say Thank you for doing this group as I never think they got their full set of flowers for their contributions..

[@hmohngcheelee7549]

When I see that notification from your channel it makes my day!

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! Glad to have you here!

[@hawkzulu5671]

This album was PERFECTION, from start to finish.

[@williamgarcia73]

Loved this one, probably my favorite album all time. Popped this cassette tape twice and the only reason the third one is still around is cause i eventually switched to cd, and then streaming. Thanks for this one & keep up the excellent videos!!

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you so much for the support! 🙏

[@WuntaykTimmy1]

A GOD SEND I just listened to this yesterday cause I was in a bad mental space and it def pulled me out. These cats can GROOVE +They were in they bag Verses from the abstract my fav track. Oh yea this vid ALREADY A CLASSIC

[@allpositivenetwork]

First of all, I love your vids. I watch them all and I love your beat remakes. Your knowledge and research of hip hop is well needed in the KZbin community. Having said that, I will say that the Bomb Squad were layering samples before Q Tip. Nation and Fear pre-date Low End Theory. Great video.

[@diggingthegreats]

Absolutely. I reference a couple other albums that use this technique too, this album isn’t the first use of it, but showcases what’s possible - once all the layers of check the rhime come together - 🤯

[@allpositivenetwork]

@@diggingthegreats I agree. A quick story without taking too much of your time. I was traveling with a band back in 2009 and we had a show in Charleston, South Carolina. This friend of ours asks us if he can bring a friend by our upcoming gig. He had no knowledge of hip hop or anything. So he's talking and says, "My friend used to be in some rap group. He goes by Jarobi". We all stopped and looked at him like he was stupid. So we asked him, "you mean A Tribe called Quest?". He said, "yeah that's it..". lol. He brings Jarobi by, we hang out with him and talk to him and that's when I discovered he was a chef. This was a couple of years or so before the Tribe documentary.

[@bp2000k]

One Of The Greatest Album & Cover In History. It’s more than just HipHop to me. RiP Phife & Trugoy From De La🐐

[@blogabenteuer]

12:16 saw them live at Lollapolooza and I will never forget the feeling of the bass coming up through the ground when they played this song.

[@Superjenson]

Wow. I'm grateful that the almighty algorithm flushed your videos into my suggestions last week. your work is profound, entertaining and I hope there is much more to come.

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏🙏

[@anotherwayparenting2193]

I can't get over how good all your videos are and how much I appreciate them! These videos somehow get better and better every time. Thank you, sir!

[@CurtisBond]

Can I just say that beat you put together in the ad read is *chef’s kiss*? I don’t think I’ve ever complimented anyone on an ad read before. Lol.

[@jonathonkiner7415]

That tracklib site is an invaluable source. Thanks for dropping some knowledge.

[@alexmart3931]

Man, you make me wish I was in those rooms when those beats were made.

[@KalebPeters99]

This album was my intro to hip-hop. Thanks for this awesome video 🙏

[@lewisplayspool]

Killing it with the research and production style! Will we get a video for every Tribe album and Tip & Phife's solo album(s) as well?

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you 🙏 Might have to start another channel dedicated specifically to Tribe 😂

[@sirseanisrobinson1515]

Thank you so much for sharing this Information about 1 of the Best of the best Hip-Hop group that has never let us hip hop heads down. They the best that has ever did it. I Love em.

[@ppic7162]

Your videos are great! And your editor needs a raise. I look forward to your videos all the time.

[@Dis-Emboweled]

I remember watching the video for Scenario on the original Saturday night Yo! MTV raps, I think it was the last video of the hour just before Headbanger's Ball one night and I was " Holy crap! This is amazing!!! " Went and got the CD as soon as it was released. I've been listening to The Low End Theory ever since. Great video, but it seems like theres so much more you want to talk about it. I could discuss for hours how amazing it is.

[@Esmael822]

Qtip leveled up his production techniques and so did you!! loving these videos man

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏🙏

[@dj_spivey_radio]

Thanks for this great breakdown and musical comparison! "Low End Theory" is definitely one of the best albums (Any genre) ever recorded... Q-Tip was definitely on another level with his production!!! 🔥🔥 🔥

[@kutloanothebe]

The first time I heard Phife on Buggin out? It gave me chills

[@greyklopstock7155]

My man could have a syndicated show on TV and I would pay for it

[@staysmuth]

the fact that there's debate on the Sgt Pepper of hip hop just speaks to the Sgt Pepperness of Sgt Pepper

[@Shibamc]

Great content! Love your channel! 🙌

[@michaelwillis3711]

It is SOOO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL to hear Classic Rap, the music of my youth, spoken about in such intelligent, reverent, awe-struckened, and profoundly respected terms. Here, Classic Rap is spoken about in the same loving and deeply appreciative way as one speaks about any celebrity GOAT whenever that GOAT rises from their retirement chair and makes a public appearance...and that's head spinning to me bc, BELIEVE ME, Classic Rap was not always seen as being anything of importance or relevance. I'm old enough to have beared witness to Rap Music's evolution from The Trecherous Three to MF Doom, and I think it to be EXQUISITELY MARVELOUS that Rap has endured; has continue to thrive; and has become the soundtrack for audiences that cover almost 3 generations! DAMN!

