Greatness abounds in this truly mesmerizing film about four musical geniuses.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 3, 2023

A fascinating and revelatory snapshot into the human dynamic behind one of the most versatile and influential hip hop acts to ever grace the mic.

| Jul 7, 2021

It shows with close detail the inner troubles of one of the most influential groups in modern hip-hop, and how they all work and strive to remain an important part of that genre's future.

| Original Score: A- | Aug 6, 2020

[I]t might have been nice if the documentary had worked a bit harder to find a real internal narrative.

| Sep 8, 2013

While it's uncertain if A Tribe Called Quest will ever get back together and play again, it's quite certain fans will love and appreciate BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST as their final encore.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Oct 2, 2012

Rappaport covers a huge spectrum of voices and opinions, and the themes he explores get into personal relationships -- something everyone can relate to.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 4, 2011

Rapaport, clearly a fan, is able to capture both the ongoing love and the tension within the band.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 16, 2011

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.

| Sep 15, 2011

Warning: The bassline Ron Carter contrived for the classic cut 'Buggin' Out' is about as easy to dislodge from your brain as a 'Night Gallery' earwig.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 29, 2011

Maybe I'm just a sucker for good old fashioned hip-hop, but I found Michael Rapaport's totally-by-the-numbers music doco [Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest] absolutely compelling.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 17, 2011

This documentary therefore did exactly what a good music doco should do: brought people like me up to speed and, according to reports from more serious hip hop fans in the audience, provided lots of information that wasn't previously well known.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 13, 2011

An adoring, though enlightening, look at the tumultuous run of the influential hip-hop group.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 12, 2011

That mood of musical unity, of a sonic movement, is incredible, vibrantly recounted in Beats. It's more than just a documentary, it's a time capsule of hip hop originality and confidence.

| Original Score: B+ | Aug 10, 2011

The movie's value is in informing and illuminating, not provoking.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 10, 2011

It's difficult to get a grasp on just what audience this documentary is made for.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 10, 2011

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.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 5, 2011

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.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 5, 2011

Even if you think you don't like hip-hop you may find yourself captivated by the musicality of A Tribe Called Quest, and that alone is reason to watch this documentary...

| Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 4, 2011

Respectful but not idolatrous, this is one 'Behind the Music' piece that even those who have never heard of the group can appreciate.

| Original Score: B | Aug 4, 2011

Thanks to a particularly even-handed job by director Michael Rapaport, the story emerges as compelling, even for non-fans in the audience.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 4, 2011