A Tribe Called Quest was an American hip-hop group formed in St. Albans, Qu… Read Full Bio ↴A Tribe Called Quest was an American hip-hop group formed in St. Albans, Queens, New York, in 1985, originally composed of rapper and main producer Q-Tip, rapper Phife Dawg, DJ and co-producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and rapper Jarobi White. The group is regarded as a pioneer of alternative hip hop music.

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)

Jazz
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We got the jazz, we got the jazz

Stern firm and young with a laid-back tongue
The aim is to succeed and achieve at 21
Just like Ringling Brothers, I'll daze and astound

Captivate the mass, 'cause the prose was profound
Do it for the strong, we do it for the meek
Boom it in your boom it in your boom it in your Jeep
Or your Honda or your Beemer or your Legend or your Benz
The rave of the town to your foes and your friends
So push it, along, trails, we blaze
Don't deserve the gong, don't deserve the praise
The tranquility will make ya unball your fist
For we put hip-hop on a brand new twist
A brand new twist with a whole heap of mystic
So low-key that ya probably missed it
And yet it's so loud that it stands in the crowd
When the guy takes the beat, they bowed
So raise up squire, address your attire
We have no time to wallow in the mire
If you're on a foreign path, then let me do the lead
Join in the essence of the cool-out breed
Then cool out to the music cause it makes ya feel serene
With the birds and the bees and all those groovy things
Like getting stomach aches when ya gotta go to work
Or staring into space when you're feeling berserk
I don't really mind if it's over your head
'Cause the job of resurrectors is to wake up the dead
So pay attention, it's not hard to decipher
And after the horns, you can check out the Phifer

We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We got the jazz, we got the jazz

Competition, dem try fi come sideway
But competition, dem must come straight way
Competition, dem try fi come sideway
But competition, dem must come straight way
Hows' about that? It seems like it's my turn again
All through the years my mic has been my best friend
I know some brothers wonder, can Phifer really kick it?
Some even wanna diss me, but why sweat it?
I'm all into my music cause it's how I make papes
Tryin' to make hits, like Kid Capri makes tapes
Me sweat another? I do my own thing
Strictly hardcore tracks, not a new jack swing
I grew up as a Christian so to Jah I give thanks
Collect my banks, listen to Shabba Ranks
I sing, and chat, I do all of that
It's 1991 and I refuse to come wack
I take off my hat to other crews that tend to rock
But the Low End Theory's here, it's time to wreck shop
I got Tip and Shah, so whom shall I fear?
Stop look and listen, but please don't stare
So jet to the store, and buy the LP
On Jive/RCA, cassettes and CD's
Produced and arranged by the four-man crew
And oh shit, Skiff Anselm, he gets props too
Make sure you have a system with some phat house speakers
So the new shit can rock, from Mars to Massapequa
'Cause where I come from quality is job one
And everybody up on Linden know we get the job done
So peace to that crew, and peace to this crew
Bring on the tour, we'll see you at a theatre nearest you

Ayo but wait, back it up, hup, easy back it up
Please let the Abstract embellish on the cut
Back and forth just like a Cameo song
If you dig this joint then please come dance along
To the music cause it's done just for the rhyme
Now I gotta scat and get mine, underline
The jazz, the what? The jazz can move that ass
For the Tribe originates that feelin' of pizzazz
It's the universal sound, best to brothers underground
In the ones six below, ya didn't have to go
Some say that I'm eccentric 'cause I once had an orgy
And sometimes for breakfast I eat grits and porgies
If this is a stinker, then call me a skunk, I ask
"What? What? What?" now, check it out

All my peoples in Queens ya don't stop
Now all my peoples in Brooklyn ya don't stop
And all my peoples uptown ya don't stop
That includes the Bronx and Harlem ya don't stop
Now to that girl Ramelle ya don't stop
I say because Ladies First ya don't stop
And to the JB's, ya don't stop
And De La Soul, ya don't stop
To my Brand Nubians ya don't stop
And to my Leaders of the New ya don't stop
To my man Large Professor ya don't stop
Pete Rock for the beat ya don't stop
Everybody in the place ya don't stop
Ya keep it on, to the rhythm, ya don't stop

And last but not least on the sure shot
It's the Zulu nation

Overall Meaning

The song "Jazz (We've Got)" by A Tribe Called Quest is a tribute to the group's jazz influences and their love for the music. The lyrics describe the power of jazz music to captivate and enthrall listeners, and the importance of coolness and tranquility to the hip-hop art form. The chorus repeats the phrase "we've got the jazz" to reinforce this relationship between jazz music and hip-hop culture. The verses boast of the group's prowess and talent, using metaphors related to the circus, such as "Ringling Brothers" and "the rave of the town," to describe their entertaining and impressive style. The vocal delivery is smooth and laid-back, with a jazzy flow that compliments the instrumental backing.

