First time vinyl reissue of A Tribe Called Quest's final album before their 1998 breakup (and subsequent reunions). This 3LP is a faithful reissue of the original pressing with gatefold sleeve and 6 bonus tracks. Original Lab review from 2007 (before Tribe reunited for one last album):

After one the strongest running careers in hip hop, Tribe's legacy ends with this album. Right around the release in '98, they announced their breakup, leaving plenty of fans with nowhere to turn for that jazzy, smooth ATCQ sound. In fact, even now when I do gigs and there's absolutely nobody with any musical taste for rare or new dance, they always request Tribe. Tribe just hit a sound that no one's touched since. Although I never got deep into this album when it was released, it's got gems. You want Dilla productions? They're all over this (see liner notes). Check "Find A Way" which actually samples DJ Towa Tei (of Deee-Lite), "Give Me" ft. Noreaga, "Steppin' it Up" ft. Busta and Redman, "His Name Is Mutty Ranks" the Phife Dog solo track that sounds like he's in a stadium, "Rock Rock Y'all" which features Mos Def and a slew of MC's over an ill funk sample, and of course the bonus tracks: "Hot Sex" from the Boomerang soundtrack and the heated "Scenario Remix." They say the bonus tracks are "unreleased", fuck dat corporate ploy. Most were released on 12". Still it's nice to have them all collected on wax. Recommended.

• first-time vinyl reissue
• black triple vinyl pressing
• includes 6 'bonus tracks'
• housed in repro gatefold jacket
• original release year: 1998
• music label: Jive 2023

reviewed by C'mish 03/2007