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)
Footprints
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vehicles of life, they be rollin' and be mergin'
Searchin' for the virgins of life
That be shovin' out the door, that's crack
The valleys of time are always on my feet
As least the beat will combine
The calluses and corns, with the funky bass-line
You don't need underdog for a nickel shoeshine or the shoes that's phat
Footin' up and down like a U-N-L-V rebel
The answer be amongst us 'cause we rarely dig acoustics
Can't be too much flackin', not too much packin'
You must container that, at least to dip your hand in rap
Your feet will be infectious, so at least realize the fact
The rhythms are inserted, and the nurse can be converted
This ain't rock 'n' roll 'cause the rap is in control
If you're a megastar, worth will buy you a car
I'd rather go barefootin', for prints I will be puttin'
All over the Earth if we can get there first
Now that we are in it, footprints are bein' printed,
So if you recognize 'em you can try to size 'em.
They'll probably be the ones with the size not fryin'
All over reveal, you won't have to yield
If you want protection you can hide behind the shield
You can game on the gallons if you really need to rock
But we walk while we talk as we stompin' through the block
Hand in hand, 'cross the land, as Muhammad cross the fade
It's a Tribe who meanders, precious like a jade
It's a art, Theo arch rhymes the ground placed upon
The mind will unwind, it will soft to beyond
Catch the track, track by trac, get a map to track a trail
You will find yourself behind, for a map does not prevail
See the levels peakin' as the rhythms keep-a screechin'
A quest, oh yes, a quest inside the jam, I will keep preachin'
The point, oh yes, the point, because it's close, but, yet, so far
The loudiness is ringin' as we scoot across the star
We are bulgin', I'm indulgin' in a rat-a-tat-tat
Explanation for the liners that the rhythm is phat
Keep it wild, wide, and deep; you could dig it in a jeep
But dig it in the ground because the foot print now
If there's a storm that's brewin', it won't keep us from doin'
Our thing, as we start swingin', travellin' is bringin'
Joy inside the domes as we hit the road to roam
A chair is not a chair, a house is not a home
Because my skin is brown, yo, I'm gonna do the town
Rub it in the face, and rub my feet all through the place
When you get your finger on the music, it'll linger
Sing a song o' sixpence, sing it like a singer
A Nubian, a Nubian, a proud one at that
Remember me? The brother who said, 'black is black'
You can come by request, I don't play, I don't dress
Get emotions off your chest, we are black, we the best
Makin' moves, makin' motions, flowin' like an ocean
The walkin' will continue, we know that we will bring you
The times that you have waited, more anticipated
Be gone, but not for long, because the feet will stay strong
In A Tribe Called Quest's song "Footprints," the group reflects on their journey through life and the pursuit of finding meaning and purpose through their music. The opening lines describe the group as they navigate through life, searching for the virgins of life - those opportunities and experiences that are untainted and pure. They are aware of the challenges and obstacles that may come in their way, but they persist, with the valleys of time always on their feet. The importance of the funky bass-line and rhythm cannot be understated in this song as it serves as a unifying force that brings people together.
The group emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and one's values in the face of success and fame. They reject the idea of a materialistic lifestyle and proclaim their preference for going barefoot and leaving footprints all over the earth. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the group recognizing the obstacles that may arise, but they are confident in their ability to persist through it all because they have strong feet.
Line by Line Meaning
As we start trudgin', me and my brothers, we be lookin' and be buggin'
As we begin our journey, my companions and I are observing and feeling anxious
Vehicles of life, they be rollin' and be mergin', searchin' for the virgins of life
People are constantly moving and seeking new experiences, looking for the unknown
That be shovin' out the door, that's crack, the valleys of time are always on my feet
People who are addicted to drugs or other harmful habits are constantly leaving experiences behind, leaving behind a trail of destruction that lingers
As least the beat will combine, the calluses and corns, with the funky bass-line
The music will bring together the roughness and toughness of life with the pleasing and enjoyable aspects of life
You don't need underdog for a nickel shoeshine or the shoes that's phat
You don't need to be less than to receive greatness
Well, can I get a level on the bass and on the treble?
Can I have some clarity and balance in the sound?
Footin' up and down like a U-N-L-V rebel
Moving and behaving in a rebellious and non-conventional way
The answer be amongst us 'cause we rarely dig acoustics, can't be too much flackin', not too much packin'
The solution is within us, but we often fail to look for it. We should not overly criticize or carry too many burdens.
You must container that, at least to dip your hand in rap, your feet will be infectious, so at least realize the fact
You need to contain and control yourself when rapping, or else you may spread negativity. Be aware of your own impact on others.
