Many artists, especially of the Top 40 variety, can churn out one or two hits on an album, spackle the rest together with filler and put out a multiplatinum piece. Managing a truly great album, however, requires a product that, from top to bottom, keeps a listener's attention, with strong tracks, tight production and keen lyrical content.

Enter A Tribe Called Quest's heralded hip-hop album, "The Low End Theory," considered a classic by many of the genre's pundits and the best hip-hop album ever by fans everywhere.

Debuting in 1991, "Low End" came at a crossroads in hip-hop. The heydays of the afrocentric, conscious stylings of De La Soul, Queen Latifah and Poor Righteous Teachers were giving way to the gangsta, thugged out sounds of N.W.A., Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Refusing to give up their artform without a fight, "Low End" was the predecessor's last valiant attempt, a culmination of years of pro-black movement and cultural diversity that showed the incoming representatives what hip-hop was made for.

With top-notch production based on new-wave jazz, "Low End" captures the feel and vibe of early-90s hip-hop perfectly. The music, while laid-back, packed an energy with its minimalist style, usually consisting of a looped drum beat, a bassline and one sample played over top. This formula became the blueprint for hip-hop production of the era.

Often referred to as bohemian rap, A Tribe Called Quest discussed a wide variety of topics, from the ills of rape ("Classic Examples of a Date Rape") to the problems with careers in entertainment ("The Business") to inner-city issues ("Everything is Fair") to the importance of their portable pagers ("Skypager").

The most-endearing quality, however, is the consistency. From the moment the first hypnotic bass sample plays, to the first lyric ("Back in the day when I was a teenager ...") until the album's completion, Tribe develops a smooth, jazzy vibe that can work either as great background and mood music for when you chill or, if you listen to the words, provides thought-provoking lyrical content. The songs flow from one to another perfectly, and MC Q-Tip's nasal, monotone delivery is a great complement to partner Phife's high-pitched, erratic style.

None of the songs are filler, and while a few stand out, a quality of excellence from start to finish sets this album apart from almost any other.

A truly classic album that has never let me down, take the time to check out A Tribe Called Quest's "The Low End Theory." You will not be disappointed.