A Tribe Called Quest's Landmark Album 'The Low End Theory' Came Out 25 Years Ago Today

A Tribe Called Quest's album 'The Low End Theory' debuted 25 years ago today and all over social media, fans are celebrating.

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Complex Original

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On September 24, 1991, the Queens rap collective A Tribe Called Quest released their second studio album, The Low End Theory. As a fusion between hip-hop and a certain atmospheric form of jazz, the LP broke major ground and pushed the sonic envelope of the entire rap genre. In the 25 years since it first hit the shelves, it's reputation has only risen, and now it's widely considered to be one of the greatest, most intricate and influential albums of all time.

In many ways, The Low End Theory was the big coming out moment for Phife Dawg, who raised his game to entirely new heights on songs like "Vibes and Stuff," "Skypager," and the leadoff No.1 hit single "Check The Rhime." For Tip, the chemistry between the two of them had never been better, as he explained to VH1 when talking about his favorite track from the album "Butter." "How I was on the chorus and how [Phife] was doing the rhyme… it just felt like if it was The Beatles," he said. "John would sing lead on one and then Paul would sing lead on another and John would be backing him up."

All over social media, fans of Tribe took to praising The Low End Theory, while also explaining the impact that it had over their individual lives. 

Happy 25th anniversary, Low End Theory. Phife will forever be on point. ❤️
Have you ever heard "The Low End Theory" in a CAR? I first heard it in headphones but when I heard it in a CAR for the first time? FAM. SON.
When "The Low End Theory" dropped you had two options, you went to school that day then hit the record store right afterwards or just SKIP
I could go on and on but I'll just say: Happy 25th anniversary to my favorite album of all time. The Low End Theory. pic.twitter.com/4UZUWM4ysI
25yrs since the release of #LowEndTheory, a hip-hop staple. Thank you, @ATCQ, for creating a honest body of work that continues to inspire.
low end theory. 25 years. still ahead of its time.
So...Low End Theory

It's the greatest hip-hop album of all time & it turned 25 today

As it turns out, Sept. 24, 1991 might be one of the most pivotal days in music history. In addition to The Low End Theory, another album dropped that day that forever changed the sound of rock music: Nirvana's Nevermind.

25 years ago today, 2 albums were launched that changed everything: Nirvana's Nevermind and A Tribe Called Quest's The Low End Theory.

We just wish that Phife Dawg was still around to see all the love.

 

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