
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesBeats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
News & Interviews for Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
Critic Reviews for Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
All Critics (60) | Top Critics (29) | Fresh (54) | Rotten (6)
-
This authorized documentary is more of a celebration of the legendary Queens quartet than a serious exploration of their art. But considering how brilliant they were at their peak, it's hard to disagree with the general sentiment.
September 15, 2011 | Full Review… -
Rapaport gets at the dynamics of a group that struggles even now to get along well enough to get paid - again.
August 9, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 -
Despite accusations of nearly succumbing to spotlighting beefs over beats, the film comes off as an honest representation of a great group that's not to be forgotten.
August 5, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
A combination of timing, access, a visual aesthetic that reflects ATCQ's Afrocentric "surface philosophy" (as the crew's look is described) and, most importantly, story-conscious editing elevates the doc above the norm.
August 5, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Thanks to a particularly even-handed job by director Michael Rapaport, the story emerges as compelling, even for non-fans in the audience.
August 4, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Good vibes propel what is a fairly straightforward account of the band's formation, album output, and acrimonious breakup.
July 30, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
-
Jan 19, 2012If you're a huge fan of Tribe you will wet your pants watching this. If you're just a regular hip-hop fan like me it's aight, fun enough. You get a playful, frank, intimate look into their origins, rise, and fall, and into the relationships between the members and particularly the tension between the brilliant, messianic, somewhat oblivious Q-Tip and the headstrong, straight-talking, more human and relatable Phife Dawg, whose close childhood friendship and complementary talents generate much of the energy and vibe of the band, but whose irreconcilable differences ultimately lead to the demise of the group.Letitia L Super Reviewer
-
Jan 19, 2012A well-rounded, even documentary that provides the viewer with some insight to how people sometimes spawn dissension from what seems like nothing. There's nothing mindblowing here, but it's definitely an interesting watch, even if you're not a fan. You just might have a bit more appreciation for the contributions of the group to hip hop if you are.Idrees K Super Reviewer
-
Jan 19, 2012If you're a fan, this is a must see.Josh G Super Reviewer
-
Jan 19, 2012What I liked most was that rather than spend most of the film having other artists and critics talk about their work and why it was so influential and important (although there is some of that), they instead decided to focus on the group dynamic which produces some rather candid discussion about some of the serious personal problems they have with one another.Alec B Super Reviewer
Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified