Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

If you are a regular reader and you pay close attention, then you probably saw this post coming, since I've made at least one reference about the documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest (2011).

As the title properly indicates, it's about A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most influential musical groups of all time and a personal favorite of mine.

If at this point, you just frown as a reaction to what it seems like a bold statement, I can assure you it's not! They left a huge mark not only in the hip-hop (so what, so what's the...) scenario, but in music in general, hence this post stressing out how much everyone should watch this entertaining and highly educational documentary, directed and produced by actor Michael Rapaport, who, being a hard-core fan himself, decided to take the helms of this idea, paying a tribute and showing his love towards ATCQ.

The documentary portrays every single step of the way, from their upbringing and uprising into stardom... showing us along the way how Kamaal, Malik, Ali and Jarobi all came together in 1985 to do what they do best. Come up with the beats, the lyrics and melodies.. and just leave a trail of classic tracks and albums that still are appreciated as some of the best work ever to be done in the music business.

Their approach was fresh, innovative, immaculate and intelligent. While keeping the Afro-American essence, it still went the mile to "touch" other people regardless of their race, religion or creed. All of this, going against the stereotype to which Hip-Hop was (and still is) highly connected: "Gangsta Rap".

It is said: "All good things come to an end". Always thought that statement was outrageously ridiculous, but the matter of the fact is: Sometimes is true. This is a point to which this documentary enlightens the audience, as they explain to us the reasons that lead the group to separate in 1998 and show us they their most recent dismantlement while it was happening.
If you are a fan, it's almost like allowing yourself to get heartbroken... because you know what's heading your way... and try as you might to dodge it, there is nothing you can do about it!

So ... yeah... you face the facts and you acknowledge that there was little to be done. Phife and Q-Tip had their problems... and as a consequence it drove the band to dismantle... however... we can still feel grateful for that they have left us! Couldn't imagine myself pulling out of my iPod and not having that Q-Tip mellow voice, the high pitched Phife or kick-ass beats by Ali... and their range of collaborations?! C'mon! De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and Busta Rhymes (to name a few)...

I seriously recommend the documentary to those who enjoy good music and in particular hip-hop.