I think my goal for this week is to try to understand why A Tribe Called Quest's
The Low End Theory is supposed to be such a great record. Most of the hip-hop that I really like sounds so much more daring than this. I think I should clarify that when I say daring, I'm not talking about how confrontational or rebellious it sounds. What I'm talking about is a certain audaciousness that surrounds the music. There isn't a strict formula for developing this type of atmosphere, but there are certain traits that I usually find myself actively seeking and latching onto.
The Low End Theory contains very few of these. For one thing, the production is too low-key for my tastes. I've always prefered a sound chalk full of timbres that tickle the ear or beats that feel overpowering and authoritative. Most of the songs on this album just sound muddy and dull, meandering and groove-oriented without a real groove. The lyric delivery is equally uninteresting, as the rappers choose to methodically follow the rhythm rather than interact with it. It also doesn't help that they sound so terribly unenthusiastic, lacking in both the charisma and confidence department.
Being that I'm far from a hip-hop expert, I'd just like to figure out what people find appealing about this album. That's why I've unofficially dubbed this "The Low End Theory Week". For the next few days,
The Low End Theory is going to get heavier rotation in my stereo than it ever has before. I'm hoping that by the end of the week, with mass overexposure, I'll be able to work out what's so special about this album and the whole "subdued rap style" thing in general.