The rhythms are inserted, and the nurse can be converted, this ain't rock 'n' roll 'cause the rap is in control
The music is powerful and can influence society in various ways. However, rap music is distinct from other genres because it is not about rebellion, but rather about control and influence.
If you're a megastar, worth will buy you a car, I'd rather go barefootin', for prints I will be puttin'
Money and fame may bring material possessions, but I would rather have the pure and unadulterated experience of walking with bare feet and leaving an impression.
Now that we are in it, footprints are bein' printed, so if you recognize 'em you can try to size 'em
Now that we are living life, we are leaving an impact. Others can recognize and interpret our influence.
They'll probably be the ones with the size not fryin', all over reveal, you won't have to yield, if you want protection you can hide behind the shield
The best ones will have a strong impression without any damage. You don't have to submit to others' opinions or criticism. You can protect yourself if needed.
You can game on the gallons if you really need to rock, but we walk while we talk as we stompin' through the block
You can use various means to enjoy yourself, but we prefer to express ourselves through walking and talking as we explore our surroundings.
Hand in hand, 'cross the land, as Muhammad cross the fade, it's a Tribe who meanders, precious like a jade
Together, we explore and journey through life, like Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring. Our group is precious and valuable, like the precious stone jade.
It's a art, Theo arch rhymes the ground placed upon, the mind will unwind, it will soft to beyond
Creating music is an art form, and each word is carefully chosen and placed. The mind can become free and relaxed upon listening to it.
Catch the track, track by trac, get a map to track a trail, you will find yourself behind, for a map does not prevail
Follow the music and its details, and try to find a path to follow in life. However, it is possible to fall behind, as a map cannot account for all changes that happen on a journey.
See the levels peakin' as the rhythms keep-a screechin', a quest, oh yes, a quest inside the jam, I will keep preachin'
The music is intense and constantly peaking, and there is a sense of journey and purposeful exploration in it. The lyrics will continue to preach and guide throughout the journey.
The point, oh yes, the point, because it's close, but, yet, so far, the loudiness is ringin' as we scoot across the star
The objective or goal is close, but seems distant or unreachable. As we move further through life, we are constantly aware of the loudness and commotion.
We are bulgin', I'm indulgin' in a rat-a-tat-tat, explanation for the liners that the rhythm is phat
We are expressive and indulging in a rapid rhythm. The lyrics explain the great sound and style of the music.
Keep it wild, wide, and deep; you could dig it in a jeep, but dig it in the ground because the foot print now
The music should be expressive and full of depth, like digging in the earth. It should be enjoyed regardless of location, but should be remembered as an impactful and lasting footprint.
If there's a storm that's brewin', it won't keep us from doin', our thing, as we start swingin', travellin' is bringin'
Life's obstacles will not prevent us from pursuing our goals and continuing to explore the world. We move forward and continue to travel.
Joy inside the domes as we hit the road to roam, a chair is not a chair, a house is not a home
We experience joy as we travel and explore. Material possessions do not make a home--it is the experience and memories that create a home.
Because my skin is brown, yo, I'm gonna do the town, rub it in the face, and rub my feet all through the place
Because I have a certain skin color, I will still enjoy and experience life to the fullest. I will celebrate my presence and create an impact through my travels.
When you get your finger on the music, it'll linger, sing a song o' sixpence, sing it like a singer
When you truly understand and connect with the music, it will stay with you. It inspires you to sing and express yourself through your own creativity.
A Nubian, a Nubian, a proud one at that, remember me? The brother who said, 'black is black'
I am a proud Nubian, and I stand by my statement that race should not create divisions or inferiority. I strive for unity and equality.
You can come by request, I don't play, I don't dress, get emotions off your chest, we are black, we the best
You are welcome to join us and express your emotions and feelings. We do not care about material belongings or appearances. We are proud of our black heritage and culture.
Makin' moves, makin' motions, flowin' like an ocean, the walkin' will continue, we know that we will bring you
We are constantly moving and living life with purpose, like the constant ebb and flow of the ocean. We will continue to walk and explore, and share our experiences and discoveries with others.
The times that you have waited, more anticipated, be gone, but not for long, because the feet will stay strong
The times that you have waited for have finally arrived, and there is much anticipation for what's to come. They may be fleeting, but our impact will last through our footprints and the strength of our journey.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVIE WONDER, ALI SHAHEED JONES-MUHAMMAD, KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, LARRY MIZELL, SIGIDI BASHIR ABDULLAH, BRADLEY RIDGELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Buitrago
on Electric Relaxation
another of my dads