One of the most interesting facts about this song is that it features a sample from the jazz standard "Povo" by Freddie Hubbard, which contributes to the song's overall jazz vibe. The song was also included on A Tribe Called Quest's second album, "The Low End Theory," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Another interesting fact is that Q-Tip, one of the group's members, produced the track with co-production from Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The song has been heavily sampled by other artists, including Deee-Lite and Tupac Shakur.

The chord progression for this song is fairly simple, with a repetitive bassline and jazzy piano chords. The main chord progression is as follows:

Verse: Emaj7 – F#m7 – G#m7 – A
Chorus: Emaj7 – F#m7 – G#m7 – A

Overall, "Jazz (We've Got)" is a timeless classic that showcases the intersection between jazz and hip-hop and celebrates the unique coolness and tranquility of both genres. The song has influenced countless artists over the years and remains a standout track in A Tribe Called Quest's discography.

Line by Line Meaning

We got the jazz, we got the jazz
We have the essence and style of jazz music in our music

Stern firm and young with a laid-back tongue
We are serious, confident, and skilled with a relaxed and smooth delivery

The aim is to succeed and achieve at 21
Our goal is to be successful and accomplished by the age of 21

Just like Ringling Brothers, I'll daze and astound
Similar to the circus, we will amaze and astonish you

Captivate the mass, 'cause the prose was profound
We will captivate the audience with our profound lyrics

Do it for the strong, we do it for the meek
We make music for both the powerful and the marginalized

Boom it in your boom it in your boom it in your Jeep
Blast our music from your car stereo

Or your Honda or your Beemer or your Legend or your Benz
Whether you drive a Honda, Beemer, Legend, or Benz

The rave of the town to your foes and your friends
Our music is celebrated by both supporters and critics

So push it, along, trails, we blaze
We push our music forward, making our own path

Don't deserve the gong, don't deserve the praise
We don't need awards or excessive praise

The tranquility will make ya unball your fist
Our mellow and soothing music will make you relax

For we put hip-hop on a brand new twist
We bring a fresh and unique style to hip-hop

A brand new twist with a whole heap of mystic
Our innovative approach has a mystical quality

So low-key that ya probably missed it
Our subtlety may have gone unnoticed

And yet it's so loud that it stands in the crowd
Despite being understated, our music stands out

When the guy takes the beat, they bowed
When our MC takes control of the beat, they are respected

So raise up squire, address your attire
Get up and present yourself with confidence

We have no time to wallow in the mire
We don't have time to dwell in negativity

If you're on a foreign path, then let me do the lead
If you're unfamiliar with our music, let us guide you

Join in the essence of the cool-out breed
Become a part of the relaxed and cool community

Then cool out to the music 'cause it makes ya feel serene
Relax and enjoy the music, as it brings a sense of calm

With the birds and the bees and all those groovy things
Incorporating elements of nature and positivity

Like getting stomach aches when ya gotta go to work
The stress and anxiety of going to work

Or staring into space when you're feeling berserk
The moments of feeling overwhelmed and lost

I don't really mind if it's over your head
I don't care if you don't fully understand it

'Cause the job of resurrectors is to wake up the dead
Our role as artists is to revitalize and inspire

So pay attention, it's not hard to decipher
Listen closely, the message is clear

And after the horns, you can check out the Phifer
After the musical interlude, listen to Phife Dawg's verse

Competition, dem try fi come sideway
Competitors try to come from different angles

But competition, dem must come straight way
But they must come straight ahead

Hows' about that? It seems like it's my turn again
How about that? It's my time to shine once more

All through the years my mic has been my best friend
Throughout my career, my microphone has been my closest companion

I know some brothers wonder, can Phifer really kick it?
Some doubt my abilities, can I truly deliver?

Some even wanna diss me, but why sweat it?
Some even want to criticize me, but I don't bother with it

I'm all into my music 'cause it's how I make papes
I am fully dedicated to my music because it brings me success

Tryin' to make hits, like Kid Capri makes tapes
Striving to create popular songs, like Kid Capri's mixtapes

Me sweat another? I do my own thing
I don't worry about others, I focus on my own path

Strictly hardcore tracks, not a new jack swing
I create hard-hitting tracks, not conforming to trends

I grew up as a Christian so to Jah I give thanks
I was raised as a Christian, so I express gratitude to God

Collect my banks, listen to Shabba Ranks
I accumulate wealth while enjoying the music of Shabba Ranks

I sing, and chat, I do all of that
I sing and rap, utilizing different vocal techniques

It's 1991 and I refuse to come wack
In the year 1991, I am determined to deliver great music

I take off my hat to other crews that tend to rock
I pay respect to other talented music groups

But the Low End Theory's here, it's time to wreck shop
But our album, The Low End Theory, is making an impact

I got Tip and Shah, so whom shall I fear?
I have Q-Tip and Shah, so I have nothing to worry about

Stop look and listen, but please don't stare
Pay attention, but don't be too intrusive

So jet to the store, and buy the LP
Go quickly to the store and purchase our album

On Jive/RCA, cassettes and CD's
Available on Jive/RCA, in cassette and CD format

Produced and arranged by the four-man crew
Created and organized by the four members of the group

