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 Hill—and moving on to André 3000, Kanye West, and Talib Kweli—everything 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)
Can I Kick It?
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Well, I'm gone (go on then)
Can I kick it? To all the people who can Quest like A Tribe does
Before this, did you really know what live was?
Comprehend to the track, for it's why, cuz
Getting measures on the tip of the vibers
Rock and roll to the beat of the funk fuzz
Wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug
If you feel the urge to freak, do the jitterbug
Come and spread your arms if you really need a hug
Afrocentric living is a big shrug
A life filled with (fun) that's what I love
A lower plateau is what we're above
If you diss us, we won't even think of
Will Nipper the doggy give a big shove?
This rhythm really fits like a snug glove
Like a box of positives is a plus, love
As the Tribe flies high like a dove
(Can I kick it?)
(Can I kick it?)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Can I kick it? (yes, you can)
Well, I'm gone (go on then)
Can I kick it? To my Tribe that flows in layers
Right now, Phife is a poem sayer
At times, I'm a studio conveyor
Mr. Dinkins, would you please be my mayor?
You'll be doing us a really big favor
Boy, this track really has a lot of flavor
When it comes to rhythms, Quest is your savior
Follow us for the funky behavior
Make a note on the rhythm we gave ya
Feel free, drop your pants, check your hair
Do you like the garments that we wear?
I instruct you to be the obeyer
A rhythm recipe that you'll savor
Doesn't matter if you're minor or major
Yes, the Tribe of the game, rhythm player
As you inhale like a breath of fresh air
(Can I kick it?)
(Can I kick it?)
The song "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest is a celebration of hip-hop and African American culture. The repeated question of "Can I kick it?" is a rhetorical one, as the answer is always "yes, you can". The song encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and individuality and highlights the power of music and dance in creating a community.
The lyrics also touch on themes of Afrocentric living, with lines like "Afrocentric living is a big shrug" suggesting a rejection of mainstream culture and a celebration of African cultural traditions. The verses also reference the members of A Tribe Called Quest, with lines like "To all the people who can Quest like A Tribe does" and "To my Tribe that flows in layers".
Overall, "Can I Kick It?" is an upbeat and optimistic song that celebrates the power of hip-hop to create a sense of community and individual empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
Can I kick it? To all the people who can Quest like A Tribe does
Asking permission to deliver a unique music style only known to the Tribe and questioning if the audience is ready for it.
Before this, did you really know what live was?
Challenging the audience to question if they truly experienced life before experiencing A Tribe Called Quest's music.
Comprehend to the track, for it's why, cuz
Urging listeners to listen and understand the music to fully appreciate it.
Getting measures on the tip of the vibers
Becoming tuned into the rhythmic vibrations of the music.
Rock and roll to the beat of the funk fuzz
Dancing to the funky, groovy beat of the music.
Wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug
Advising listeners to metaphorically clean themselves before entering a new musical realm.
If you feel the urge to freak, do the jitterbug
Encouraging listeners to let loose and dance freely to the music.
Come and spread your arms if you really need a hug
Inviting listeners to connect with the Tribe and embrace the music.
Afrocentric living is a big shrug
Promoting a carefree and unbothered attitude towards societal norms that conflict with the Tribe's culture.
A life filled with (fun) that's what I love
Expressing the enjoyment and passion the Tribe has for their music and lifestyle.
A lower plateau is what we're above
Elevating their music and culture above mainstream society's standards.
If you diss us, we won't even think of
Warning against any negative criticism towards the Tribe and their music.
Will Nipper the doggy give a big shove?
Asking if anyone or anything will deter their path to success and influence.
This rhythm really fits like a snug glove
Describing the perfect fit and harmony of the music.
Like a box of positives is a plus, love
Comparing the positivity and feel-good vibes of the music to a rewarding experience.
As the Tribe flies high like a dove
Metaphorically describing the success and influence the Tribe has achieved.
Can I kick it? To my Tribe that flows in layers
Asking for permission to represent and show love to his fellow Tribe members that add depth and layers to their music.
Right now, Phife is a poem sayer
Acknowledging Phife Dawg's current role as the Tribe's lyrical genius.
At times, I'm a studio conveyor
Referring to Q-Tip's role as a producer and creator of the Tribe's sound.
Mr. Dinkins, would you please be my mayor?
A playful request to the first Black mayor of New York City, David Dinkins, to be a part of the Tribe's creative circle.
You'll be doing us a really big favor
Implying that Dinkins' involvement with the Tribe would greatly benefit both parties.
Boy, this track really has a lot of flavor
Expressing excitement and admiration towards the music and its unique qualities.
When it comes to rhythms, Quest is your savior
Declaring that the Tribe is the go-to source for innovative and soulful music.
Follow us for the funky behavior
Encouraging listeners to join in on the Tribe's unconventional yet enjoyable lifestyle and music.
Make a note on the rhythm we gave ya
Urging the audience to take note of the Tribe's rhythm and incorporate it into their lives.
Feel free, drop your pants, check your hair
Encouraging listeners to let go of their inhibitions and be true to themselves while enjoying the music.
Do you like the garments that we wear?
Asking if the audience appreciates and resonates with the Tribe's unique fashion sense.
I instruct you to be the obeyer
Asking the audience to be open-minded and receptive towards the Tribe's music and culture.
A rhythm recipe that you'll savor
Describing the Tribe's music as a unique and enjoyable blend of different rhythms and styles.
Doesn't matter if you're minor or major
Implying that the Tribe's music is impactful and relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Yes, the Tribe of the game, rhythm player
Declaring the Tribe as the ultimate leaders and innovators in the music industry when it comes to rhythm and sound.
As you inhale like a breath of fresh air
Describing the refreshing and revitalizing effect the Tribe's music has on the listener.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lou Reed, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jonathan Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Buitrago
on Electric Relaxation
another of my dads