I love long convoluted album titles. The 60's had some pretty epic ones but A Tribe Called Quest really brought back the novel-sized titles with this one. If I wanted to read, I wouldn't be listenin' to music now would I?
This is the first album of ATCQ. It was critically liked but it didn't do so great in the mainstream appeal department. They were lauded for their sense of humor and social aware lyrics. Now I'm not the most observant when it comes to lyrics but there was definitely a Star Wars shout out, and you can't complain when Obi Wan Kenobi shows up in your hip hop.
I did enjoy this album quite a bit. It has the smooth hip hop vocal sound but layers a lot of funk beats on top. This makes for much more interesting songs than the simple rhythmic beats in some of the other rap songs. It's not the song construction of modern-day rap/hip hop (rap then a hook, chorus, then more rap, repeat...) but it makes the music a bit more textured. It's still a smidge bit repetitive but it's at least fun while it does it.
Overall, this album was a lot of fun. "Can I Kick It?" has a great hook. "Ham N' Eggs" was just funny...I mean, they speak about the dangers of high cholesterol and use the word "tummy". I'd like to see 50 Cent try to say "tummy". These guys are funny and talented...good times. 4 stars.
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