Third and last of the "classic" Tribe records (preceding the addition of Jay Dee and the formation of "the Ummah" production team), MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS is not as groundbreaking as PEOPLE'S INSTINCTIVE TRAVELS or as consistently on-point as LOW END THEORY. However, it is arguably the group's most musically sophisticated album. The tracks balance jazz, soul, and even reggae influences with pure hip-hop to arrive at a completely distinctive Tribe sound, the logical evolution of the bop-inflected hooks which characterized LOW END THEORY.
Production-wise, Tribe graduates from a cool school aesthetic to an electric jazz sound (reminiscent of fusion-era Miles Davis). Lyrically MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS finds the group's abstract poetics in excellent form as usual, and Phife is miles ahead of the "mayor-flavor" rhymes of "Can I Kick It." As per the title, the album develops the introspection of "After Hours" into a nocturnal feel which winds it's way through "Midnight," the party-rock of "We Can Get Down," "Clap Your Hands" and the complex layers of "God Lives Through."
Recorded at Battery Studios, Platinum Island, Matermix and Sorcerer Sound, New York, New York.
Producers: A Tribe Called Quest, Skeff Anselm, Large Professor.
Engineers: Bob Power, A Tribe Called Quest, Tim Latham.
Personnel: Phife Dawg, Q-Tip (vocals).
DJ: Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
Audio Mixers: A Tribe Called Quest; Bob Power.
Recording information: Battery Studios; Platinum Island Mastermix; Sorcerer Sound.
A Tribe Called Quest: Jonathan "Q-Tip" Davis, Malik "Phife-Dawg" Taylor (rap vocals); Ali Shaheed Muhammad (turntables).
Additional personnel: Large Professor, Trugoy, Busta Rhymes, Raphael Wiggins.
Spin (12/93, p.119) - Highly Recommended - "...the way Q-Tip and Phife trade solos evokes the spontaneity of an improv jam session, but the smoke in the room is cheeba, not tobacco..." Entertainment Weekly (11/12/93, p.65) - "...[A Tribe Called Quest's MIDNIGHT MARAUDER] sounds as fresh as their first...rappers Phife and Q-Tip manage to hold attention without resorting to gun references or expletives..." - Rating: A Q (12/93, p.125) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...another phat and funky platter simply oozing positive vibes and street-sussed style..." Vibe (11/93, p.103) - "...on MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS [Tribe Called Quest] counter with beats that are less jazzy and more jeep-centric...a rap classic..." The Source (12/93, p.88) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...With their third album, MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS, Quest do what they've always done - ignore all of the current trends in hip-hop and deliver a solid collectable..." Melody Maker (11/27/93, p.41) - "...A Tribe Called Quest have expanded their vision with a lyrical gravitas and a musical lightness of touch that has hitherto eluded them across a whole album...." Musician (1/94, p.92) - "...MARAUDER's varied, sophisticated themes hold your attention even as the grooves lull you into head-nodding..." Village Voice (3/1/94, p.5) - Ranked #21 in the Village Voice's 1993 Pazz & Jop Critics Poll. NME (Magazine) (11/27/93, p.32) - (7) - Very Good - "...MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS is [Tribe Called Quest's] most complete work to date..."
Quintessential HIPHOP pt. 2! Forget the music magazine reviews! Take it from someone who has damn near EVERY single rap album out since 1985!
Marauders picks up directly where 'Low End Theory' left off - and then some. Even though 'Theory' changed up the sound of hiphop, 'Midnight' just hits a lot harder(Sucka Nigga) a touch smoother(Electric Relaxation), and a little jazzier(Award Tour). This is one of those perfect Cds to play at home while having company over and people go "Who is this? This sounds nice!" It never fails, even 13 years later, I still listen to this CD at least once a week. BUY THIS NOW. A+, 5 Mics, 5 stars, XXL. Submitted by williest1 (Austin, TX) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
One of the greatest rap albums Midnight Marauders is one of the best albums I have ever heard. This is a true hip hop classic. If you are a real fan of rap it is a must have. The beats and the lyrics are on point. 5 star classic Submitted by a reviewer (chicago, IL, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Best Hip hop Group All Time 5 Starz For These from Brooklyn Submitted by kol_aide (Minnesota) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Amazing album... Easily one the best hip-hop albums I've ever listened to. The entire album flows so consistently with each track hitting harder than the previous. Q-tip and Phife, as usual, have a great chemistry and both of their styles compliment eachother. Production is also top notch with the jazzy loops to the guitar riffs. A must pick up for any hip-hop head. Standout tracks: Electric Relaxation, Award Tour, We Can Get Down, Midnight, pretty much every track on this album. Submitted by BOB (nowhere) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Midnight Marauders A true Hip-Hop classic! Nobody does it like this anymore...Ali Shaeed puts dow some of his most ferocious beats and Pfife and Q-Tip remind us how lyrics and MC'n should be. Equivalent to Enter the 36 Chambers, The Score (Fugees) and hell, even Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd)! 9.8 outta 10!!! Submitted by a reviewer (Miami, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Have you heard this album?
Buy Midnight Marauders CD
Buy A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders Posters From Allposters.com
Share this Product