And oh shit, Skiff Anselm, he gets props too
And don't forget to give credit to Skiff Anselm

Make sure you have a system with some phat house speakers
Ensure you have a good sound system for optimal music listening

So the new shit can rock, from Mars to Massapequa
So our new music can be enjoyed everywhere

'Cause where I come from quality is job one
In my hometown, emphasis is placed on quality

And everybody up on Linden know we get the job done
Everyone in our neighborhood knows we are successful

So peace to that crew, and peace to this crew
Peace and respect to all music groups

Bring on the tour, we'll see you at a theater nearest you
Prepare for our upcoming tour, we will perform near you

Ayo but wait, back it up, hup, easy back it up
Wait a minute, rewind and pause for a moment

Please let the Abstract embellish on the cut
Allow the Abstract (Q-Tip) to explain further

Back and forth just like a Cameo song
Back and forth like the style of a Cameo song

If you dig this joint then please come dance along
If you enjoy this song, join us in dancing to it

To the music cause it's done just for the rhyme
Dance to the music because it's created for the sake of art

Now I gotta scat and get mine, underline
Now I need to freestyle and do my thing

The jazz, the what? The jazz can move that ass
Jazz music can make you dance

For the Tribe originates that feelin' of pizzazz
We, A Tribe Called Quest, bring that unique and exciting vibe

It's the universal sound, best to brothers underground
Our music has a universal appeal, especially to those in the underground scene

In the ones six below, ya didn't have to go
In the lower socioeconomic class, you don't have to conform

Some say that I'm eccentric 'cause I once had an orgy
Some consider me eccentric because of my past experiences

And sometimes for breakfast I eat grits and porgies
Occasionally, I have unconventional meals like grits and porgies

If this is a stinker, then call me a skunk, I ask
If you think this song is bad, then I embrace that criticism

"What? What? What?" now, check it out
"What? What? What?" Now, pay attention to this next part

All my peoples in Queens ya don't stop
To all my people in Queens, keep going

Now all my peoples in Brooklyn ya don't stop
To all my people in Brooklyn, keep going

And all my peoples uptown ya don't stop
To all my people uptown, keep going

That includes the Bronx and Harlem ya don't stop
That includes the Bronx and Harlem, keep going

Now to that girl Ramelle ya don't stop
To that girl Ramelle, keep going

I say because Ladies First ya don't stop
I say that because of the song 'Ladies First,' keep going

And to the JB's, ya don't stop
To the JB's, keep going

And De La Soul, ya don't stop
To De La Soul, keep going

To my Brand Nubians ya don't stop
To Brand Nubians, keep going

And to my Leaders of the New ya don't stop
To Leaders of the New, keep going

To my man Large Professor ya don't stop
To Large Professor, keep going

Pete Rock for the beat ya don't stop
Pete Rock for the beat, keep going

Everybody in the place ya don't stop
Everyone in the place, keep going

Ya keep it on, to the rhythm, ya don't stop
Keep it going, stay in tune with the rhythm

And last but not least on the sure shot
Lastly, on the guaranteed hit

It's the Zulu nation
It represents the Zulu nation

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad, Malik Izaak Taylor, Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@tricckk2976

2y↑3.3K

Jazz Rap is just unmatched. Good music never dies this shit will always be fire

@sanidarryl7052

2y↑42

That high hat is the FUNK .

@Ryan-zm2nr

2y↑17

Bet you cream over The Roots

@magicpotionstudios9519

2y↑43

Excuse me sir, this is 90s Hip-Hop, not "Jazz Rap".

@yakhcube4401

2y↑5

@@magicpotionstudios9519 you dont lie?

@Allswagyep

2y↑85

@@magicpotionstudios9519 ATCQ is known for their jazz elements in their songs. So it is Jazz Rap.

43 More Replies...

@JFloatin

3y↑4.9K

When everyone does their jobs in a group project:

@thechannelofagerbil5036

3y↑54

Lmao

@amipadme3985

3y↑20

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

@Jmschstn

3y↑33

Well put

@Amanda-fw9lc

3y↑16

Yes! Good one

@stephen300o6

3y↑3

What?

34 More Replies...

@ovodrew486

2y↑968

Man... if these young men only knew the timeless classics they were writing. So much respect to Tribe, thank you for all your music.

@BrownsvilleBaby_Est

2y↑15

They did I'm quite sure,but like many of us.We don't see the future let alone the longevity of our accomplishments.

@nachc6459

2y↑9

Raw talent! They wrote all of it themselves! True artist!

@robertnicholls9917

2y↑15

I think art becomes timeless when the ultimate goal is to truly make people see and feel your passion. It's a sincere conversation. The business that supports such art is driven by people who understand your vision and market/sell it to reflect that vision, trusting the art will do the rest.

@yabaisensei7097

2y↑4

Oh they knew "we put hip-hop on a brand-new twist"

@dang373

2y↑1

don't forget peace to all the hieroglyphics crew

4 More Replies...

@nestorchikoti

1y↑39

Q-tip has to have the smoothest, cleanest flow in hip hop history.

