If you're reading this and attending Pitchfork tonight, I shouldn't have to convince you to stay around for ATCQ's headlining set. If you're a music fan that's anywhere near Chicago, I shouldn't even have to tell you to get your ass to Union Park before 8:30 tonight. If you're even a fan of music, I shouldn't have to remind you to check Reddit for a torrent live stream of Tribe's performance.
There is not a doubt that this is the most important set occurring at Pitchfork this weekend. In fact, it's the only reason I decided to make the drive back to Chicago to attend a festival that is unorganized, boring, and dirty.
A Tribe Called Quest has been a staple in the world of hip hop since the Jungle Brothers finally gave the four rappers a solidified name in 1988. They even became a household name for those who couldn't care less about kickin' it thanks to a Sprite commercial Chris Lighty scored for them in 1994. Their Grammy performance this year made it an indisputable fact that Tribe's legacy is living on.
And it should. Their first album People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm was released in 1990 and signified a change in hip hop where music didn't have to evolve around killing people and hooking up with women, but rather could focus on dancing, vegetarianism, and having safe sex. Their success continued throughout the decade.
Following the death of Phife Dawg (RIP), the release of We got it from here... Thank you 4 your service made the relevant again in the current political climate. The Grammys performance was a political protest against "president agent orange" (I kept this lowercase because I believe that is what ATCQ would want). This made them a piece of the hip hop puzzle that can not be left out.
If you're missing them tonight... I'm sorry and check our Instagram and Twitter for live updates. If you're anywhere near Chicago... get there now and see the legends play together one last time!
