"People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" was met with acclaim from professional music critics and the hip hop community on release, and was eventually certified gold in the United States. Its recognition has extended over the years as it is widely regarded as a central album in alternative hip hop with its unconventional production and lyricism. It is also credited for influencing many artists in both hip hop and R&B. In a commemorative article for "XXL", Michael Blair wrote that ""People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" was immensely groundbreaking, and will eternally maintain its relevance within the culture and construction of hip-hop".