Released 33 years ago today
Award Tour
A Tribe Called Quest · 1993
16 min · 5 tracks · hip-hop
A smooth blend of jazzy instrumentals and sharp lyrics, celebrating hip-hop culture with a laid-back yet confident vibe.
Top tracks — play these first
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Award Tour (LP version) Start here — The lead track epitomizes the group's signature style, combining smooth jazz samples with playful yet profound lyrics about their journey in music. Its infectious hook and rhythmic flow made it a staple at live performances, resonating deeply with fans.
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The Chase, Part II (LP version) — This track continues the narrative established in previous works, featuring intricate wordplay and a laid-back groove that showcases the duo's chemistry. It highlights their ability to craft vivid stories through rap while maintaining an engaging beat.
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Award Tour (instrumental) — The instrumental version allows listeners to appreciate the jazz elements that underpin the lyrical flow, showcasing A Tribe Called Quest's innovative production techniques. This track exemplifies their mastery in blending genres and creating immersive soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe single showcases strong composition and craft while maintaining a distinct sound within hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The main track features a steady, laid-back groove with a prominent jazz sample that underpins the verses.
- The instrumental version highlights the intricate production, allowing the jazz elements to take center stage without vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- concise energetic flow throughout
- for quick listens
- engaging vibes for social settings
- playful yet sharp lyricism
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- dislike upbeat, lively sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — 'Award Tour' helped solidify A Tribe Called Quest's influence in hip-hop culture.
- Themes
- hip-hop celebration· jazz-infused storytelling· alternative rap evolution
- Career context
- Released in 1993, 'Award Tour' is A Tribe Called Quest's third single from their critically acclaimed album 'Midnight Marauders'. At this point, the group was solidifying their influence within the alternative hip-hop scene, following the success of earlier hits. The album's release marked a moment of creative maturity for the band as they explored new sonic textures and lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- De La Soul· The Roots· Gang Starr
Tracklist
- 1 Award Tour (LP version) Start here 3:27
- 2 Award Tour (radio version) 3:27
- 3 Award Tour (instrumental) 3:27
- 4 The Chase, Part II (LP version) 4:02
- 5 The Chase, Part II (Rap by Consequence) 2:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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