Released 10 years ago this November
We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
A Tribe Called Quest · 2016
60 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected beats and incisive lyrics that channel both nostalgia and contemporary social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Space Program Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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We the People.... — This track serves as an urgent anthem against societal injustices, combining infectious rhythms with pointed, politically charged lyrics that resonate deeply in today's climate.
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Dis Generation — Celebrating legacy while reflecting on generational divides, this track cleverly intertwines nostalgia with contemporary themes, emphasizing the group's enduring influence on hip-hop.
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Lost Somebody — A heartfelt tribute to Phife Dawg, this emotional track captures the essence of loss and remembrance through its poignant lyrics and soulful instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz-inflected beats with incisive lyrics, showcasing strong composition and craft.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature multiple guest artists contributing verses, creating a dynamic interplay between voices and perspectives.
- The album's pacing varies significantly; it alternates between high-energy tracks and more reflective pieces, particularly in the second half.
- Lyrically, the album addresses contemporary social issues while referencing past influences, blending nostalgia with current commentary.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- vibrant sound for reflective moments
- engaging commentary on social issues
- for thoughtful group discussions
- nuanced exploration of personal loss
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone radio singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Significant comeback after 18 years, showcasing continued vitality and relevance.
- Career context
- Released on November 11, 2016, this album marked A Tribe Called Quest's first studio effort in 18 years, following the critically acclaimed 'The Love Movement' in 1998. It came after the passing of member Phife Dawg earlier that year, infusing the record with a poignant sense of legacy and closure as they navigated their reunion amidst changing musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- De La Soul· The Roots· Gang Starr
Tracklist
- 1 The Space Program Start here 5:40
- 2 We the People.... 2:52
- 3 Whateva Will Be 2:52
- 4 Solid Wall of Sound 3:43
- 5 Dis Generation 3:33
- 6 Kids… 3:48
- 7 Melatonin 4:44
- 8 Enough!! 3:20
- 9 Mobius 2:51
- 10 Black Spasmodic 3:03
- 11 The Killing Season 2:43
- 12 Lost Somebody 4:18
- 13 Movin Backwards 4:41
- 14 Conrad Tokyo 3:31
- 15 Ego 3:17
- 16 The Donald 5:22
What to play next
The Love Movement
1998
Continues the blend of jazz influences and social themes with a reflective tone.
Beats, Rhymes and Life
1996
Sets the stage with similar lyrical depth and musical experimentation.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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