End of Discussion: Why A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight Marauders” Is Better Than “The Low End Theory”
By Complex Magazine | Sep 24, 2011 | 2:35 pm | Permalink
I was at Tribe’s last show at Tramps in NYC in 1998 when the group announced their breakup. I still remember the feeling of shock that went through the room that night. Everybody who was there felt hurt. That’s the first time the idea of making a documentary came to mind. Their music was such a big part of my life, and it’s the same for everybody who loves hip-hop.
Ten years after that show at Tramps I went on tour with Tribe and started production on the film Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest. It took a lot of hard work and there’s been some bumps in the road, but it’s all been worth it. The movie has been a box-office success and it’s still playing in theaters. For a documentary about a hip-hop group that hasn’t made a record in 15 years to do this well is phenomenal. I’m just happy to have been associated with A Tribe Called Quest and a film that’s important for hip-hop.
The group released just five albums, but each of them is a masterpiece in its own right. Everybody has their personal favorites, but the two that always seem to stick out are The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders. That’s like a never-ending debate: which one of those is Tribe’s best album?
First of all, let me say that this is really hard. For me to pick one of these albums is like choosing a favorite child. I’m sure a lot of people feel that way because each one is so perfect in its own way. I don’t want to start any riots, but I’m up for the challenge. And today happens to be the 20th anniversary of the release of The Low End Theory, so what better time? I do this for the culture. So click through while I break it down point by point.
(If you’re still not convinced, there’s a lot more insight into these questions on the DVD of Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Journeys of A Tribe Called Quest, which drops October 18.)
By Michael Rapaport (@MichaelRapaport)
As told to Rob Kenner (@boomshots)
cheah September 24th, 2011 at 04:44 PM
Yes. I always thought Low End Theory was way overrated. Midnight Marauders is one of the best albums ever period.
straightup September 24th, 2011 at 04:44 PM
you guys should do this with Outkast albums
G-Man September 24th, 2011 at 09:45 PM
Low End Theory overrated? Not likely. Both albums are brilliant. MM is probably the stronger of the two, but I felt LET was more focused, more identifiable with who Tribe is.
Rick Thomas September 24th, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Jazz (We've Got), Buggin Out, Scenario, Check the Rhyme, etc... LET all the way.
Corey September 25th, 2011 at 02:58 PM
I'd have to go with Low End Theory, it's what got me into Tribe. I think it has a greater legacy too, but they're both great. This is a great new feature Complex has, please please please keep getting established experts to do these comparisons. The Reasonable Doubt/Blueprint one was fantastic as well.
Andre September 25th, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Award Tour was the first Tribe track I ever heard. After that I was hooked. I would say Midnight Marauders is better because Phife really comes into his own on that album. Just listen to God Lives Through.
Rufus Hunter September 26th, 2011 at 12:13 AM
low end was good but mm was ajust a lil better i would to who was more infulence tribe or de la which was a better cd 3 feet or de la is dead but straight classic
Omar September 26th, 2011 at 02:04 AM
I think phife was a beast for LET, every verse was like a battle rap. That was the first album he really stood out, they even said it in the documentary.
Bucketz September 26th, 2011 at 08:22 AM
It's "Mario Andretti on the MOMO", c'mon Mike, u should really know that
@BIGGFREDD September 26th, 2011 at 01:56 PM
both are classic albums and Maurauders gets the slight edge just cuz of the albumm cover(s). thats the best cover of any album of any genre of music. After Low End, i knew iwas copping anything Tribe related from then on out. of course Scenario was proobably the donwfall of L.O.N.S. since we all knew Busta was destined for stardom after his verse!