But while Tip likely did most of the legwork, Tip, Phife, and other producers were in the mix as well, adding ideas and suggestions to the music.

It wasn't just ALL Tip, much like Radiohead isn't ALL Thom.

The reason I say this, is that Ali was a talented producer in his own right and his skills and tastes likely pushed those productions into the "Tribe" sound that we all like.

That "sound" isn't as prevalent on this album because Ali wasn't involved very much with this album because he had other commitments.