A Tribe Called Quest (TCQ) gained popularity throughout the nineties for their music's funky fun, often jazz-oriented atmosphere. Hits, Rarities & Remixes provides a nice capsule of some of the timeless material with which A Tribe Called Quest graced us. Although not as comprehensive as TCQ's Anthology, which was released in 1999, Hits, Rarities & Remixes is still an enjoyable compilation.

It includes some of their great hits like 'Scenario,' 'I Left my Wallet in El Segundo,' 'Bonita Applebum,' and 'Electric Relaxation.' Also included are two remixes and three songs found only on soundtracks, but with the exception of 'Peace, Prosperity & Paper' none stand out as huge hits, in effect highlighting the low points of this compilation. The biggest surprises were the two unreleased tracks: The engulfing beat on 'The Night He Got Caught' drew me into the storyline. As well, 'Mr. Incognito' impresses.

Hits, Rarities & Remixes seems to lack a proper mastering job, but still manages to paint the beautiful sonic landscape painted by A Tribe Called Quest. Ironically, their non-threatening hip-hop stance makes them a threat on the mic. If you didn't pick up A Tribe Called Quest's Anthology compilation back in '99, then Hits, Rarities, & Remixes is the next best thing.

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