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)
God Lives Through
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God
There's a million MCs that claim they want some
But see, I create sounds that make your ears go numb
Peace to Sayres Ave, yeah, you know how we go
My best friend Steven at the Home Depot
Laurelton is in the house, I can't forget Southside
Walk past MCs like that girl did The Pharcyde
I'm labeled as the cat's meow, the MC with the know-how
Act like you know, not now but right now
Beast of the East, on MCs, I have a feast
I'd eat that ass like quiche, crack a smile like Shanice
Straight outta Jamaica, seen? Jamaica, Queens
But you could find me out in Georgia, or anywhere in between
Now if my partners don't look good, Malik won't look good
If Malik don't look good, then Quest won't look good
If the Quest don't look good, then Queens won't look good
But since our sounds are universal, New York won't look good
Picture Phife losing a battle, come on, get off it
Put down the microphone, son, surrender, forfeit
Did I hear something 'bout a crew? What they wanna do?
You better call Mr. Babyface so he can bring out the cool in you
Or it'll be a sad love song being sung by Toni Braxton
And I'll dissect you like a fraction
All you wannabe top cat MCs, I'll pop you like a zit
You wanna be the champ, you more like Chief Some-shit
Big up myself every time when it comes to this
Mcs be running scared as if they're watching The Exorcist
I kick more game than a crackhead from Hempstead
My styles are milk, man, you'd think that I was breastfed
You know the steelo when the diggy Dawg is on the scene
I dedicate this to all the MCs outta Queens
That goes for Onyx, LL, Run DMC
Akinyele, Nasty Nas and the Extra P
You need a chart, straight up and down, man, there ain't no other
Nuff respect to all my peeps that made the album cover
Yo, Tip, don't worry none, you know I get the party jumping
Get on the mic and break 'em off a little, little something
Yo, Tip, don't worry none, you know I gets the party jumping
Get on the mic, my man, and break 'em off a little something (ooh)
Oh my God, oh my God (la, la, da, da)
Oh my God, oh my God (shooby, do, do, do)
Oh my God, oh my God (la, la, la, la)
Oh my God, oh my God (shooby, do, do, do)
Oh my God, oh my God (la, la, la, la)
Oh my God, oh my God (shooby, do, do, do)
Oh my God, oh my God (you know I'm on the other, for the top 40)
Oh, my God, oh my God (we gotta do it like this)
We got the funk doody don shit, clearly, it's the bomb shit
So recognize me, kids memorize me
Every day, I be scrounging, really I be lounging
I play the down low, very, very incognito
Aries is my sign, I know that I can rhyme
Sometimes I rhyme in riddles, plus I make the honeys wiggle
Intellect is the major, some heads like to wager
The skills on the hill, overlooking dollar bills
Man, you're crazy, thinking you can phase me
The Ab doesn't study mere nonsense, money
Life seems to need me, MCs seem too cheesy
With their doody-ass renditions of defeating competition
I rock to the roll, man, yes, I'm a soul man
Bet your bottom dollar Vinia will make you holler
As you stand at attention, did I forget to mention?
Mcs will give me twenty if I sense that they act funny
Lyrics are abundant, right there, I sound redundant
Just mentioning the fact that the area is fat
I dwell in the under, so honey it's no wonder
That I get plenty of tail, well I even get white
I'ma bank-hitting head crack, there, money, take that
Breaking niggas off, cut their bank, then I'm off
All my Nikes match my 'Lo hat, beat joint is mad fat
Got the cutter of the box if a kid think he's ox
For tier means creator, the poetry relator
It's hemmed like Betsy Ross, let me tell you who's the boss
Oh my God (la, la, la)
Oh my God (la, la, la)
Oh my God (la, la, la, smooth it out, y'all)
Oh my God (la, la, la)
Oh my God (la, la, la)
Oh my God (la, la, la)
Oh my God (la, la, la)
(La, la, la)
Queens got a
Brooklyn got a
Bronx got a
Staten Island got a
Long Island got the zone
Jersey got a
Philly got a
Milwaukee got a
La got a
Oaktown got a zone
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
See I like to get down, Jack
The opening lines of A Tribe Called Quest's song God Lives Through are an invocation. The repeated phrase "oh my God," spoken by Q-Tip, serves as a prelude to a rap that addresses the impact and significance of artistic creation. Within the song, rappers Tip and Phife Dawg assert their identity as artists who create sounds that not only evoke a physical response but also tap into something spiritual. The repetition of "oh my God" emphasizes the overwhelming power of music, described as "the funk doody don shit" that is "the bomb shit."
