In 1991, the group released its jazz-influenced second album, The Low End Theory, regarded for helping shape alternative hip hop in the 1990s. In 1998, the group broke up shortly before releasing its fifth album, The Love Movement, but in 2006, the group's original members reunited and toured the United States. In 2016, the group released its sixth and final album, We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service, which was still incomplete when Phife Dawg died suddenly in March 2016, and was completed by the other members after his death. A Tribe Called Quest was the most commercially successful act in the Native Tongues collective, with all six of its albums certified either gold or platinum.
John Bush of AllMusic called them "the most intelligent, artistic rap group during the 1990s." The Source gave the group's debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990), a perfect rating of five 'mics,' marking the first time that the magazine awarded the rating. In 2005, A Tribe Called Quest received the Founders Award at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, and two years later, the group was honored at the 4th VH1 Hip Hop Honors. In 2017, the group was awarded the Brit Award for International Group.
AllMusic critic John Bush called A Tribe Called Quest "without question the most intelligent, artistic rap group during the 1990s", further stating that the group "jump-started and perfected the hip-hop alternative to hardcore and gangsta rap." At a time when James Brown drum breaks and P-Funk basslines dominated hip hop production, the group successfully bridged the gap between jazz and hip hop, incorporating bebop and hard bop samples and recording with double bassist Ron Carter. The group's production influenced their contemporaries, thus changing the sound of hip hop; Dr. Dre produced his highly regarded debut The Chronic after being inspired by The Low End Theory, and Pete Rock stated, "There were times when I would walk into a record store and see Tip sitting on the floor with his glasses on, going through albums, looking for beats ... I was like, 'This guy is serious.' Being around [the group] made me step up and become even more serious than I was".
Lyrically, A Tribe Called Quest has been regarded for addressing many social issues through Q-Tip's philosophical viewpoints and Phife Dawg's everyman perspectives. People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm influenced several hip hop artists; Scarface asserted that it "really made me want to rap", and Pharrell Williams expressed that it was "the turning point [which] made me see that music was art." Kierna Mayo, former editor-in-chief of Ebony, said that The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders "gave birth to neo-everything. ... That entire class of D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hillโand moving on to Andrรฉ 3000, Kanye West, and Talib Kweliโeverything that is left of everything begins with Tribe." The group has also been credited for helping launch the solo careers of Busta Rhymes, J Dilla and Consequence.
The group was the subject of the acclaimed 2011 documentary film Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, directed by Michael Rapaport.
Studio albums
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)
The Low End Theory (1991)
Midnight Marauders (1993)
Beats, Rhymes and Life (1996)
The Love Movement (1998)
We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service (2016)
01. Check the Rhime
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back in the days on the boulevard of Linden,
We used to kick routines and presence was fittin'
It was I the abstract
And me the five footer
I kicks the mad style so step off the frankfurter
Yo, Phife, you remember that routine
That we used to make spiffy like mister clean?
Um um, a tidbit, um, a smidgen
I don't get the message so you gots to run the pigeon
You on point Phife?
All the time, tip
You on point Phife?
All the time, tip
You on point Phife?
All the time, tip
Well, then grab the microphone and let your words rip
Now here's a funky introduction of how nice I am
Tell your mother, tell your father, send a telegram
I'm like an energizer 'cause, you see, I last long
My crew is never ever wack because we stand strong
Now if you say my style is wack that's where you're dead wrong
I slayed that body in El Segundo then push it along
You'd be a fool to reply that Phife is not the man
Cause you know and I know that you know who I am
A special shot of peace goes out to all my pals, you see
And a middle finger goes for all you punk MC's
Cause I love it when you wack MC's despise me
They get vexed, I roll next, can't none contest me
I'm just a fly MC who's five foot three and very brave
On job remaining, no I'm chaining cause I misbehave
I come correct in full effect have all my hoes in check
And before I get the butt the jim must be erect
You see, my aura's positive I don't promote no junk
See, I'm far from a bully and I ain't a punk
Extremity in rhythm, yeah that's what you heard
So just clean out your ears and just check the word
Check the rhyme y'all
Check it out
Check it out
Check the rhyme y'all
Play tapes y'all
Check the rhyme y'all
Check the rhyme y'all
Check it out
Check it out
Back in days on the boulevard of Linden
We used to kick routines and the presence was fittin'
It was I the Phifer
And me, the abstract
The rhymes were so rumpin' that the brothers rode the 'zack
Yo, tip you recall when we used to rock
Those fly routines on your cousin's block
Um, let me see, damn I can't remember
I receive the message and you will play the sender
You on point Tip?
All the time Phife
You on point Tip?
Yeah, all the time Phife
You on point Tip?
Yo, all the time Phife
So play the resurrector and give the dead some life
Okay, if knowledge is the key then just show me the lock
Got the scrawny legs but I move just like Luke Brock
With speed I'm agile plus I'm worth your while
One hundred percent intelligent black child
My optic presentation sizzles the retina
How far must I go to gain respect? Um
Well, it's kind of simple, just remain your own
Or you'll be crazy sad and alone
Industry rule number four thousand and eighty
Record company people are shady
So kids watch your back 'cause I think they smoke crack
I don't doubt it, look at how they act
Off to better things like a hip-hop forum
Pass me the rock and I'll storm with the crew and
Proper. What you say Hammer? Proper
Rap is not pop, if you call it that then stop
NC, y'all check the rhyme y'all
SC, y'all check it out y'all
Virginia, check the rhyme y'all
Check it out, out
In London, check the rhyme, y'all
"Check the Rhime" is a classic hip-hop song by A Tribe Called Quest that was released in 1992. The song is a nostalgic look back at the early days of hip-hop, where the group members reminisce about their beginnings on Linden Boulevard in Queens. It is a conversation between Q-Tip, the Abstract, and Phife Dawg, the Five-Footer.
The first verse starts with Q-Tip and Phife talking about their routines and how important their presence was. They talk about how they used to dress, how they used to rhyme, and how they used to perform. The second verse is Q-Tip's solo, where he introduces himself as an "energizer" and talks about how his crew is never wack. He also sends a special shoutout to his pals, but a middle finger to all the punk MCs who despise him.
The third verse starts with Phife and Q-Tip talking about their routines again, but this time they can't remember the specifics. They then go on to talk about how they always stay on point, even if they don't remember their old routines. The final verse is Phife's solo, where he talks about the importance of staying true to oneself in the music industry. He also calls out record company people for being shady and warns kids to watch their backs.
Overall, "Check the Rhime" is a feel-good song that celebrates hip-hop culture and emphasizes the importance of staying authentic. It is considered one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
Back in the days on the boulevard of Linden,
In the past, on Linden Boulevard, we used to hang out and perform music.
We used to kick routines and presence was fittin'
We used to practice and perform music, and it was appropriate for us to be there.
It was I the abstract
I am the abstract, or experimental musician.
And me the five footer
And I am the short guy, who is also a musician.
I kicks the mad style so step off the frankfurter
I have an awesome music style, so don't try to mess with me or criticize me.
Yo, Phife, you remember that routine
Hey, Phife, do you remember the music routine we used to practice?
That we used to make spiffy like mister clean?
The routine we made was cool and clean, like Mr. Clean.
You on point Phife?
Are you ready and focused, Phife?
All the time, tip
Yes, I am always ready and focused.
Now here's a funky introduction of how nice I am
Now I will introduce myself and demonstrate how skilled and talented I am in music.
I'm like an energizer 'cause, you see, I last long
I have a lot of energy and endurance, so I can perform for a long time.
My crew is never ever wack because we stand strong
My team is never bad or mediocre because we are united and strong.
Well, then grab the microphone and let your words rip
Then go ahead and take the microphone and start performing your lyrics with skill and power.
Okay, if knowledge is the key then just show me the lock
If knowledge is important, then prove it to me by demonstrating your skills and wisdom.
Industry rule number four thousand and eighty
There is a widely known rule within the music industry, which is number 4080.
Record company people are shady
The people who work at music record companies are not trustworthy or honest.
So kids watch your back 'cause I think they smoke crack
Be careful and cautious around them because I suspect that they may be using drugs.
In London, check the rhyme, y'all
In London, enjoy and appreciate our music, everyone.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROGER BALL, MALCOLM DUNCAN, KAMAAL IBN JONATHAN DAVIS FAREED, STEPHEN FERRONE, ALAN GORRIE, OWEN MCINTYRE, ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD, MINNIE RIPERTON, RICHARD JAMES RUDOLPH, HAMISH STUART, MALIK TAYLOR, LEON WARE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@StarchyFilms
So I've been listening to Tribe for a few years now, and the first three albums they made are basically perfect if you're looking to get into them. Here are some highlights from all three for the newer JoJo fans that are looking for more songs from this astounding group. (Johnny from p7 is my favorite JoJo, there's my credibility. You can trust me.)
So! Let's begin! I'll provide a little sidenote into why I love the track, any track with CAPITAL EMPHASIS LIKE THIS is one that I'm extremely fond of, so check those out first if you don't want to go through the walls of text.
From "People Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm"
1. Push it Along (Skip to about a minute in for the actual rapping, beautiful intro though)
2. Luck of Lucien (Wonderful showcase of Tribe's skills without standing too far from other tracks in the album)
3. After Hours (one of their GROOVIEST tracks in my humble opinion, delves into the nightly activities of our Tribe)
4. Footprints (A solid Tribe track, nothing too special about it, just a good showcase of their abilities)
5. Bonita Applebum (absolutely iconic sampling in this track)
6. Can I Kick It? (One of their most ICONIC tracks, if you listen to anything off their first album, make it this one!)
7. Youthful Expression (Q-Tip does his thing on this track, the beat is also astoundingly groovy)
8. Mr. Muhammad (for an absolutely killer intro)
9. Ham 'N' Eggs (for some hilarious bars about something very mundane)
People's Instinctive Travels has a more rudimentary vibe from later albums, and it's their least ambitious of their perfect first three-album run.
