A TRIBE CALLED QUEST 'Low End Theory' 2LP

Double LP re-issue!

de la Soul are remembered as the premier Native Tongues posse, those rappers who got low-key, self-consciously thoughtful, and jazzy in the face of gangsta's hardcore threats. But A Tribe Called Quest may have been even stronger, especially on their excellent second album, the bass-thumping, heavily jazz-sampled the Low End Theory. According to the opening "Excursions," rapper Q-Tip's old man says the disc's jazz-rap "reminded him of bebop," and Q calls himself "prominent like Shakespeare." But if Charlie Parker had ever written poetic couplets and backed them with funky-drummer and Ron Carter-on-bass grooves this irresistible, he might have been as big as the Bard and Brother James combined. - David Cantwell

LP#1
1. EXCURSIONS 3:53
2. BUGGIN' OUT 3:38
3. RAP PROMOTER 2:13
4. BUTTER 2:13
5. VERSES FROM THE ABSTRACT 3:59
6. SHOW BUSINESS 3:53
7. VIBES AND STUFF 4:18
LP#2
1. THE INFAMOUS DATE RAPE 2:54
2. CHECK THE RHIME 3:36
3. EVERYTHING IS FAIR 2:59
4. JAZZ (WE'VE GOT) 4:09
5. SKYPAGER 2:13
6. WHAT? 2:29
7. SCENARIO 4:10