On this date back in 1993, a group hailing from Queens, NY, by the name of “A Tribe Called Quest”, dropped their 3rd project entitled “Midnight Marauders”. 17 Years later, this album has been one of the most, if not THE most, celebrated albums in our Hip Hop culture’s history. The coveted album artwork was one of its kind, designed by ZombArt JK, paying homage to many of the artists and DJ’s who provided inspiration and/or took part in creation of the album as well as issuing 3 different cover frames (Red, Black, and Green; Black being the most rare). Songs such as “Award Tour” and “Oh My God” reached a commercial plateau, while “Electric Relaxation” pushed even further to a television theme song for The Wayans Brothers from 1994 to 1996. Still to this day, many clothing & sneaker brands as well as artists, magazines and websites borrow pieces of the Midnight Marauder legacy to recreate their own rendition that’s also incorporated into their own work. Much respect due.

Here at LTD, we have a pretty well rounded staff when it comes to knowledge and appreciation of music, we’d figure to share our thoughts & memories on where the “Midnight Marauders Tour Guide” took and still take us:

Rob: “This album was very important as it expanded Tribe’s influence to icon status. Following ‘Low End Theory’ which has its own cult following would have been tough enough, but to follow it with another certified classic is crazy.”

Chuch: “OF course i was TWO years old when this came out (hold your comments please) The first time I heard ‘Award Tour’, I was like 11 and its what started me listening to old-school hip hop”

Rey: “A perfect album that will never be dated or become stale, it once sat in my car’s CD player for a good 6 months straight without being replaced, this is truly timeless music. ‘Midnight Marauders’is the intrinsic score to all conscious times “round about midnight”, word to Miles.”

Marcus: “Midnight Marauders” was the soundtrack to my final few hours as a high school student, waiting to hear my name called to solidify myself as a high school graduate. I kept “8 Million Stories” on repeat for as long as I could remember, consequently almost missing my name announced as the ‘Sucka N*gga’ hook flared through my cd player speakers. Front to back - easily one of the best albums ever made.

**Below are original photo proofs for the cover that include Too $hort, Ice-T, Doug E Fresh, Chi-Ali, Sean Combs & Pharoahe Monch. Source: Marisa Pizarro

A Tribe Called Quest ft. Busta Rhymes - “Oh My God”