ATCQ: Midnight Marauders

Editor’s note: Deez wrote such a solid review for this Tribe masterpeice back in July, that we decided to repost it for Tribe week.

1993 is considered by some hip hop enthusiasts to be the pinnacle of the new breed of hip hop. It broke away from the usually fun, braggadocio style of rap and moved to a more serious, introspective and self conscious type of genre. Illmatic began heavy development in 93, Enter the 36 Chambers had the Rza laced production and introduction of a legendary clique, and Doggystyle unleashed Dr. Dre’s top notch production and Snoop in top form. Not lost in all of this however, was the work of arguably the greatest group in hip hop history, A Tribe Called Quest. Releasing their third album, Midnight Marauders, Tribe took their lyrical performance, their production skills, and their concepts to a new level.

Low End Theory was an extremely tough album to top (and many regard that album as their best work) with valid reasoning. LET might be the better album, however, Midnight seems to be the easier and more enjoyable listen. The production is kicked up a notch with added elements of unique techniques as shown on “Midnight” or “Lyrics 2 Go.” This album not only contains some of the greatest Tribe songs ever, but some of hip hop’s greatest songs ever. It is nearly flawless and while it broke away from the traditional style and sound of that era, it remained to be a hip hop favourite amongst fans, critics, and everyday people.

The great thing about Tribe is that all of their music is so damn enjoyable. They can make the hardest Hip Hop hater become a fan instantaneously. The horns of “Stir It Up” start the album off on a loud welcoming note, only to have the beat be so soothing and mellow for Tip and Phife to kick it. Lines like: “The height of Mugsy Bogues, complexion of a hockey puck” further assert Phife as one of the punchline/quick-wit kings. “Award Tour” may be the highlight of the album because of how flawless it is. Tip is on a mission to be recognized for his groups flat out unrewarded skill and Phife (probably delivering his best verse as a member of ATCQ) takes the Golden Globes, the Grammy’s and the Oscar’s all in one shot:

Back in `89 I simply slid into place
Buddy, Buddy, Buddy all up in your face
Alot of kids was bustin’ rhymes but they had no taste
Some said Quest was Wack, but now is that the case
I have a quest to have a mic’ in my hand
Without that, it’s like Kryptonite and Superman
So Shaheed come in with the sugar cuts
Phife Dawg’s my name but on stage call me Dynomutt
When was the last time you heard the Phifer sloppy
Lyrics anonymous, you’ll never hear me copy
Top notch baby, never comin’ less
Sky’s the limit, you got’s to believe up in Quest
Sit back relax, get up off the path
If not that, here’s the dancefloor, come move that ass
Non believer’s you can check the stats
I roll with Shaheed and the brotha Abstract
Niggaz’ know the time when Quest is in the jam
I never let a statue tell me how nice I am
Comin’ with more hits than the Braves and the Yankees
Livin’ mad phat like an oversized bam-bi
The wackest crews try to dis, it makes me laugh
When my track record’s longer than a DC-20 aircraft
So next time that you think you want somethin’ here
Make somethin’ differ, take that garbage to St. Elsewhere

Another highlight might be the Q-Tip solo, “Sucka N*gga”, which further explains the misuse, controversy, and development of the very fragile word. This was done before the whole Don Imus thing, but it is still relevant today and can certainly be still applied. It is a very smart song that was ahead of its time. Tip makes sure his point gets across to the listener as he does the same verse twice, and in most cases that would be tacky and unnecessary, but in this case it fits like a glove. Tip’s second solo joint “Midnight” is backed by a killer beat and a great first verse story . Some underestimate Q-Tip’s emceeing (even despite a really mediocre debut solo album),but he exemplifies his complete MC package within his vivid storytelling and consistent dope flow. Phife, not to be outdone comes correct on his solo track “8 Million Stories”. “Oh My God” features a well known chorus by Busta Rhymes and once again has Tip and Phife going back and forth and making this rap thing seem so easy. You could make an entire review just based on “Electric Relaxation” alone because of how complete it is. Rarely do you have such an explosive song of this low tone mood and swagger.

The album is full of great tracks laced with great lyricism, wit, effortless back and forth chemistry, tremendous theme/mood fitting production, and plenty of surprises for any listener. Listening to this album now will still have you pointing out new things such as Phife’s punch lines, the tour guides directions, or subtle samples used by the Tribe production. The album truly does define what hip hop is and many hip hop fans will agree. If there is one “flaw” with this album it is due to the album before it. LET brought us “Scenario” and there was no equivalent on MM. That really is asking a lot though, especially considering that “Scenario” is irreplaceable. But it was missing that huge posse cut. You would think with the album art, something huge could’ve happened.

The Tour Guide was a great addition and added a consistent theme of journey and excursion continued from The Low End Theory and Paths. The album’s style paved ways for albums like Pharcyde’s Labcab… and even recent acts like Little Brother (who pay homage to Tribe on the Minstrel Show with “Still Lives Through”) and Mos Def (Who did “Mr. N*gga”, a sequel/homage). To this day this album still holds so much relevance and importance due to its timeless subject matter, writing style, production style and execution. Tip, Ali Shaheed, Phife and Jarobi are so important to the movement and continuity of great hip hop music and this album serves as the blueprint for a nearly perfect hip hop group album.

Overall Score: 94/100

Standout Tracks: 

“Award Tour”

“Sucka N*gga”

“Midnight”

“Electric Relaxation”