A Tribe Called Quest Release a Groovy Remix to Bonita Applebum Produced By Pharrell (Audio)

Although “I Left My Wallet In El Segundo” was the first single from A Tribe Called Quest’s seminal album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, for many, it was “Bonita Applebum,” the second release from the LP, that announced Tribe’s arrival. The lush RAMP (Roy Ayers Music Project) sample perfectly enveloped Q-Tip’s velvety vocals, and it would go on to become one of Hip-Hop’s ultimate love songs. Now, as the release of the special 25th anniversary edition of ATCQ’s debut album approaches (November 13), they have issued a remix to their early classic, produced by Pharrell Williams.

Pharrell’s remix is a complete re-interpretation of the original. He laces the track with dark synthesizer chords and heavy drums, but preserves the song’s overall mood. For Pharrell, a self-professed A Tribe Called Quest superfan, this is likely a dream come true. In a deleted scene from Michael Rapaport’s 2011 documentary, Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, Pharrell said “For me, A Tribe Called Quest is cerebral. It’s priceless…and it’s music theory for anyone who wants to be a produce.”

Pharrell’s remix is the first of 3 that will accompany the anniversary edition of PITATPOR. It will be followed by J. Cole’s take on “Can I Kick It,” and a version of “Footsteps” that features CeeLo Green. The “Bonita Applebum” Remix was premiered by Rolling Stone, and is available as a free download with pre-orders of People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, which you can purchase here.

Related: Celebrate 25 Years of A Tribe Called Quest With This Incredible Mix (Audio)