Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip hop bands of all time, the Queens NY collective known as 'A Tribe Called Quest' have kept a generation hungry for more of their groundbreaking music since their much publicized breakup in 1998. Michael Rapaport documents the inner workings and behind the scenes drama that follows the band to this day. He explores what's next for, what many claim, are the pioneers of alternative rap.
Thanks to a particularly even-handed job by director Michael Rapaport, the story emerges as compelling, even for non-fans in the audience.
– Randy Cordova,
Arizona Republic,
4 Aug 2011
fresh:
A combination of timing, access, a visual aesthetic that reflects ATCQ's Afrocentric "surface philosophy" (as the crew's look is described) and, most importantly, story-conscious editing elevates the doc above the norm.
– Jennie Punter,
Globe and Mail,
5 Aug 2011
fresh:
Despite accusations of nearly succumbing to spotlighting beefs over beats, the film comes off as an honest representation of a great group that's not to be forgotten.
– Kevin C. Johnson,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
5 Aug 2011
fresh:
Rapaport gets at the dynamics of a group that struggles even now to get along well enough to get paid - again.
– Roger Moore,
Orlando Sentinel,
9 Aug 2011
fresh:
This authorized documentary is more of a celebration of the legendary Queens quartet than a serious exploration of their art. But considering how brilliant they were at their peak, it's hard to disagree with the general sentiment.