The Low End Theory Album 30th Anniversary Celebration:
A Tribe Called Quest Tribute

The Low End Theory Album History:
The Low End Theory is the second studio album by American hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released on September 24, 1991, by Jive Records.

Recording sessions for the album were held mostly at Battery Studios in New York City, from 1990 to 1991.

Lyrically, the album features social commentary, word play, humor, and interplay between group members DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammed, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg.

Supported by the lead single “Check the Rhime”, The Low End Theory debuted at number 45 on the Billboard 200 chart.

However, the release of two additional singles, “Jazz (We’ve Got)” and “Scenario”, brought further attention and popularity to the group.

On February 19, 1992, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with shipments of 500,000 copies in the United States, and on February 1, 1995, it was certified platinum by the RIAA, with shipments of one million copies.

In the years since its release, The Low End Theory has garnered recognition from music critics and writers as a milestone in alternative hip-hop.

The album is regarded as Phife Dawg’s breakout and is credited for helping launch rapper Busta Rhymes’s successful solo career.

The album’s influence on artists in hip-hop, R&B and other genres has been attributed to the group’s lyricism and production, which bridged the gap between jazz and hip-hop.

The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, appearing on many best album lists by music critics and writers, including on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the ’90s at number 36.

DJ Red Alert is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the founding fathers of Hip-Hop music and culture! He has received numerous awards and accolades including a special award at the first annual Rap Hall of Fame Awards show. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from IMPACT music trade publication for 1998 and the 1997 Mix Show DJ of the year award from GAVIN. In addition DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by ROLLING STONE magazine. Red Alert has a display in the Radio Section of the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME in Cleveland, Ohio. The only DJ of this era so honored! Kool DJ Red Alert was named an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in recognition of his contributions in the field of music. In June 2003 Red Alert was inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame where past honoree’s have included such luminaries as General Colin Powell. DJ Red Alert has appeared in over 50 music videos.

A seasoned veteran as radio jock, club jock and studio man, Kool DJ Red Alert has established his place as one of the world’s premier DJ’s. RED is responsible for launching the career of such widely acclaimed acts as the Jungle Brothers, Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep and Queen Latifah to name four. His Weekly radio show airs on WBLS 107.5 Monday to Saturday at 6pm EST.