<P> The Low End Theory is regarded for its socially conscious lyrics, which include subjects such as relationships, date rape, the hip hop industry and consumerism . Other lyrics are devoted to word play, humor and "showing off ." The album introduced the lyrical interplay and chemistry between Q - Tip and Phife Dawg, the latter of whom experienced a lyrical breakout . While acknowledging that Q - Tip had "already proven he is a highly skilled lyricist", Reef of The Source also stated, "Those who questioned Phife's microphone techniques on the first album will swallow those doubts as he practically steals the show on this one ." The album is also noted for its minimal use of explicit lyrics, as Ron Carter only agreed to record songs on the condition that the group avoid profanity, to which Q - Tip assured they were addressing "real issues ." </P> <P> The duo's lyrical delivery and styles contrasted each other; Q - Tip had a mellow voice and was philosophical, reflective, contemplative and esoteric, while Phife Dawg had a high - pitched voice and was comical, battle rhyme - ready, streetwise and self - deprecating . John Bush of AllMusic said the pair's rapping "could be the smoothest of any rap record ever heard", adding that they "are so in tune with each other, they sound like flip sides of the same personality, fluidly trading off on rhymes, with the former earning his nickname (the Abstract) and Phife concerning himself with the more concrete issues of being young, gifted, and black ." </P> <P> The Low End Theory peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200 and number 13 on the Top R&B / Hip - Hop Albums chart . Upon its release, the album's commercial potential was doubted by music writers and Jive record executives, including label CEO Barry Weiss . However, on February 19, 1992, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with shipments of 500,000 copies in the United States . On February 1, 1995, it was certified platinum by the RIAA, with shipments of one million copies . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Professional ratings </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Review scores </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Source </Th> <Th> Rating </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> AllMusic </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Encyclopedia of Popular Music </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Entertainment Weekly </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> MusicHound R&B </Td> <Td> 5 / 5 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> The Philadelphia Inquirer </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> The Rolling Stone Album Guide </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Select </Td> <Td> 4 / 5 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> The Source </Td> <Td> 5 / 5 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Spin </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Spin Alternative Record Guide </Td> <Td> 10 / 10 </Td> </Tr> </Table>

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