The song touches on a variety of themes, many of which ultimately come back to the idea of artistic expression as a form of transcendence. Q-Tip references his upbringing in Queens, giving a shout-out to his home borough and the many rappers who have emerged from there, including LL Cool J, Run DMC, and Onyx. He also highlights the importance of community, both in terms of making music and simply staying true to oneself. As Q-Tip raps, "If Malik don't look good, then Quest won't look good." This emphasis on loyalty and mutual support is contrasted with the competitive rhetoric of many other rappers of the time, who sought to assert their dominance over others.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God
Expressing astonishment or excitement multiple times
There's a million MCs that claim they want some
There are countless MCs who say they want to compete
But see, I create sounds that make your ears go numb
My unique style of music captivates and mesmerizes listeners
Peace to Sayres Ave, yeah, you know how we go
Greetings to Sayres Ave, we have a specific way of doing things there
My best friend Steven at the Home Depot
Referring to a close friend named Steven who works at Home Depot
Laurelton is in the house, I can't forget Southside
Acknowledging the presence and significance of Laurelton and Southside
Walk past MCs like that girl did The Pharcyde
Ignoring and surpassing other MCs, just like a girl did with The Pharcyde
I'm labeled as the cat's meow, the MC with the know-how
I'm recognized as highly skilled and knowledgeable in the hip-hop community
Act like you know, not now but right now
Show confidence and assertiveness immediately, not at a later time
Beast of the East, on MCs, I have a feast
I dominate and excel over other MCs in the Eastern region
I'd eat that ass like quiche, crack a smile like Shanice
I would defeat them with ease and celebrate the victory
Straight outta Jamaica, seen? Jamaica, Queens
From Jamaica, Queens, with a Jamaican influence
But you could find me out in Georgia, or anywhere in between
I'm not confined to one location, I can be found anywhere
Now if my partners don't look good, Malik won't look good
The appearance and reputation of my companions reflect on me
If Malik don't look good, then Quest won't look good
If I don't appear good, it reflects poorly on my group, A Tribe Called Quest
If the Quest don't look good, then Queens won't look good
If my group doesn't appear good, it tarnishes the reputation of Queens
But since our sounds are universal, New York won't look good
Our music transcends boundaries and represents New York well
Picture Phife losing a battle, come on, get off it
Imagine Phife Dawg, one of the group members, losing a rap battle, it's implausible
Put down the microphone, son, surrender, forfeit
Quit rapping and accept defeat, give up the microphone
Did I hear something 'bout a crew? What they wanna do?
Did I hear talk about a group? What are their intentions or plans?
You better call Mr. Babyface so he can bring out the cool in you
Contact Mr. Babyface, a producer known for his cool vibe, to enhance your style
Or it'll be a sad love song being sung by Toni Braxton
Your future will be filled with heartbreak and sorrow, like a song by Toni Braxton
And I'll dissect you like a fraction
I will analyze and break you apart like a mathematical fraction
All you wannabe top cat MCs, I'll pop you like a zit
I will eliminate and defeat all aspiring top-tier MCs easily
You wanna be the champ, you more like Chief Some-shit
You aspire to be a champion, but you're more like a mediocre figure
Big up myself every time when it comes to this
I celebrate and acknowledge my own accomplishments every time when it comes to music
MCs be running scared as if they're watching The Exorcist
Other MCs feel fearful and intimidated, as if they're watching a terrifying movie like The Exorcist
I kick more game than a crackhead from Hempstead
I provide more knowledge and insight than someone addicted to crack in Hempstead
My styles are milk, man, you'd think that I was breastfed
My rap styles are so natural and nourishing, it's as if I was breastfed
You know the steelo when the diggy Dawg is on the scene
You recognize my style and swagger when I, Phife Dawg, am present
I dedicate this to all the MCs outta Queens
This song is a tribute to all the talented MCs from Queens
That goes for Onyx, LL, Run DMC
This dedication includes iconic hip-hop groups like Onyx, LL Cool J, and Run DMC
Akinyele, Nasty Nas and the Extra P
It also includes individual artists like Akinyele, Nas, and Extra P
You need a chart, straight up and down, man, there ain't no other
You require a visual representation to grasp the truth, there's no alternative
Nuff respect to all my peeps that made the album cover
Showing gratitude and respect to the people involved in creating the album cover
Yo, Tip, don't worry none, you know I get the party jumping
Hey, Tip (referring to Q-Tip), don't stress, I know how to make the party lively and energetic
Get on the mic and break 'em off a little, little something
