A Tribe Called Quest’s breakout sophomore album The Low End Theory, and Wu’s classic debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) are receiving major recognition from the United States Library of Congress. The legendary hip hop albums are two of twenty-five recordings selected for preservation.

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A Tribe Called Quest’s timeless classic album, The Low End Theory and Wu-Tang Clan’s game-changing debut album, 36 Chambers, are both being added to The Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. 

The honor was announced by the National Recording Registry. The federal archiving agency acknowledges and preserves sound recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States”. This is a major accomplishment and an honor for any musician. 

Alicia Keys’ debut album, Songs in A Minor is also joining the two hip hop classic albums in the Library of Congress’ registry. 

Past hip hop albums already in the registry include 3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul, Jay-Z’s Blueprint, Dr. Dre’s Chronic, Fear of a Black Planet by Public Enemy, Illmatic by Nas,  Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s The Message,  Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Raising Hell by Run-DMC, and Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A.

Many fans and hip hop figures paid their respect on social media to both groups. One Twitter user identified as @checktherhyme1_ tweeted, “Peace to Tribe and Wu-Tang for having Low-End Theory & 36 Chambers archived in the Library of Congress

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Both groups have represented hip hop very well. Wu-Tang’s frontman RZA reminded us  how influential Wu-Tang has been over the years.

Another Twitter user showed that he was in full agreement with the decision. He tweeted, “As they should be” after quote tweeting the announcement.