The Low End Theory

The Low End Theory is the 2nd album from the American Hip-Hop group that released in September 1991.

It was produced primarily by Q-Tip (one of the members of the group) with a minimalist sound consisting of bass, drum breaks & jazz samples.

The album was initially doubted by critics due to the moderate success of Check the Rhime, but the releases of Jazz (We've Got) and Scenario brought the group further popularity.

Nowadays, The Low End Theory is regarded as a milestone in Alternative Hip-Hop music as well as one of the greatest albums of all-time. Easily understandable...

I love the production throughout this album; every single song on this album is a pure bop, with the drums being smooth like Butter (no pun intended), with gorgeous Jazz samples and electric keyboard melodies interpolated in the background.

The overall energy of this album never lets down for the entire 48mins. I was head bopping for the whole time (my neck hurts a little bit now).

Lyrically, there's a lot of different topics Q-Tip & Phife Dawg rap about (some taboo) including relationships, the Hip-Hop industry, consumerism & date r*pe.
There's also a mixture of humour and word play to be found to balance the record out tonally.

Q & Phife's chemistry throughout this album is fantastic and feels playful, and at times like rap-battle levels of energetic.
Their flows can also strike a balance between mellow and comical as well reflective and self-depracating.

The Low End Theory is easily one of the most fun albums I've listened to. Never a dull moment to be found here, with it's fantastic flows, smooth production and simply irresistible vibes.