The Low End Theory

The Low End Theory is the second studio album by the Hip-Hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, released on September 24, 1991, by Jive Records. The album was primarily produced by group member Q-Tip. On February 19, 1992, the album was certified Gold and certified Platinum by the RIAA. The album is known as Phife Dawg's breakout skills as a rapper and is credited for launching Busta Rhymes' successful solo career. The album's influence on artists in Hip-Hop, R&B, and other genres has been attributed to the group's lyricism and Q-Tip's production, which bridged the gap between Jazz and Hip-Hop. The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, appearing on many best albums lists by music critics and writers, including on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Albums of the '90s.

A Tribe Called Quest (ATCQ) is an alternative/Jazz Rap Hip-Hop group from Queens, New York. Members of the group included Q-Tip (Kamaal Fareed, b. 1970), Phife Dawg (Malik Taylor, 1970-2016), Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ali Shaheed Muhammad, b. 1970) and Jarobi (Jarobi White, b. 1971) were popular in the 1990s era of conscious Hip-Hop. Considered the most intelligent, artistic Rap group, ATCQ rapped about numerous black issues, social consciousness, and the music industry. Signed to Jive by 1989, ATCQ released their debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990). While their debut album was successful, their second album The Low End Theory (1991) is considered one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time, including on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Albums of the '90s and reaching Platinum status by 1995.