Take the microphone and impress the audience with a short, impactful performance
We got the funk doody don shit, clearly, it's the bomb shit
We possess the highest quality and impressive funk-style music, it's undeniably amazing
So recognize me, kids memorize me
Acknowledge and remember my talent, young ones study my lyrics
Every day, I be scrounging, really I be lounging
Every day, I'm searching for inspiration while relaxing and taking it easy
I play the down low, very, very incognito
I operate in a discreet and secretive manner
Aries is my sign, I know that I can rhyme
As an Aries, I believe in my ability to excel in rhyming and hip-hop
Sometimes I rhyme in riddles, plus I make the honeys wiggle
Occasionally, I use cryptic language in my lyrics and attract attention from the ladies
Intellect is the major, some heads like to wager
My intellect and cleverness are my greatest assets, some people like to bet on it
The skills on the hill, overlooking dollar bills
My exceptional skills are valued and rewarded, even as I observe financial success from a distance
Man, you're crazy, thinking you can phase me
You're delusional if you believe you can affect or defeat me
The Ab doesn't study mere nonsense, money
Phife Dawg doesn't waste time on trivial matters, only focused on wealth and success
Life seems to need me, MCs seem too cheesy
Life seems to require my presence, while other MCs appear unoriginal and lacking substance
With their doody-ass renditions of defeating competition
Mocking and dismissing their weak attempts at defeating competition
I rock to the roll, man, yes, I'm a soul man
I embrace and excel in the hip-hop culture, I'm truly a soulful individual
Bet your bottom dollar Vinia will make you holler
Guaranteed, Vinia, a vocalist featured on the track, will impress and excite listeners
As you stand at attention, did I forget to mention?
As you pay close attention, did I forget to state something important?
Mcs will give me twenty if I sense that they act funny
Other MCs will pay me money if I perceive any suspicious or dishonest behavior from them
Lyrics are abundant, right there, I sound redundant
I have an abundance of lyrics, but at times, I may sound repetitive
Just mentioning the fact that the area is fat
Simply stating the undeniable truth that the neighborhood is immensely talented
I dwell in the under, so honey it's no wonder
I live and thrive in the underground hip-hop scene, so it's not surprising
That I get plenty of tail, well I even get white
I attract attention from women, and I even have romantic encounters with Caucasian individuals
I'ma bank-hitting head crack, there, money, take that
I'm a highly successful and impactful artist, so take notice and accept my greatness
Breaking niggas off, cut their bank, then I'm off
Dominating and defeating other artists, impacting their financial success, and then moving on
All my Nikes match my 'Lo hat, beat joint is mad fat
My Nike shoes always coordinate with my Polo hat, and my music is amazingly good
Got the cutter of the box if a kid think he's ox
I possess the skills and ability to eliminate any competitor who believes they're powerful
For tier means creator, the poetry relator
My level represents being a creator and sharing poetic expressions with others
It's hemmed like Betsy Ross, let me tell you who's the boss
It's sewn together skillfully like Betsy Ross, let me clearly state that I'm the boss
Queens got a
Queens possesses
Brooklyn got a
Brooklyn possesses
Bronx got a
The Bronx possesses
Staten Island got a
Staten Island possesses
Long Island got the zone
Long Island has its distinctive style and atmosphere
Jersey got a
New Jersey possesses
Philly got a
Philadelphia possesses
Milwaukee got a
Milwaukee possesses
La got a
Los Angeles possesses
Oaktown got a zone
Oakland has its distinctive style and atmosphere
See I like to get down, Jack
I enjoy getting into the groove and having a good time, buddy
Oh my God (la, la, la)
Expressing astonishment or excitement with background vocalizations
Oh my God (shooby, do, do, do)
Expressing astonishment or excitement with vocalizations
We got the funk doody don shit, clearly, it's the bomb shit
We possess remarkable and incredible funk-style music, it's outstanding
Oh my God (la, la, la, la)
Expressing astonishment or excitement with background vocalizations
Oh my God (shooby, do, do, do)
Expressing astonishment or excitement with vocalizations
Oh my God (la, la, la, la)
Expressing astonishment or excitement with background vocalizations
Oh my God (shooby, do, do, do)
Expressing astonishment or excitement with vocalizations
La, la, la, la, la, la
Vocalizations, possibly representing a catchy and enjoyable melody
La, la, la, la, la, la
Vocalizations, possibly representing a catchy and enjoyable melody
See I like to get down, Jack
I enjoy getting into the groove and having a good time, buddy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Malik Izaak Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Buitrago
on Electric Relaxation
another of my dads