Push it Along - A Tribe Called Quest

           This songs starts off quite weird. In fact I still wonder what the intro was all about. The first time I heard it I was actually disturbed believe it or not, it really just scared me more than anything. However, in no time the drums kick in, and then the bass plays. The beat is just so smooth and relaxing. Then Q-Tip introduces himself right off the bat. Now at first I would think that this guy just couldn't rap very well, however I was quite ignorant. Just because he wasn't talking a mile a minute doesn't mean he didn't have skill. However, by the 2nd verse I was in love with this song. There are different degrees of good rapping I thought to myself. And it is all in the flow right here. Different flows for different songs and styles. And this style was brilliant. Remember, I was still new to this style. And it grew on me, they were like butter on this track, and that would be the same story for every song they made.
           Another important part of their music is a lot of the imagery. Through their verses many lines just sound nice. They are very laid back, and so you are never lost in their verses. Everything is quite vivid, when Q-Tip mentions a glass of orange juice. Then Phife mentions chicken, sure it may seem silly. But they killed the verses. All this imagery just comes together, all these simple pleasures just coagulate into something positive. Nothing in their music is violent, and they never scream into the microphone. They did a terrific job. You will notice in other songs by them, that their verses contain lots of playful rhymes. It is so wonderful to take a break from all other artists, and cool off with the Tribe.
          The best quality is they don't try to number 1. They are just there to have a good time, which becomes refreshing after all these other artists trying to climb the charts, or make the most money. However, I don't enjoy listening to those artists, unless they make the good music I can listen to, than by all means. My point is, these guys are having a good time, and more people should to. Hell, the whole world should just chill out for awhile.

After the verses, my favorite part comes. The introduction to everyone, Jarobi, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg, and Q-Tip. They start to chant, and it was just terrific. They were practically making music as they went, which was really just fun to hear. Feeling like you are in the studio is always a great way of immersing yourself in music, maximizing the enjoyment. At this point I was already in love with Quest, if you will.

Now for the samples:

• "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Babe" by Jimmy Smith (from the 1973 album "Black Smith")
• "Loran's Dance" by Grover Washington, Jr. (from the 1979 album "Reed Seed") 
• "Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Junior Mance (from the 1970 album "With a Lotta Help from My Friends")
• "Gonna Love You (Skit)" by J. Smith
• "Jagger the Dagger" by Gene McDaniels (from the 1971 album "Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse")

A good list to keep you busy I suppose, ha ha. Up next, the Luck of Lucien.