Tribe Called Quest

Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY

-Mookie Singerman

When Tribe Called Quest called it quits earlier this year, it hit the music world hard. Tribe, consisting of two MC's (Q-Tip and Phife Dawg) and one DJ (Ali Shayeed Mohammed) were one of the most influential rap acts of the nineties. The end of their career as a group marked the end of the era; but that doesn't mean they can't go out in style, as this show proved. The trio still has the shit that made them popular, pulling off quite possibly the best show of the year. Providing the audience with amazing renditions of their hits like "Scenario" and the obscure "Busta's Lament" (sans Busta Rhymes). Tribe truly came through for their final performance in NYC. The real highlights were when Q-Tip and crew soulfully kicked into stuff from "Midnight Marauders," arguably one of the best rap albums of the 90's. Songs like "Oh My God," "Steve Biko" and "Award Tour" were truly incredible to see for the final time.

What do the members have planned for the long-run? Q-Tip is going to pursue his solo career, Phife wants to go into broadcasting, and last but not least, Ali Shayeed wants to focus on his spiritual side. One thing is for sure, this is not the last of this trio.