Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

Watch Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

  • R
  • 2011
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 7.6  (4,051)
  • 76

"Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest" is a 2011 documentary film that tracks the rise, fall, and reunion of one of the most iconic hip-hop groups of all time, A Tribe Called Quest. Directed by actor and filmmaker Michael Rapaport, it takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the formation of the Queens-based group in the late 1980s, their chaotic falling out in the mid-90s, and their triumphant return more than a decade later for a much-anticipated tour.

The film features intimate interviews with all four members of the group: Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White. It also includes interviews with a number of rap legends and historians, such as Common, The Roots, and Busta Rhymes, all of whom helped shape the landscape of hip-hop alongside A Tribe Called Quest. Through their candid reflections, viewers get a deep understanding of the group's eclectic and influential sound, as well as their passionate approach to making music.

The film begins by exploring the formation of the group in the late 1980s. Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, who had been childhood friends, teamed up with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White to create A Tribe Called Quest, which quickly made a name for itself by blending rich jazz samples with witty, socially conscious lyrics. The group's first album, "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm," was a critical and commercial success, and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world.

From there, the film delves into the making of the group's seminal album, "The Low End Theory," which is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Through interviews with Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, viewers get a sense of the group's creative process, as well as the intense personal and professional struggles they faced while making the album. The film also explores the tensions that arose between the members during this period, as well as the impact that drugs and alcohol had on their dynamic.

The second half of the film explores the group's chaotic falling out in the mid-90s, which played out in the public eye and left fans devastated. Through interviews with all four members, viewers get a glimpse into the personal conflicts that caused the group to dissolve. Phife Dawg, who had struggled with health problems for years, underwent a kidney transplant during this time, which added to the turmoil.

Despite their acrimonious split, the film also highlights the deep bonds that existed between the members of the group, and the undeniable impact they had on the genre. The film ends on a triumphant note with the group's reunion tour in 2008, which sold out venues across the country and reminded audiences of the power and importance of their music.

Ultimately, "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest" is a powerful tribute to one of the most important groups in hip-hop history. Through its candid interviews and authentic storytelling, it captures the essence of the group's sound and spirit, as well as the personal struggles and triumphs that defined their legacy. For fans of A Tribe Called Quest, and of hip-hop more broadly, this is an essential film that celebrates the enduring power and influence of the genre.

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest is a 2011 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 76.

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
Description
Where to Watch Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2011
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (4,051)
  • Metascore
    76