Music Reviews In A Minute (Retro Review): A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders

Music Reviews In A Minute is back to recommence. Please forgive me for the extended hiatus, folks. I know I have a lot of catching up to do. So, because I burdened you with that crazy hiatus, it’s only fair that I treat you to a journey back to hip-hop’s Golden Era with a review of an album from A Tribe Called Quest’s discography. Can’t think of a better way to return to Music Reviews In A Minute than discussing the reminiscent, collective sounds of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammed.  With that said, I went crate digging, pulled out the Midnight Marauders album, grabbed my sidekick 8thlight, and we took an enriched trip back down memory lane - to which I’m requesting that you join us.

While artists like Beastie Boys, Jungle Brothers, and De La Soul, among many, were making their legendary mark in the Golden Era, A Tribe Called Quest was alongside them respectfully. So much that they even inspired actor Michael Rapaport to make his directorial debut with a documentary about the group.


Midnight Marauders is A Tribe Called Quest’s third album, released via Jive Records circa 1993 and hit tracks like "Electric Relaxation" and "Award Tour" compliment the group's evolutionary path of innovation and versatility. I find this album to be an eclectic melt of various artistic, musical descriptions, but the platinum selling release is generally described by many as an art of clever, charismatic lyrical wordplay over jazz-influenced, hip-hop beats.  The album was not only made to be explored during hip-hop's Golden Era, but during all eras of music, so if you are not familiar with Midnight Marauders, A Tribe Called Quest, or the Golden Era, then picking up this album is definitely a good start to becoming acquainted. But until then, 8thlight and I will give you the Cliff Notes version of our opinion of the album to aid you in your quest to familiarity.

I know it's been a while since my last album review post, so just in case you forgot, the same routine with the reviews resumes as always. We rate each track on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. My reviews of each track are the red stars and 8thlight's are the black.

If you've already heard the album and also want to give your reviews, please do so in the comments below; we would love to hear what you have to say.

01. Midnight Marauders Tour Guide
02. Steve Biko (Stir It Up)  **** | ****
03. Award Tour (ft. Trugoy the Dove)  **** | *****
04. 8 Million Stories  **** | *****
05. Sucka Nigga  ***** | *****
06. Midnight (ft. Raphael Saadiq)  **** | ****
07. We Can Get Down  *** | *****
08. Electric Relaxation  ***** | *****
09. Clap Your Hands  **** | *****
10. Oh My God (ft. Busta Rhymes)  ***** | ****
11. Keep It Rollin' (ft. Large Professor)  **** | ****
12. The Chase, Part II  **** | *****
13. Lyrics To Go  **** | ****
14. God Lives Through  **** | *****


Scores:
83 - from me
92 - from 8thlight

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for our next round of Siskel and Ebert antics.