@RobBeatdownBrown

6y↑4.5K

I'm one of them older dudes that love reading these comments from people discovering The Tribe for the first time 😌 I'm excited for y'all 👊🏽

@Hawaiipaul

6y↑110

I'm 20 but I been bumpin tribe since I was 14, thanks to youtube and later spotify, like they said.... they just have fun with it and that's why the tribe will forever be timeless

@terrywilliams6357

6y↑14

Me too Rob Brown

@dmcdgames2388

6y↑41

Im fourteen now lol but i have been listening to tribe since i was younger just because i was born in 2004 and should be listening to like 21 savage doesn't mean that i do i love this type of music more than any of the fools nowadays not to mention i love jazz

@mingus445_gaming

5y↑7

ayy das me

@grownmanshit3606

5y↑1

Saloot....

83 More Replies...

@stuna91

9y↑65

A tribe called quest are in a league of their own.

@zanedietlin7645

9y↑14

Right? Nothing and nobody compares to them. So unique and awesome.

@maj-__-

9y↑3

+Zane Dietlin Digable Planets

@goncalojardim7118

9y↑2

+Zane Dietlin slum village?

@TheSuperlativeMind

+Stun Gun Stunna De La Soul, Outkast, Pharcyde

@fenrirdawg5545

3y↑876

I swear to god,jazz rap is the best music type for chillin time

@prodbyodin

3y↑5

This is hip hop. Not jazz.

But your right, still an amazing song to chill to.

@prodbyodin

3y↑38

Oh wait I just realized you said jazz rap, not genre but still get what you mean.

@krzysiusisiu

3y↑43

@@prodbyodin jazz rap is a subgenre of hip hop, one of my favourites.
if you like this check out nujabes

@agonz11

2y↑2

I listen to this while doing homework or bmx

@antoriquo2358

Yea u right :)

9 More Replies...

@inmyhumbleopinion_

2y↑525

I remember when this music video first came out this was one of the most creative things in the world to me at the time. The transition from one song to the next, the segue in between, Tip & Phife taking turns, the switching from black & white to color, the bugged out eyes, the acapella cypher at the end. This song & video was & still it so representative of this Hip-Hop culture that we all know and love. R.I.P. Phife Dawg and long live Hip-Hop

@cflo1386

2y↑10

Long live old school hip-hop.

@cmo3

2y↑4

I wish I could go back if only for a day.

@presidenttnediserp428

45w↑1

Yeah. REAL Hip Hop!

@BCMountainMan

30w↑1

that sounds so dope

@MrKs757

8y↑608

RIP to the 5 foot assassin. His verse on Buggin Out is still and forever be one of my favorite hip hop verses of all time

@brains92

8y↑11

Same here

@tristanmaze9670

8y↑9

rip from the uk

@tristanmaze9670

8y↑3

+tristan maze big part of my life...

@ontheairwithari

7y↑3

Korey Sylver ✊🏿

@cbchansey6866

5y↑3

"I float like gravity"

Yeah he... Killed... It...

1 More Replies...

@cxssetteman182

3y↑1.4K

Artists who made quality music, don't have to worry about the vibe dying out.

It's timeless ✌️

@amuroray9115

2y↑4

Agreed.

@TERBN

2y↑4

Facts

@sayummtinker

1y↑3

Amen

@primalenergyrecordings

48w

Yeah check out this massive old school type jazzy beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEx9hl6BSd4

@presidenttnediserp428

45w

Zach Lee

2 More Replies...

@ignaciosxl222

6w↑9

This sounds so fresh even in 2024 its crazy

@xeon222

2y↑98

During the Era of gangsta rap, the social consciousness and pure artistry of a tribe called quest was unmatched brilliance!!!

@AbrahamPalmer-wj5cb

12w

Correct

@MateChocolate94

5y↑742

This shit actually changed my life

@n64wilbert

4y↑4

In 1991?

@chancregister2714

3y↑9

Care to elaborate?

@amarahmmed4317

3y↑37

Some of the comments don’t get it but I get it dude. I swear to god I get it

@floo1465

3y↑24

i simultaneously have no idea what you mean and also know exactly what you mean. like, i 100% agree with you, same, it did change my life, but i don’t know why

@nickydknz4665

3y↑1

Same with me brother

4 More Replies...

@gmn545

8y↑85

RIP Phife. One of my favorites...

@quincyhill487

3y↑198

The Low End Theory is the best project ever made!

@Alphaflight912

In the discussion......👍

@noaharkadedelgado2318

3y↑1

Debatable

@tytaanis

@@noaharkadedelgado2318 Please debate it then.

@noaharkadedelgado2318

3y↑1

@@tytaanis it’s top 30

@tytaanis

3y↑3

@@noaharkadedelgado2318 top 10 at least, bro

4 More Replies...

@johnkillion2275

7w↑27

Most underrated hip hop group of all time

@16dbuse

4y↑5.4K

50 year old metal dude, but believe me this cd is in my rotation, this is as good as it gets.

