Is The Best of A Tribe Called Quest a good place to start with A Tribe Called Quest?

Yes, The Best of A Tribe Called Quest is recommended as a starting point for new A Tribe Called Quest listeners. A fusion of jazzy samples and inventive wordplay creates a vibrant sonic landscape that defined East Coast hip-hop. Released in 2008, The Best of A Tribe Called Quest serves as a retrospective compilation after the group had disbanded following their last studio album, The Love Movement, in 1998. This album arrives during a period of renewed interest in their catalog, as hip-hop began to look back on its roots while also embracing newer styles and sounds.

Who is The Best of A Tribe Called Quest for?

The Best of A Tribe Called Quest works well if you're into steady groove for social settings, nostalgic vibes for casual listening and clever wordplay sparks conversation.

How many songs are on The Best of A Tribe Called Quest?

The Best of A Tribe Called Quest has 15 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

The Best of A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest · 2008

58 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A fusion of jazzy samples and inventive wordplay creates a vibrant sonic landscape that defined East Coast hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Can I Kick It? Start here — The track's laid-back vibe and playful sampling of Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side' exemplify A Tribe Called Quest's unique blend of jazz and hip-hop, setting the tone for their innovative sound.
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Award Tour — As a celebration of their global success, this track features catchy hooks and clever verses that encapsulate the group's charisma and lyrical prowess.
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Scenario — This energetic collaboration with Leaders of the New School showcases dynamic verses from multiple artists, highlighting the group's ability to create anthemic moments in hip-hop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights A Tribe Called Quest's influential sound but lacks the cohesive flow of a studio album.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, particularly in 'Scenario' and 'Check the Rhime', enhancing listener engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

steady groove for social settings
nostalgic vibes for casual listening
clever wordplay sparks conversation
easygoing tracks for background ambiance
playful rhythms encourage movement

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — A compilation that introduces new listeners to the group's influential sound.
Career context: Released in 2008, The Best of A Tribe Called Quest serves as a retrospective compilation after the group had disbanded following their last studio album, The Love Movement, in 1998. This album arrives during a period of renewed interest in their catalog, as hip-hop began to look back on its roots while also embracing newer styles and sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: De La Soul· The Roots· Gang Starr