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 Hillβand moving on to AndrΓ© 3000, Kanye West, and Talib Kweliβeverything 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)
Conrad Tokyo
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just done mash a show
Dog is off on sabbatical
Rather watch the Nixon shit
Than politicians politic
CNN and all this shit
Gwaan yo, move with the fuckery
Trump and SNL hilarity
Bloodclot, you doing
Bullshit you spewing
As if this country ain't already ruined
In lieu of these mumbling, fumbling, swearing they the greatest
Online they debate us, if we're different then we're haters
We ended our hiatus, the dogs looking for food
The nucleus is here now (ooh)
Toleration for devastation, got a hunger for sin
Every nation, Obama nation, let the coroner in
Crooked faces, red and blue laces for the color of men
Just embrace it and die alone, a song of revelation
Reverends and cattles racing
Devils and demons and Deuteronomy
Fumigate all economy, illuminate broken dreams
And manifest all insanity
Look around, sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
(Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio)
Sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
(Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio)
Sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
(Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio)
Sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
(Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio)
Sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio)
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
The lyrics of "Conrad Tokyo" by A Tribe Called Quest tackle a range of social and political issues, while also expressing a sense of disillusionment and frustration. The song begins by referencing different locations, such as Tokyo and Sapporo in Japan, and pistachio, which could symbolize a sense of exoticism and escapism. The line "Just done mash a show" suggests they have just finished a performance, possibly highlighting their role as artists with a platform to express their thoughts.
The lyrics then delve into a critique of the political landscape, with lines like "Rather watch the Nixon shit than politicians politic" indicating a lack of confidence in political leaders. The mention of "Trump and SNL hilarity" refers to Donald Trump's stint as a contestant on the reality TV show "The Apprentice" and his subsequent parodies on the comedy show "Saturday Night Live," highlighting the surreal and absurd nature of contemporary politics.
The song also addresses the division and animosity present within society, with lines like "Troublesome times kid, no times for comedy" expressing the seriousness of the social climate. The use of Jamaican patois, such as "Gwaan yo, move with the fuckery" and "Bloodclot, you doing," adds another layer of cultural and linguistic expression, showcasing the influence of Caribbean music and culture on the group's sound.
Overall, "Conrad Tokyo" serves as a reflection on the state of the world, offering a critical perspective on politics, society, and the disillusionment that can come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Conrad Tokyo, Sapporo, pistachio
Referencing various locations and the unusual combination of pistachio, which could symbolize the uniqueness and eclectic nature of the song.
Just done mash a show
Having just finished a successful performance or event.
Dog is off on sabbatical
One of the members of the group taking a break or hiatus.
Rather watch the Nixon shit
Preferring to watch something related to past political scandals, such as those involving Richard Nixon.
Than politicians politic
Preferring to avoid the disingenuousness and manipulations of politicians.
CNN and all this shit
Expressing dissatisfaction with mainstream news outlets like CNN.
Gwaan yo, move with the fuckery
Encouraging others to engage in unconventional or unorthodox behavior.
Trump and SNL hilarity
Finding amusement in the comedic portrayals of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live.
Troublesome times kid, no times for comedy
Highlighting the seriousness and difficulties of the current era, suggesting that there is no room for light-heartedness or humor.
Bloodclot, you doing
Expressing surprise or shock at someone's actions or behavior.
Bullshit you spewing
Calling out the lies or nonsense that someone is saying.
As if this country ain't already ruined
Challenging the notion that the country is not already in a state of decline or disarray.
In lieu of these mumbling, fumbling, swearing they the greatest
In contrast to the individuals who are indecisive, clumsy, and arrogant, claiming to be the best.
Online they debate us, if we're different then we're haters
Addressing the tendency for online discussions to devolve into arguments, where anyone who holds a different opinion is labeled as a hater.
We ended our hiatus, the dogs looking for food
After a period of inactivity, the group has returned and is searching for new creative opportunities or success.
The nucleus is here now (ooh)
The central and essential elements of the group are present and ready to make an impact with their music.
Toleration for devastation, got a hunger for sin
Accepting and tolerating the destructive actions and behaviors of society, while also acknowledging a desire for rebellion or indulgence in wrongdoing.
Every nation, Obama nation, let the coroner in
Describing a world where Barack Obama, a symbol of change and progress, has influenced various nations, but ultimately leading to the demise or death of certain ideals or systems.
Crooked faces, red and blue laces for the colour of men
Referring to the corrupt and deceitful individuals in positions of power, who exploit racial divisions and conflicts for their own gain.
Just embrace it and die alone, a song of revelation
Encouraging acceptance of the harsh realities of life and facing them alone, as a metaphorical song that reveals important truths.
Reverends and cattles racing
Metaphorically comparing religious figures and livestock, suggesting both are caught up in a frantic race or competition.
Devils and demons and Deuteronomy
Referencing evil forces and biblical teachings, implying the presence of darkness and religious conflicts.
Fumigate all economy, illuminate broken dreams
Criticizing the economic system and how it harms people's aspirations and ambitions, advocating for change and exposing the shattered hopes and desires.
And manifest all insanity
Giving rise to and bringing forth all forms of madness or craziness.
Look around, sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
Observing the current state of affairs and acknowledging that the future is uncertain, with conflicts and tragedies occurring.
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Repeating the earlier line to reinforce the symbolism and uniqueness of the song.
Sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
Reiterating the theme of uncertainty and violence in the future.
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Repeating the earlier line to reinforce the symbolism and uniqueness of the song.
Sayonara tomorrow, it's just blood on the ground
Reiterating the theme of uncertainty and violence in the future.
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Repeating the earlier line to reinforce the symbolism and uniqueness of the song.
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Repeating the earlier line to reinforce the symbolism and uniqueness of the song.
Conrad Tokyo, a far road, pistachio
Repeating the earlier line to reinforce the symbolism and uniqueness of the song.
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, KENDRICK DUCKWORTH, MALIK IZAAK TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mc diesel
Kendrick's verse is one of the tightest, dopest, most well spit verses I've ever heard. Not a wasted syllable.
ZCS Apollo
John McDonald Iβm still trying to figure out why hopsin dissed him, Kendrick and hop are both great rappers
beflygelt
dude said Hopsin
Ω ΨΩ Ψ―
@ZCS Apollo Hopsin most definitely isn't dope
MLG R8DR805
@ZCS Apollo Hopsin dissed him for clout like he does to everyone else
Brashad Carr
facts he went crazy
MithChief
What a huge honor for Kendric to be blessed enough to appear on this record
Skankhunt 42
MithChief i Think kendrick is the most talented artist of all time, but i cant agree more with you. I would even pay to be on this song
K C
It says a lot about Tribe how everyone came out to be featured. Elton John. Jack White. Even damn Andre 3000 did some verses, and put his back into it. So many great features. Kanye at least... showed up. haha. His is funny, but he still came.
Elijah Hill
@K C And not to mention Tipβs dragon slaying comrade, Busta Rhymes.