Busta Rhymes Picks A Tribe Called Quest’s “The Low End Theory” As Essential Listening

Busta Rhymes chose A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory for KCRW’s “Must Listen,” returning to the classic album that he was featured on that helped boost his career.

The station released his episode Tuesday. The format sends guests through the station’s CD library to choose one essential album and leave a handwritten note for the next person who finds it.

KCRW’s episode announcement described a personal choice. Busta credited Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi and the late Phife Dawg with recognizing his promise before he saw it himself.

He also recalled being at Battery Studios as the album took shape, while they still lived with their parents.

The connection went beyond fandom. Busta appeared with Leaders of the New School on “Scenario,” the closing track on the 1991 album. The appearance helped introduce him to a wider audience before his solo career.

The Low End Theory also marked a shift for Tribe after its 1990 debut. The 14-track album gave Phife Dawg a larger role alongside Q-Tip and brought jazz bassist Ron Carter onto “Verses From The Abstract.”

Songs such as “Rap Promoter” and “Show Business” addressed the problems young artists faced in the industry.

For Busta, the visit covered more than the record he ultimately chose. The episode announcement said he also pulled James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone from the shelves, pointing to their place in Hip-Hop’s musical roots and the drums that producers sampled.

His browsing also reached reggae and dancehall acts Shabba Ranks, Super Cat and The Skatalites, along with Fela Kuti.

The station visit grew out of his current work with another key figure in that musical history. Busta had come in the week before to speak with host Novena Carmel about Dillagence II, his project built around the late J Dilla’s beats.

Busta announced the project in August, continuing a recording partnership that dates back to his solo albums and the 2007 “Dillagence” mixtape.

The Library of Congress added The Low End Theory to the National Recording Registry in 2022. Busta’s “Must Listen” episode arrived in the year the album turned 35.