The Low End Theory

Editors' Notes What sophomore slump? With their second offering, Tribe deliver a masterful template for jazz/rap fusionists—and, ultimately, a straight-up hip-hop classic—and kick Afrocentric wisdom through clear, evocative storytelling. Q-Tip and Phife’s chemistry is at its peak on “Check the Rhime” as the two seamlessly trade bars and drop Zen koans of industry insight (including the now-notorious Rule #4080, further outlined in the snarky “Show Business”). On “Excursions,” Tip draws connecting lines through generations of black musical innovation over a subtle jazz bass groove—pure understated genius.