A Tribe Called Quest – The Love Movement

Sept 29, 1998

The Love Movement is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest and their last album, released before the death of group member Phife Dawg in March 2016. Released on September 29, 1998, by Jive Records, it is a concept album exploring the lyrical theme of love. A continuation of the group’s previous album, Beats, Rhymes, and Life. It featured minimalist R&B and jazz-oriented beats production by The Ummah. The lead single, “Find a Way,” charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and was followed by a second single, “Like It Like That.” The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. Certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The group announced its disbandment a month before the album’s release.

12″ singles

A-side

“Find A Way” A♭Major, 4B, 94 BPM

1. (Radio Version) 3:23
2. (Instrumental) 3:23
3.  (LP Version) 3:23

Samples

• Technova (Folknova) – Towa Tei feat. Bebel Gilberto (1995)
• Got ‘Til It’s Gone – Janet Jackson feat. Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell (1997)
• Funkin’ for Jamaica (N.Y.) – Tom Browne (1980)

B-side

“Steppin’ It Up (feat. Busta Rhymes & Redman)” B♭Major, 3A, 96 BPM

1. Radio Version) 3:23
2. (instrumental) 3:23
3. (Lp Version) 3:23

Samples

• Leo: Rosebud – Cannonball Adderley (1974)
• Taurus: Wampus Cat – Cannonball Adderley (1974)

A-side

“Like It Like That” E♭ Minor, 2A, 95 BPM 

1.  (Radio Version) 2:47
2. (Album Version) 2:47
3. (Instrumental) 2:47

B-side

“Pen & Pen” (featuring D-Life) B Major, 1B, 96 BPM

1. (Radio Version) 3:23
2. (Album Version) 3:23
3. (Instrumental) 3:23

Samples

• Graduate Medley – Gap Mangione (1968)
• Yearning for Your Love – The Gap Band (1980)

Steppin’ it Up Mixes well with MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know by KRS One. Tempos are similar, complementary styles and a good setup to get into more Boom Bap Hip-Hop.