[@13jcarey]

I see a video about Tribe and Low End Theory, I click and like immediately!

[@Alex_A7]

The Low End Theory is one of those classics you play from start to finish without skips for the full vibe...and some tracks like "Butter" & "Verses From The Abstract" always get a rewind in that process :)

[@n.e.r.d3730]

Can I just say how much I love your channel?? You’re doing incredible work sir🫡

[@im2dirty4u]

God their beats and rhymes just hit so effin good man. Tribe is amazin. Idk about yall but i just feel diff when i listen to them.

[@diggingthegreats]

It's an incredible vibe

[@christophertownsend9750]

I could listen to that album back and forth love that album one of the best

[@anjovimusic]

Thanks for making this man! food for the soul! As someone who's a fiend for layering samples, it's always great to be able to nod at those who've pioneered this.

[@jermainebowman5582]

Totally agree fam ! I was 13 when this album dropped . The impact it had on me at that time was huge . Said impact has now become an aspect of the foundation of my manhood . Digging the greats is one of my favorite channels for many reasons . I can share with those my age or older who may have been into other styles or genres. I can share with those younger but either way observing the joy they get through discovery is always good vibes . This Chanel is a bridge builder . I'm all for it ! One Love .

[@ryanbrandt3374]

3 classic albums in a row then beats which was good then the other one and back to a classic with thank you for you service we’ve got it from here. They are the best hip hop group of all time. I’d even say best group of all time in any genre.

[@kponke]

Jazz (We've Got) is my favourite song on The Low End Theory. Smooth record, brilliant album. Love the channel. Keep on!

[@Rafael.Bernardino.]

I bought the cassette first and remember listening to it for the first on Temple's main campus... then buying the cd later... Super Classic Album.

[@seankent1807]

My new favorite channel on KZbin! Please keep up the great work 👏👏👏

[@thepolarphantasm2319]

People don't give enough credit to how goddamn funny Phife and Tip were sometimes, man. The question could be stated, "IS there a funnier line than 'the wackest crews try and diss, it makes me laugh... when my track record's longer than a DC-20 aircraft?'"

[@hlahla9479]

L.E.T. & M.M. Complete Masterpieces 💎

[@mattsweeney3790]

Dude, I love your videos. Tribe absolutely bops. My favorite song all-time is Herbie Hancock Chameleon and I sort if feel like Herbie doesn't get his due. On a side note, I recently had my mind blown when someone suggested Y.M.O. to me. It was like the missing piece of my ongoing musical soundtrack masterpiece. Any shot of you doing a video with more Herbie or Yellow Magic Orchestra focus? That would be incredibly dope.

[@drf4270]

Excursions was my reason to rhyme. It's such a unique piece of music.

[@NodSquad]

I love how you reverse engineer my favorite hip hop classics, you're the man, man!

[@prodbytwade]

Man, I love your channel. I found it through your Kanye breakdown when you only had four videos. It's so inspiring to see how much you've grown. From the moment I found your channel, I knew there was something special. Keep doing what your doing, man.

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you for the support from the beginning! 🔥

[@prodbytwade]

@@diggingthegreats No, thank you. You've introduced me to so much good music that I never would have listened to before I found your channel

[@tylerglasgow1946]

Another great video as always my man, my favorite channel on here by FAR. I appreciate you throughly

[@djholladay109]

Segues are always on point! Love the vid!

[@ghtraining1]

I played the Low end theory literally everyday when I was in the 6th grade! Good stuff!

[@jasonsangwin4006]

This is in my top 5 albums ever created

[@chefketh7258]

this is an incredible breakdown of the album!

[@coryporter5641]

Really appreciate the breakdowns of all of these classic albums. Are you a fan of Public Enemy or the Bomb Squad? I feel like PE is criminally underrated for a variety of reasons, but their production and sampling still blows my mind and I'd love to see someone talk about it in-depth. I know it takes a nation gets more critical love, but fear of a black planet is a personal contender for 'Sgt Peppers of Hip Hop.' Keep up the great work man, love what you've been doing.

[@redplanet9162]

ATCQ and Dre influencing each other is what went on between Beatles Sgt Pepper and Beach Boys Pet Sounds

[@mamoet1283]

You already became a favorite youtuber for me

[@educostanzo]

Your content is binge-inducing. You have no idea how much I always wanted to know more about some of these albums from a musical/historical pov. I would love to see you break down albums such as Danny Brown's Atrocity Exhibition or even some Billy Woods stuff.

[@MrYoungkimba]

This is beyond dope! Feel like I’m in school watching this! And the Low End Theory is one of my top albums of all time… up there with Kind of Blue, Love Deluxe, and Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite to name a few.

[@pepperann6288]

My favorite group!!

[@PerChristianFrankplads]

Awesome breakdown of this stone cold classic. Thanks a lot for your wonderful videos!

[@christopherdeguilio6375]

Well...that was a good one. I was a junior in highschool when this record came out. I used to listen endlessly. Scenario was playing everywhere of course, but Jazz will always be my favorite track on the album.

[@andropolisstudiomusic]

Great! So inspiring and really digging deep...Thanks!