The Low End Theory: The Samples

Alright, I’m gettin’ back on my grind this year. It’s been a minute since I’ve dropped a sample collection, so I wanted to come back hard with one of my favorite groups of all time… A Tribe Called Quest. We’re switching up the format this time around though. In previous posts I would just post a 30 second snippet of the sample to just give you a taste. Well, because these have become so popular, I’ve decided to put up the whole samples for download. Many, many thanks to my man A.D. for helping me dig and compile this compilation!

The Low End Theory is the critically acclaimed second release from A Tribe Called Quest. Released on September 24, 1991, the beats are widely different from the then about-to-explode G funk sound being pioneered on the West Coast, and shares more of an influence with East Coast artists like Public Enemy. With dominant basslines and sampled jazz horn solos, The Low End Theory has a distinctive sound that met the high expectations after their critically acclaimed debut People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.

The Low End Theory became a watershed album in the history of hip hop. The album established alternative rap as a definable genre, distinguished by aware, often abstract or political lyrics, and a light-hearted sense of humor, along with jazz and other unusual sampling sources. The Low End Theory transformed alternative hip hop, leading the way from the jazzy pioneers like De La Soul towards future artists like Common and The Roots.

1. “Tribute to Obabi” by The Last Poets
   • Sampled for “Excursions”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
2. “The Soil I Tilled For You” by Shades of Brown
   • Sampled for “Excursions”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
3. “A Chant For Bu” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
   • Sampled for “Excursions”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
4. “New Rags” by Jack De Johnette
   • Sampled for “Buggin’ Out”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
5. “Keep On Doin’ It” by New Birth
   • Sampled for “Rap Promoter”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
6. “Young & Fine” by Weather Report
   • Sampled for “Butter”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
7. “I Like Everything About You” by Chuck Jackson
   • Sampled for “Butter”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
8. “Gentle Smiles” by Gary Bartz
   • Sampled for “Butter”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
9. “Star of the Story” by Heatwave
   • Sampled for “Verses From The Abstract”
   • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
10. “Upon This Rock” by Joe Farrell”
    • Sampled for “Verses From The Abstract”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
11. “Wicky-Wacky” by The Fatback Band
    • Sampled for “Show Business”
    • Produced by Skeff Anselm & A Tribe Called Quest
12. “Midnight Cowboy” by Ferrante & Teicher
    • Sampled for “Show Business”
    • Produced by Skeff Anselm & A Tribe Called Quest
13. “Down Here on the Ground” by Grant Green
    • Sampled for “Vibes & Stuff”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
14. “Is It Him or Me” by Jackie Johnson
    • Sampled for “The Infamous Date Rape”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
15. “The Steam Drill” by Cannonball Adderley
    • Sampled for “The Infamous Date Rape”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
16. “Love Your Life” by Average White Band
    • Sampled for “Check The Rhime”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
17. “Baby, This Love I Have” by Minnie Riperton
    • Sampled for “Check The Rhime”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
18. “Tales of KidD Funkadelic” by Funkadelic
    • Sampled for “Everything Is Fair”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
19. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Willis Jackson
    • Sampled for “Everything Is Fair”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
20. “Green Dolphin Street” by Sonny Lester
    • Sampled for “Jazz (We’ve Got)”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest & Pete Rock (uncredited)
21. “Take My Advice” by Sly & The Family Stone
    • Sampled for “Skypager”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
22. “Uncle Willie’s Dream” by Paul Humphry
    • Sampled for “What?”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
23. “Oblighetto” by Brother Jack McDuff
    • Sampled for “What?”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
24. “Give It Up” by Kool & The Gang
    • Sampled for “Scenario”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest
25. “Little Miss Lover” by Jimi Hendrix
    • Sampled for “Scenario”
    • Produced by A Tribe Called Quest

Download ATCQ: The Low End Theory [The Samples]