Check the Rhime cover

Check the Rhime

A Tribe Called Quest · 1991

16 min · 5 tracks · hip-hop

A jazzy, groove-laden exploration of friendship and competition, merging playful lyricism with infectious rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Check the Rhime (LP version) — The LP version exemplifies A Tribe Called Quest's signature style, featuring clever wordplay and an infectious beat that perfectly captures their artistic ethos.
  • →
    Check the Rhime (Mr. Muhammad's mix) Start here — This mix highlights the group's ability to reinterpret their own work, offering a fresh take on a classic track while maintaining its core essence.
  • →
    Skypager — As one of the shorter tracks on the album, 'Skypager' delivers a tight narrative packed with clever rhymes, showcasing their lyrical dexterity and storytelling ability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The single's clever lyricism and varied mixes showcase its strong composition and distinct sound within hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The main track features a call-and-response structure between the two MCs, creating a dynamic interplay that emphasizes their lyrical chemistry.
  • Each version of 'Check the Rhime' showcases different production techniques, with varying levels of jazz samples and rhythmic complexity.
  • The instrumental track strips away vocals to highlight the groove and musicality, allowing listeners to appreciate the underlying beats.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • short bursts of energetic fun
  • catchy hooks for group enjoyment
  • playful wordplay and clever rhythms
  • dynamic listening for quick sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • desire deep, introspective tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single solidified their reputation in hip-hop after their debut.
Career context
Released in 1991, 'Check the Rhime' served as a pivotal follow-up to A Tribe Called Quest's debut album, 'People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm'. At this point, the group was beginning to solidify its reputation in the hip-hop scene, showcasing their unique blend of jazz samples and introspective lyrics while influencing the burgeoning alternative hip-hop movement.
Stylistic neighbors
De La Soul· The Roots· Gang Starr
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Tracklist

  • 1 Check the Rhime (Mr. Muhammad's mix) Start here 3:42
  • 2 Check the Rhime (LP version) 3:40
  • 3 Check the Rhime (Skeff's mix) 3:40
  • 4 Check the Rhime (instrumental) 3:39
  • 5 Skypager 2:12

What to play next

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Full A Tribe Called Quest discography Where to start with A Tribe Called Quest Artists like A Tribe Called Quest
East Coast hip-hop alternative hip-hop hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata