I have no idea when I first heard a Tribe Called Quest (official site) – but it was the early 2000s before I really ‘found’ them and started listening. I would not call myself a devotee – casual fan is probably the best description – but even as a casual fan I was excited when I came across a documentary about the group produced by Michael Rapaport. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest combines early footage, interviews with the Tribe and a huge number of artists to give a brief history of the group, a glimpse into the time/scene/place that they occupied and some insight into their personal challenges and the struggles within the group.

There were times when the film seemed a little slow to me – but overall there was so much great material that was new and interesting (for me anyway) that it really didn’t matter…

Rating: 4 of 5
First Watch Date: December 2011

Official Website – Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

CM