@abcnews388

4y↑72

Yes indeed

@dugp1862

4y↑183

Metal head here. Love this band

@samnur6957

4y↑67

@@dugp1862 lol band they are a rap group but i get what you saying. Legends in Hip Hop.

@dugp1862

4y↑200

@@samnur6957 Yes they are group....but they do have a backing band - guitar, bass, drums, dj, horn section etc. Especially on tour. That to me qualifies as a band. I hear you though

@ThisIsHowCommunity

4y↑34

have you heard deltron 3030? This is another timeless classic Id def recommend

155 More Replies...

@markjn5790

8y↑101

From one of the greatest albums of the 1990s.

@korujaa

+Em Jay Enn indeed

@krlm2280

8y↑1

+Gabriel Jorge that's straight up!

@shogunMR

8y↑1

+Em Jay Enn greatest ever

@minimalist_monk

8y↑3

+Em Jay Enn RIP PHIFE

@JFloatin

3y↑122

It's unbelievable that it's been 30 years since this was released

@soakedbearrd

1y↑1

There were kids born then that got kids, you’re welcome lol

@irvin4654

….and still sounds fresh today!

@boondoggle4820

2y↑70

Q-Tip’s verse on this song is so brilliant and it’s one of my favorites of all time.

@soakedbearrd

1y↑8

I didn’t understand really when it came out, but I loved the flow and q tip voice. Back then we didn’t have the internet to look up lyrics. Now 30 years later I checked the lyrics and definitely blown away. His first verse is on another level.

@andrebruh5202

3y↑1.7K

buggin out was me and my best friends favorite song before he passed away this october due to a motorized vehicle collision. now I can't listen to this song without getting unnecessarily depressed... still a great song regardless. love you jonah thanks for all the good memories.

@aneysahj

3y↑45

Sorry for your lost❤️

@jackmace6531

3y↑16

not unnecessarily

@andrebruh5202

3y↑4

@Jonah Schmittler how?

@andrebruh5202

3y↑6

@Jonah Schmittler wow 🤯 that's crazy

@WassupItsGio

3y↑41

R.i.p jonah🙏🏽 just know every time u listen to this song, jonah is bobbing his head with u in heaven

24 More Replies...

@alexmathewmendoza

8y↑1.9K

The clang on that snare is incredible.

@alprazo

7y↑62

Ali was an incredible DJ at the time

@sidhu41

7y↑77

Tips snares are some of the best in hip hop in my opinion

@djpioneer937

7y↑18

Tip stole this beat from Pete Rock

@alprazo

7y↑37

Wait wait wait, Ali is the DJ and sampling can never be called copying

@sidhu41

7y↑16

+Mail Mann q tip produced most of their stuff I thought.

31 More Replies...

@djryezy4850

29w↑17

Can't lie, one of my favorite groups of all time nothing but hits, RIP Phifer🇹🇹

@RVIDXR186

7w↑8

RIP Phife🕊️ He was different in this era...

@Selva_313

8y↑159

REST IN PEACE PHIFE

@lynnellis1744

8y↑16

rip phife

@guyhill6269

3y↑222

"Stern, firm, and young with the laid back tongue, the aim is to succeed and achieve at 21."

@BrainrotEntertainment

3y↑15

I wake up in the morning and say that to myself before I start my day.

@guyhill6269

3y↑4

@@BrainrotEntertainment Indeed. Speak it into existence.

@gagemeek5073

3y↑3

Best lyrics written on foreign paper ever, change my mind

@Musicienne-DAB1995

3y↑4

@@gagemeek5073 Probably on the money there, although I think "My Melody" by Rakim might be unparalleled. "The melody that I'm stylin'/Smooth as a violin/Rough enough to break New York from Long Island," is still the best rap lyric I have ever heard.

@efester

3y↑2

I had that line going round and round in my head for a few days. Poetry.

@NastyCat406

2y↑64

That switch to Buggin Out gets me every time….greatness ❤️🖤💚

@aculeatus4356

1y↑1

its so fucking fun to sing along to

@MS-ns4ki

Me too this is a great remix 🥰

@michaelbalfour3170

22w

Imagine if we could have had an album version like this. Buggin out just hits so hard when it drops, love it.

@t.h.1550

2y↑279

A Tribe Called Quest is just dope.. Even though it is 2022 this still sounds great!

@Musicienne-DAB1995

2y↑12

Great music gets better as time goes by.

@MrMojoNo.9

2y↑7

atcq will always sound good, ages so well with time

@davidoseytorres

2y↑4

STRAIGHT PUMPING THIS HARD IN MY DRIVE WAY RIGHT NOW, NEIGHBORS ARE TIGHT!! 😭😡😡😭

@nachc6459

1y↑6

2023 homie, still lovin it!

@Jimi-Funkycold-Molina

1y↑3

It’ll be 2080 and it’ll still sound great

3 More Replies...

@jeffro4095

8y↑23

R.I.P phife! What u did 4 hip-hop will never be forgotten. May u continue 2 live on through my stereo speakers

@LAX2SanGabriel

8y↑1

+Jeff Rayborn competition them haffa come sideways, competition them must come straight way, competition dem haffa come sideways...✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

@fcmastering

10y↑53

The way Phife, starts his verse Is legendary! A TRIBE CALLED QUEST FOREVER!!!

