With the launch of their final album, We Got It From Here, Thank You For Your Service, A Tribe Called Quest has opened a pop-up shop in New York City. It’s been nearly two decades since the legendary hip-hop group’s last full-length project, The Love Movement, and just like the overall hip-hop landscape, album rollouts have changed dramatically since then. Album merch pop-up shops are typically reserved for the youth, who wait in line for hours to get their hands on coveted merch for either an Instagram flex or immediate resale listing. That left us wondering what the scene at the Tribe pop-up would look like. Would it be a line full of eager hypebeasts who idolize today’s rappers who were likely inspired by the beats and rhymes of ATCQ, or a mellow turnout from the group’s most loyal longtime fans? As it turns out, it was a diverse collection of both groups and everyone in between.
With two hours until doors opened, the line extended down the busy sidewalk of Broadway Ave. in New York City’s Lower East Side, with everyone looking to own a piece of one of the greatest music groups of all-time’s swan song. As you step into the space, you’re greeted with the familiar sounds of ATCQ’s greatest hits, from Can I Kick it? to Electric Relaxation. We Got It From Here, Thank You For Your Service-themed merch can be found on every rack, along with enlarged album covers throughout. Aside from the clear album artwork inspiration, classic logos are also spotted on everything from sweatpants to military jackets. Once you’ve taken in the wide variety of merch you’ll find a handwritten message from Q-tip on the wall near the checkout counter that reads:
To all the good people worldwide! We hope this letter finds you & yours safe and without a scratch! Last year this time myself, Jarobi, Ali and PHIFE had the extreme pleasure of performing on the Tonight Show. It was our 1st T.V. performance in 18 yrs. The energy for us that night was one that we hadn’t experience on stage together in some time! It was also the night of the PARIS BOMBING...November 13th...Friday… A unseasonably warm night in NYC. As we left 30 Rock I felt the need, we all did. To get back to the studio and start the cook up!! SO WE GOT TO IT!! It was coming together nicely and as you may know we our BROTHER may God REST HIS SOUL on March 22. But he left us with the BluePrint of we had to do. So we collected ourselves and along tribesmen, BUSTA and CONS...we completed what will be, obviously the final A TRIBE CALLED QUEST ALBUM! No this isn’t filled with old Phife Bars… This is that Pure, unstepped on Pure!! And on November 11th, 2016 we will complete our Paths of Rythm.. Join Us! PEACE!!! Q-Tip
The #ThankYou pop-up shop will be open November 11-13, at 393 Broadway in New York City.