From "The Low End Theory" (My personal favorite)
1. Excursions (The bassline that runs throughout the track is FAT, but aside from that, Tip does his fucking JOB on the intro, and once the drum kicks in? It's over. The grooves WILL take over.)
2. Buggin' Out (One of my personal FAVORITES. I believe this is the first track with the classic back-and-forth verse trading that Phife and Tip will commonly do on tracks. Phife begins with a killer flow that fits perfectly with another fat bassline and seamless drums relentlessly pounding in the background. Tip also rides the fuck out of the beat during his verse, it's an absolutely filthy track)
3. Rap Promoter (Not the most essential track, it's Tip rapping about the pitfalls of being in the rap industry, you can skip this unless you're absolutely in love with ATCQ already, but listen to it if only for the transition into)
4. Butter (Phife talks about his relationships, his flow is impeccable, and you fall in love with Phife through this verse, it's so clean)
5. Verses from the Abstract (a very clean track, Phife kinda just spits for a few minutes over a very calm and collected beat)
6. Show Business (another track about the misadventures in the rap industry, the first actual posse track on the album, however, so check it out if you want)
7. Check the Rhime (you're already here!)
8. Everything is Fair (a lil track about surviving in New York)
9. Jazz (We've Got) (ABSOLUTELY FUNKY BEAT. UGH. The drums on this are very heavy, but not enough to kill your ears, just enough to make you bop your head. The verses here are chill, and when Phife comes on you'll freak the fuck out)
10. Scenario (YO. YO YO YO. LISTEN TO THIS SHIT. I don't give a flying fuck if you don't like hip-hop or rap. Listen to this posse track. It really paved the way for future posse tracks in hip-hop, and it's an absolute essential. Sidenote: Busta Rhymes does his fucking thing on this track.)
"The Low End Theory" is the most sonically consistent album Tribe ever came out with. I can listen from track to track without any skips and be just fine. Their subject matter remains solid throughout with maybe the exception of 'Skypager' which isn't my favorite.
From "Midnight Marauders"
1. Steve Biko (From the beginning ATCQ sets themselves up for an astounding album with a FUNKY beat, FLAWLESS flows, and PHENOMENAL composition.)
2. Award Tour (The chorus ALONE will have you rockin' in your seat or grooving your hips, but as soon as Tip and Phife come on, you'll understand why ATCQ is so triumphant. It's because they're THE BEST at what they do.)
3. Sucka *** (I'm not black, so I do not have clearance to say that word. That aside, Tip provides very unique commentary on the origins and current uses of the N-word.)
4. We Can Get Down (GROOVE FOR DAYS. The intro alone will have you snappin' and crackin' along with the beat. I won't lie, the amount of times I've pretended to hold a mic and rap this to a roaring crowd is slightly embarrassing. But it features a very triumphant beat that'll make you feel like you're on cloud nine.)
5. Electric Relaxation (All about sex! But Tribe makes it sultry and intimate, you'll be grooving, and you may or may not want to fuck after listening to it. Who knows? But I love this track.)
6. Oh My God (An absolutely CRAZY beat, compound that with Phife and Tip doing their thing? Oh yeah. This was destined to be great. And yes, Busta Rhymes is weird af on the hook)
7. Lyrics to Go (One of their more unique beats, Tribe come off as very cocky and self-assured, but that's for good reason, as they ABSOLUTELY SLAUGHTER the beat they're given. "I'm Jordan with the mic, wanna gamble?" I mean COME ON)
8. God Lives Through (A very 'vibey' track, it's a very calm end to Midnight Marauders)
"Midnight Marauders" is an absolute joy to listen to, and if you were to tell me that it was your favorite Tribe album I wouldn't disagree with you in the slightest. It has some of their highest highs on it, and it's an extremely solid end to their phenomenal three-album introduction.
So, yeah! I hope that helped you out in your introduction to ATCQ. They're my absolute favorite rap ensemble group of all time, and let me know if you want me to do any of their other albums. (2016's "We got it From Here, Thank You 4 Your Service" is also phenomenal)
I really hope this comment doesn't flop oof I wrote this in one-shot at like 2 am.
@smakuch3
Q-tip has to have the smoothest, cleanest flow in hip hop history.
@miyuki2206
@Chelsea Bates and DOOM
@JTLVideo
Special Ed
@monsterwith21faces92
@@miyuki2206 yup
@friendlyfox1667
@Cal no shit
@RawOne911
Before T.I. there was Tip
@montikore
Phife raps about how nice he is. He didn't need to be hard as fuck. Legend.
@kevinkovac6763
but he like his beats hard like two day old shits
@arthurdurham
@@pgm8464 Most of the lyrics are literally about how nice of a guy he is, you can introduce him to your momma
@leereactions5440
Facts