@query1527

3y↑34

3:31 is what you're here for. My number one choice for most iconic moment in 90's hiphop.

@heronoverdose

2y↑3

Just saw for the first time, had no idea it was coming despite the thumbnail haha, amazing.

@viniciusbernardo2112

2y↑6

Microphone check one two what is this? The five foot assassin with the ruffneck business... that's the best part

@pc2908

2y↑47

Doesn’t get better than this era of hip-hop. “ayy yo but wait…back it up, easy back it up please let the abstract embellish on the cut”. Prophetic shit. ❤️🎶🤤

@nelu1891

8y↑126

the song has a chill type of vibe

@jackweeks1518

8y↑52

welcome to the 90s

@cole2680

7y↑43

welcome to real hip-hop*

@sean24833

9y↑29

Born 1990 so mad that I was around for this Era but was too young to appreciate what it was.

@bw5530

1y↑202

Poetry. This is art!. I'm not a rap fan but there's no words to describe my love and respect for this music.

@Watermellyy

1y↑4

Respect

@colinsupples1165

1y↑6

this is hip hop not rap!

@Watermellyy

1y↑7

@@colinsupples1165 he rappin though

@michaelbalfour3170

44w↑6

@@colinsupples1165 Rappinin' is what's happenin'

@SnailWithGlasses

38w↑1

@@michaelbalfour3170Keep the pockets stacked and then, hands clap and then

3 More Replies...

@JPNesker

3y↑92

I mean. Seriously. Unstoppable. Just perfection. It’s not fair how amazing this is.

@mattwilliams5

8y↑29

RIP Phife!! Thank you!

@youtubasoarus

8y↑1

+mattwilliams5 Best way to put it. Adding many thanks to Phife for this music.

@bye230

9y↑782

Just saw a documentary about them and decided to look up some of their stuff, one of the best decisions I ever made.

@xoxxobob

9y↑25

early 1990's and so much was going on at the time...riots in LA, and War in Iraq and Arsenio had a show!

@raphael7252

Ari Ed what was the documentary?

@TheMasterQuests

Ratta Touillie
Its named after there 4th album

@dreameryoung38

9y↑10

I to just saw the documentary and it brought me here. I was so glad that like other artist drugs and alcohol did them in, these guys were the sh*t back in the day

@TheMasterQuests

9y↑13

Sandra Young
They're unique that's why they're enjoyable to listen to

33 More Replies...

@codejohnson

48w↑32

The melancholia embedded in the sample mixed up with the heavy drums and the out-of-this-world lyrics, still gets me: 32 years later. True hip-hop will never age.

@natashasmith7743

3y↑33

The rap music of the 90’s is iconic. Talent and intellect was crazzzzy!!

@Rat_Poobrain

8y↑405

Goddamn, that transition to Buggin' Out.

@shmiqqy

7y↑54

I like when it ends with just Tip rapping with no music. Great vid.

@Sabir_DelNorte

7y↑12

Arm Rest yup I always that the switch up was one of the dopest for a video and so damn on time. A great surprise the first time you watch this video

@rotrmotr

6y↑1

Arm Rest yes! Till this day it still gives me chills!

@Followurhigherself

6y↑997

I sport new balance sneakers to avoid a narrow path. Very clever line.
R.I.P. PHIFE DOG

@anthonywragg2393

5y↑10

please explain does he just mean he doesn't have pedestrian taste in foot wear?

@spin_soul

5y↑95

@@anthonywragg2393 New Balance sneakers are notoriously wide-soled. He blazes a trail through life with his wide-ass sneakers.

@anthonywragg2393

5y↑3

@@spin_soul yes still doesn't make any sense are people trying to walk a narrow path like off the beaten track hmm

@isaiahabadingo6329

5y↑90

anthony wragg a narrow path means it’s unopened to different and/or wide routes, thus he wears new balance sneakers figuratively as an indication of how open he is to new things/directions in life rather than being boxed into a simple mould of who he’s supposed to be.

@giorgitsintsabadze645

5y↑4

thank your for this comment

15 More Replies...

@user-eq1gd1ex4t

2y↑33

Buggin out might be one of the best songs of all time… the beat, lyrics , vibe are unmatched

@thegoat6325

2y↑4

Phife murdered this

@mbm9907

9y↑56

I was 15 when this dropped, I miss the 90's so much!!!!!!

@mbm9907

Yea that was me.

@mbm9907

9y↑10

I tell you, back in the 90's music was so good that stores would actually run out of radios.

@WyattTheGreatX97

We have no time to wallow in the mire.

