My expectation for a solo album from Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the third member of A Tribe Called Quest, was it would be a compilation record, with a myriad of different artist. Instead the solo debut ‘Shaheedullah And Stereotypes’ is “Ali’s” moment to get on the mic and rap as well as “try” to sing. It’s been twenty years since this album dropped which flew a bit under the radar. After solo albums from Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, and a reunion tour happening with no new “Tribe” record in sight, Ali took to the studio and created a very hefty album with some surprising creatives. I always thought growing up that Ali was the man behind the beats for A Tribe Called Quest but as it turns out the main person was Q-Tip so on ‘Shaheedullah And Stereotypes’ he takes the main floor for production along with Houston T.X.’s own Chris “Daddy” Dave. The two put together an album that initially was a bit of a “head scratcher” but over time this album has aged well and let’s just say with today’s current events, the content seem prophetic. Ali Shaheed Muhammad enlist rappers such as Chip-Fu from the Fu Schnickens and Kay who also has been a veteran staple in the Houston Hip-Hop music scene. This album is not all HOP music and gives Ali a chance to satisfy the short lived Lucy Pearl era with some soul, R&B and dance music. On this release the legendary Stokley Williams of Mint Condition assists along with an up and coming Sy Smith, and Wallace Gary. On paper this album seems to have a lot going on but as it has aged, it also is very clear that these names mentioned were a tight nit group that put this album together and made it feel like a moment for “Tribe’s” third member. For me personally this album was special because of it’s hefty connection to HUEston. With A Tribe Called Quest being one of my favorite groups and arguably the greatest group in HOP music, it was inspiring to see a legend like “Ali” recognize and work with the talent that is often overlooked and underappreciated in this city. What did you think of the album?
Singles include:
‘Elevated Orange’ & ‘Banga’
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