I can't remember the first time I heard Midnight Marauders, but it's been in my rotation ever since. And I don't see it leaving anytime soon. Because even though it was released more than 30 years ago, Midnight Marauders never feels dated. Some of that is bias talking. A Tribe Called Quest is one of my favorite hip-hop acts. But I also think it's a testament to the group, and particularly Q-Tip and Phife Dawg (R.I.P.), two legends with unmistakable voices.
Those voices carry the album. They set the mood and make Midnight Marauders one of those rare records that you can throw on during any part of the day. Never too hype. Never too mellow. Always on point. The album's mysterious and robotic sherpa only adds to the A-Okay vibe these tracks provide.
I'm not going to gush over the lyrics, however. They're serviceable but don't stand out the way they do on other Tribe albums. The way they're delivered—and the beats they flow over—help offset that fact. "Award Tour" may be the exception to the rule, but I'm not sure how much of that is nostalgia at this point.
That's part of what makes this album difficult to review critically. It's always been with me. A trusty companion when I needed some easy listening and hip-hop to "maraud" my ears.
