A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour (Vinyl, 12

Words By T.C.

What constitutes a song to be considered a classic? Is it unforgettable lyrics that leave a lasting impression on the listener’s life? How bout irresistible music that transcends generation gaps without sounding dated? Or could it be radio’s procedures that beat the song in your head to leave it embedded in your brain?

While all the proposed ideas qualify, as do several others, it’s pretty much a given that such songs do exist. A Tribe Called Quest being one of the most influential groups Hip-Hop has ever witnessed have contributed a few. 1993 was a great year for the genre. Snoop Doggy Dogg was a worldwide phenomenon, the Wu-Tang Clan gave everlasting credibility to the phrase power in numbers and the Tribe’s celebrated third album Midnight Marauders was released with the single “Award Tour” being used to propel the sales. Supplying the rhythmic elements that made their production so popular with fans, the song has become a staple in Hip-Hop’s track record.

Possibly one of the most carefree songs to be regarded as such, Q-Tip’s scatting at the end of his verse definitely was easy to remember, but Phife Dawg’s lyrical onslaught stole the show. With witty metaphors abound, the line “I’ll never let a statue tell me how nice I am…” always stuck with me. Despite compensation being a necessity to well…survive, Hip-Hop was built on honesty and skill. Music like this is even more sacred, with the focus shifting towards first week sales rather than album structure in the current climate. With De La Soul’s Trugoy dropping one of Hip-Hop’s most prominent hooks, do yourself a favor and do the opposite of a certain stubborn MC and check it out if all this is foreign to you.

For the rest of us, chances are you’ll relive the magic of this joint at night.

A Tribe Called Quest – Award Tour (Vinyl, 12″) (Jive Records – 1993)

A1 – Award Tour (Feat. Trugoy The Dove) (LP Version)
A2 – Award Tour (Feat. Trugoy The Dove) (Radio Version)
A3 – Award Tour (Instrumental)
B1 – The Chase. Part II (Feat. Consequence)
B2 – The Chase. Part II (Bonus Raps)

A Tribe Called Quest – Award Tour (Vinyl, 12″) (Jive Records – 1993)