@xedn

But the weed sucked

@paulgabbard7543

Like all old school hip-hop rap music old school hip-hop mix music old school hip-hop jam music old school hip-hop 90s music A TRIBE CALLED QUEST MUSIC

@jaygrosvenor1504

4y↑87

That Phife verse when the beat switches is pure fire 🔥🔥🔥

@calibomber209

they made a tshirt of all the lyrics from neck to waist . i loved this vid/

@drakefeet2_

4y↑3

That is their song Buggin’ Out, if that’s what you mean

@admiral7922

22w↑13

Decades later and still listening to this on repeat. TCQ created timeless art

@AG-xt6ei

26w↑2

Phife so effortless with it

@jorgecds

8y↑406

The last part is so real... These guys were legit

@maxislas3141

8y↑1

Minute?

@jorgecds

8y↑10

+Max Islas 4:30

@ampnicole

8y↑19

I know right , that transition was so dope

@ampnicole

8y↑19

Their creativity is remarkable

@timmteller871

8y↑22

These guys are so dope I get high just by listening to their music...

8 More Replies...

@Paltheus

5y↑2.8K

No chains, no women ... pure street poetry... just bliss...

@andrbooth

4y↑76

So low-key that ya probably missed it...

@autonomousfree-man1058

4y↑1

Paltheus The Jungle Brothers!!!!

https://youtu.be/Tgh8bZme3qA

OUTDABOXART.com

@wids

4y↑84

Stop being corny

@MegaGiants89

4y↑97

Nothing wrong with having women in videos. There are a lot of 90's Hip-Hop videos with women & the song is still a classic & well as the video.

@dirtfriend

4y↑29

what's wrong with women? you sexist or somethin bro?

58 More Replies...

@coreyhendricks9490

2y↑8

Hip Hop & Jazz = Classic Material

@coreyhendricks9490

@Steven Heng Who's that

@Jordan_TheGOAT164

20w↑3

I’m 14 and ATCQ was visionary for its time

@TheWholeWorld1

9y↑81

Songs that make you Bob your head without even noticing.

@PressReplayUK

8y↑15

+TheWholeWorldChannel man i was bopping my head when i read your comment, and then i noticed that i wasn't noticing.

@booscoobooboo

Yeah man they were all spitting bars and flowing real nice

@hugocabrera2971

yup!

@musarico5260

Because the FUNK! The Drums And Jazz

@badbn405

Either bobbing your head or rocking.

1 More Replies...

@frank151

10y↑35

Some of the smoothest hip-hop ever!

@ironwhistle3

10y↑8

Yes. Real Eastcoast Rap. No "Newjack Swing" :D

@hibuddywazsup5819

10y

ironwhistle3
what do you mean?

@ironwhistle3

10y

they rap something like that in this rap i guess

@Ziggy7278

4w↑1

Man, Tip and Phife were on another level. 💯

@maximilianfunke6615

2y↑12

4:27 thats what hip hop is about

@bektash9800

7y↑174

lmao its 2016 and this is hotter than all that other shit now

@sammymaxwell3931

7y↑4

Lindon Bektash 2017 and this comment is still true

@iamjp1

8y↑1.5K

REST IN PEACE PHIEF DAWG 😔 all love from new york 💯❤️

@Wopmane

8y↑11

Of course

@Eyecyou64

7y↑13

john paul Phife*

@VisionYT-gq1gu

7y↑2

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

@jeremyganther5575

7y↑1

john paul rip from the 518

@timbold2707

6y↑5

It's Phife man misspelled playa

16 More Replies...

@maccmoses

2y↑16

One of the Dopest breakdowns ever in Hip Hop,Shit goes hard.

@pedroarthur6433

9w↑4

Bumpin in 2023, R.I.P phife dawg

@ubermontity399

8y↑337

This rolls off the tongue so silky, gives me goosebumps every time. Rest in Power Phife thank you for supply us with all the funk, rhymes and everything else. Outlast and Tribe>>>>>>>

@ubermontity399

8y↑3

Outkast*

@tinotcg5815

8y↑8

Outkast is the shit

@dinobrya2

7y↑1

Uber montity Oh I much prefer Tribe.

@pan-semitistcommunist4181

7y↑1

I GET THOSE GOOSEBUMPS EVERYTIME

@jeremyganther5575

Second time I'm listening to it and I got goosebumps

@jahpleasure1730

5y↑215

“I miss the old days when music was ingenious, pure and original” , hip hop still has artists who produce music that is still dope. The only thing that has changed is the mainstream wave

@uberlephrad8218

4y↑17

But now you gotta find the art instead of it coming to you.

@chancregister2714

3y↑27

@@uberlephrad8218 which makes it more gratifying, a treasure isn't one unless it was sought out

@TheEncouragementKid

3y↑4

I appreciate your understanding, maybe one day I'll be in your rotation.

@noaharkadedelgado2318

3y↑4

@@uberlephrad8218 I like a challenge. But for starters pack.... Joey Badass, Pro Era, Logic, Common, Kanye West

@avonlave

3y↑3

Vanilla Ice had the best selling rap album the year this was released

1 More Replies...

@Tahzeee

3y↑4

Visuals are timeless

@nepiermyrick4028

3y↑3

Who got the jazz 🥰

@minifunny1

7y↑116

Q-tips' flow on this is 🔥

@AdamsLTFC420

6y↑6

Ahmed Suliman its always insane

@Eperdomo86

7y↑74

The lyrics just flow like water on this smooth beat

@descendingforth

24w↑4

Absolute fire

@boomman5152

50w↑2

Phife's flow and verses are unbelievable.

