Review of Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011) by Manny C — 19 Jan 2012

Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest is a marvelous documentary about one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, who assaulted audiences with one of the smoothing and most innovative sounds back in their late 80's, early 90's peak. Led by rapper-producer Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest were true originals, using samples to remarkable effect and managed to make bold, radical statements through positive and hilarious lyrics.

Director and admirer Michael Rapaport crafts the film like an R-rated Behind The Music, documenting how the group's feeling of love and respect for one another soon soured into bitterness and resentment. Q-Tip and fellow emcee Phife Dawg, whose diabetes caused one major public meltdown performance, shared a deep friendsahip, but fast became contentious rivals. Though the way the film treats the group's numerous reunions and breakups can be a little exhausting, the film still stands as a welcome bit of 90's retro nostalgia, mostly because its subjects remain one of the best and most revered modern artists ever. Despite the tensions and resentments on display, there's also an unmistakable sense of optimism, perfect for such perfect music.