Origin:

Decades:

Without question the most intelligent, artistic rap group during the 1990s, A Tribe Called Quest jump-started and perfected the hip-hop alternative to hardcore and gangsta rap. In essence, they abandoned the macho posturing rap music had been constructed upon, and focused instead on abstract philosophy and message tracks. The "sucka MC" theme had never been completely ignored in hip-hop, but Tribe confronted numerous black issues -- date rape, use of the word nigger, the trials and tribulations of the rap i... Read More

Eric B. & Rakim

Digable Planets, Dilated Peoples, Guru, Mos Def, The Black Eyed Peas, The Roots, Kanye West, Jurassic 5, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Maspyke, Slum Village and Little Brother