A Tribe Called Quest released their sixth studio album, “We got it From Here…Thank you 4 Your Service” on Nov. 11 2016, 18 years after their previous effort. Tribe released this album against the odds. After they split up and after the tragic passing of Phife Dawg earlier this year, the album is here. Does it stack up to their legendary discography?
The New York group has plenty to say about the recent years’ controversies. Tribe loads “We got it From Here” with potent socio-politically charged lyrics. Album highlight “We the People” contains the haunting chorus “All you Black folks, you must go. All you Mexicans, you must go.” Their commentary and statements are well written, and don’t come across as trying too hard to seem timely. The hip hop masters never let the record get too dark or political. They still make sure to have plenty of fun.
Right away, “We got it From Here” immerses the listener in a dense sound full of east coast hip hop and jazz influences. The classic Tribe sound is back and it has aged like a fine cheese. Even with this old school sound, it never milks nostalgia, sounding fresh in 2016. It is an artistic hip hop record that remains accessible.
The rapping is tight and impressive. There is an impeccable balance between technicality, mood, and pure fun. Q-Tip’s unmistakable voice and flow is back, never sounding old.
“We got it From Here” flows together seamlessly as a cohesive whole. It is a two disc project but with only eight tracks on each disc, it is a lean beast.
Lots of guests make appearances on the project, all with worthy contributions. It feels good to hear Busta Rhymes on Tribe tracks again, with his distinct voice and strong presence. Elton John’s piano work on “Solid Wall of Sound” is a delight to hear. Many other artists make excellent additions to the record.
A Tribe Called Quest’s latest effort stacks up with their classic albums such as “Midnight Marauders” and “Low End Theory.” This is a highlight of 2016 and for this, “We got it From Here…Thank you 4 Your Service” earns nine out of ten stars.