Today In Hip-Hop History: ATCQ “The Low End Theory” Is Released
Released in 1991, this is still one of seminal hip-hop albums of all time. What are some of the little known facts about the album?
The Low End Theory helped cement Tribe’s legacy. It was universally beloved when it dropped 25 years ago, and still receives a large amount of accolades. It features three beloved singles, complete with three videos almost any hip-hop head can describe to you from memory alone
The Low End Theory served as the follow-up to the group’s great debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths Of Rhythm, an impressive statement for a group new to the hip-hop scene and unequivocally one of the best albums of the 1990’s. It’s the type of album you would expect from a member of the Native Tongues collective: mellow, but with a goofy sense of humor. It eschewed hip-hop’s familiar subject matter and permeated with character.
https://vimeo.com/124178148
Here are some little known facts about the album that to this day is still in iTunes Top 100 albums chart:
-Member Qtip is credited for largely producing the album himself.
-It was initially doubted by music writers and Jive record execs about whether it could be a commercial success.
-This album is credited for launching Busta Rhymes solo career.
-Group member Jarobi White, who previously appeared on People’s Instinctive Travels, had verses recorded for The Low End Theory. However, he left the group during the sessions to study culinary art and his verses did not make the final cut.
-The song “Butter” was originally supposed to feature a verse by Q-Tip, but Phife Dawg insisted on rapping solo on it, causing a brief argument. It essentially became a Phife Dawg solo record, with Q-Tip performing the chorus.
