Trystan Casey
Electric Relaxation by A Tribe Called Quest is a song that contains samples from multiple songs, including Mystic Brew by Ronnie Foster, Outside Love by Brethren, Dreams by Ramsey Lewis, and Aquarius by Cal Tjader. The song was released in February 1994 by Jive Records and was the second single from their third album, Midnight Marauders. The song peaked at number 65 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has been praised by many, including Elton John, who called A Tribe Called Quest the seminal hip-hop band of all time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Electric Relaxation |
| Artist | A Tribe Called Quest |
| Album | Midnight Marauders |
| Release Date | February 1994 |
| Samples | Mystic Brew by Ronnie Foster, Outside Love by Brethren, Dreams by Ramsey Lewis, Aquarius by Cal Tjader |
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What You'll Learn
Ronnie Foster's 'Mystic Brew'
"Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest contains a sample of jazz organist Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew". The song was released in February 1994 by Jive Records as the second single from their third album, Midnight Marauders (1993). The track features a tightly interwoven flow between the two MCs, Phife Dawg and Q-Tip, who often wrote each other's lines.
"Mystic Brew" was originally released in 1972, over two decades before A Tribe Called Quest sampled it. The sample can be heard throughout the song, notably at 0:15 and 0:44. The beat of "Electric Relaxation" was created in Q-Tip's grandmother's basement, and it was ranked as the third greatest hip-hop beat of all time by Rock the Bells in 2024.
In addition to "Mystic Brew", "Electric Relaxation" also samples "Outside Love" by Brethren, "Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis, and "Aquarius" by Cal Tjader. The song peaked at number 65 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was featured as the opening theme song for the first two seasons of The WB's sitcom The Wayans Bros.
Even years after its release, "Electric Relaxation" continues to be recognised and celebrated by notable figures in the music industry. In March 2019, Elton John declared A Tribe Called Quest the "seminal hip-hop band of all time," praising "Electric Relaxation" as a testament to their talent. The song has also been sampled by modern rappers such as Lil B, Logic, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar.
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Brethren's 'Outside Love'
"Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest is a song that samples multiple tracks, including "Outside Love" by Brethren. The song was released in February 1994 by Jive Records as the second single from their third album, Midnight Marauders (1993). It peaked at number 65 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The track has an interesting backstory, with Phife Dawg revealing that the beat for "Electric Relaxation" was created in his grandmother's basement by Q-Tip. Phife Dawg recalled arriving home one day and hearing the "Electric Relaxation" instrumental coming from the basement. He was so excited by what he heard that he rushed downstairs, exclaiming, "Yo, what the hell is that?!''
The song "Outside Love" by Brethren is one of the samples that makes "Electric Relaxation" so unique. While I can't provide a direct listen or comparison of the two songs, you can listen to both tracks on WhoSampled to hear the samples for yourself.
"Electric Relaxation" also contains samples from other songs, including "Mystic Brew" by Ronnie Foster, "Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis, and "Aquarius" by Cal Tjader. The song has had a lasting impact, with modern rappers like Lil B, Logic, J.Cole, and Kendrick also using samples from "Mystic Brew" in their own music.
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Ramsey Lewis' 'Dreams'
"Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest is a song that samples multiple tracks, one of which is "Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis. The song was released in February 1994 as the second single from their third album, Midnight Marauders (1993).
"Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis is a jazz song that provides a smooth and mellow vibe to "Electric Relaxation". The sampling of "Dreams" adds to the overall laid-back and chilled-out atmosphere of the song. The smooth jazz piano chords and melodies of "Dreams" seamlessly blend with the hip-hop beats and rhymes of "Electric Relaxation".
The use of "Dreams" in "Electric Relaxation" showcases the creativity and innovation of A Tribe Called Quest in blending different genres and creating a unique sound. The combination of jazz and hip-hop elements in the song has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with the track being praised as a standout release in the hip-hop genre.
In addition to "Dreams", "Electric Relaxation" also samples "Mystic Brew" by Ronnie Foster, "Outside Love" by Brethren, and "Aquarius" by Cal Tjader. These samples contribute to the rich and diverse soundscapes of the song, showcasing the artistic vision and production skills of A Tribe Called Quest.
The sampling of "Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis in "Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest is a testament to the enduring appeal and influence of jazz in hip-hop music. By incorporating elements of jazz, the song adds a layer of sophistication and complexity to the traditional hip-hop formula, expanding the artistic boundaries of the genre.
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Cal Tjader's 'Aquarius'
"Electric Relaxation" is a song by the American hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released in February 1994 by Jive Records. The song contains samples of "Mystic Brew" by Ronnie Foster, "Outside Love" by Brethren, "Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis, and "Aquarius" by Cal Tjader.
Cal Tjader's "Aquarius" was released in 1968 as part of the album "The Prophet." The song has been covered and remixed by various artists and has also been sampled in other songs. While it is not clear which parts of "Aquarius" were used in "Electric Relaxation," the song has been credited as one of the samples that make up the distinctive sound of the track.
A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation" is known for its unique sound, with its beat ranked as the third greatest hip-hop beat of all time by Rock the Bells in 2024. The song has had a lasting impact, with modern rappers like Lil B, Logic, J. Cole, and Kendrick also sampling "Mystic Brew" in their own works.
Tjader's "Aquarius" is just one of the elements that contribute to the rich and layered sound of "Electric Relaxation." The song's other samples, such as "Mystic Brew," also play a significant role in shaping the overall atmosphere and vibe of the track. The combination of these different samples showcases the creativity and skill of A Tribe Called Quest in crafting their distinctive sound.
In addition to the samples, "Electric Relaxation" also features tightly interwoven verses from the group's MCs, Phife Dawg and Q-Tip, who often wrote each other's lines. The song's production and arrangement further enhance its appeal, making it a standout track in the history of hip-hop.
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Elton John's admiration for the song
In March 2019, Elton John, an unexpected admirer of the American hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, declared the group the "seminal hip-hop band of all time". He specifically praised their song "Electric Relaxation", which samples Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew", claiming that anyone who listened to it would "understand why I rave about them".
"Electric Relaxation" was released in February 1994 as the second single from A Tribe Called Quest's third album, "Midnight Marauders". The song contains a sample of jazz organist Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew", which was released in 1972. The beat of "Electric Relaxation" was ranked as the third-greatest hip-hop beat of all time by Rock the Bells in 2024.
Elton John's admiration for "Electric Relaxation" is a testament to his appreciation for diverse music genres. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a talent for blending different pop and rock styles, creating a unique and energetic sound. His vocal style, with its Southern accent and gospel inflections, and his piano playing, influenced by Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, reflect his American influences.
John's appreciation for A Tribe Called Quest's music, and "Electric Relaxation" in particular, showcases his broad musical tastes and his ability to recognise talented artists across different genres. As a highly successful and influential musician himself, John's praise for "Electric Relaxation" carries significant weight and helps to highlight the impact and longevity of the song and its samples.
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Frequently asked questions
Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew".
February 1994.
"Midnight Marauders", released in 1993.
"Outside Love" by Brethren, "Dreams" by Ramsey Lewis, and "Aquarius" by Cal Tjader.