@feltwell

8y↑3K

Its 1991 and i refuse to come back

@jeffmiller9798

8y↑187

he said Wack..

@SuperThakid09

8y↑37

That's the year I was born 1991 #YoMtvRaps

@Bigbasssix1972

8y↑6

HAHAHA! I'm with you!

@cross7387

8y↑72

its I refuse to come wack/ but I get you cuz

@ThomasSaldi

8y↑20

Fuck i was only 1 and i just discovered it now :o

52 More Replies...

@AxellchavezZ

6y↑805

I love how hooks were so rare back then, nowadays lots of rappers are lazy and can’t go 3 minutes without saying the same thing over and over again, dudes like ATCQ, mob deep, wu- tang, sons of Sam and others could write songs that could last up to 6 minutes and you would never hear the same things being repeated, back then true creativity flowed. Shout out to our late phife Dawg!

@jaedii7287

5y↑31

It's called a chorus. they're used to induce "catchiness". Not display lyrical skill.

@pansysgarden

5y↑14

You're right. We don't hear that unique songwriting anymore in rap music. I miss that. Almost everyone sounds the same. No creativity nowadays. Love A Tribe Called Quest. One of the great rap acts that ever lived. RIP to Phife Dawg.

@jaedii7287

5y↑10

@@pansysgarden uhh, you heard of Tyler, the Creator?

@scinnyc

5y↑6

@y would u even sub ? A hook and a chorus are basically the exact same thing. Here's the official definition:

A hook is a musical idea, often a short riff, passage, or phrase, that is used in popular music to make a song appealing and to "catch the ear of the listener". The term generally applies to popular music, especially rock, R&B, hip hop, dance, and pop. In these genres, the hook is often found in, or consists of, the chorus. A hook can be either melodic or rhythmic, and often incorporates the main motif for a piece of music.

@AxellchavezZ

5y↑3

y would u even sub ? Sure have, he’s dope also earl sweatshirt

17 More Replies...

@scampi9588

2y↑5

Phife’s verse is one of my favourite verses of all time, so so good

@RazaqIshola

8y↑35

R.I.P Phife Dawg

@osmanmedhat7524

7y↑182

It's 1991 and he refuse to come wack ... now we close to 2017 and no rapper seems to come legit as you Phifer ... RIP LEGEND ... 🙏🙏🙏

@iambeepbop2452

5y↑4

I think it's come back not come wack...

@bmthc7871

listen to terror reid hes new and pretty nice ^^
but well sure not as good as a tribe called quest

@stephenmason788

Phiph is a very important raper. And ron carter, one of the best double bass player
This album is a master piece. Rip

@moongazer9251

2y↑5

This is real rap, talking about real things. an real artwork. Rest in peace phife dawg

@rikmang

1y↑3

Where has hip hop gone? 90s we calling you back..bring it

@Ze_Moose

So true

@Bdice

8y↑27

RIP PHIFE :(

@irongiant1171

4y↑84

1:19 "The job of resurrectors is to wake up the dead" Needed so much today.

@Renejames1117

9w↑1

The amazing Ron Carter playing Bass 👑 🎶

@libRteedude

1y↑8

Man, I always wanted to see Buggin' Out get a full music video. What they got was filled with such energy.

@orionbualia4162

5y↑482

We will probably never see another hip hop collective as sharply intelligent and musically innovative as ATCQ. They set the bar that high.

#RIPPHIFE
#NATIVETONGUES

@alexisarrizon6083

5y↑23

Orion Bualia De La Soul is excellent too, ATCQ is so damn creative and amazing

@tr8086

Thanks Fam

@brysen4958

4y↑16

If you changed the wording to "groups" then yeah, I totally agree. The landscape of rap has changed so much that rap groups aren't nearly as relevant as they once were. However, we have Black Hippy, Odd Future and Pro Era all being relevant collectives in the modern era. Hell, the Dungeon Family was established shortly after Jazz was released and even if they don't collaborate too often, it just goes to show the scene shifts so much that something new and exciting is always around the corner, you just have to be on the look for it.

@rafisetiaji8469

4y↑2

RTJ

@poppopartist3870

4y↑3

Doom

6 More Replies...

@davidavila7563

8y↑61

"back it up, hup, easy back it up" idk why but that shit gives me the chills. Really loving their flow on this track

@poisonousblacklotus992

30w↑2

If you had a Tribe Called Quest cassette, vinyl, or CD when it first came out, you an OG. 🔥🔥🔥

@michaelromain6544

3y↑5

Most definitely the best hip hop group ever

@ArtByKane

3y↑1.6K

If you listen to this in 2021, you have great taste 🔥

@joshual9270

3y↑10

Yessir

@mr.bluesky701

3y↑6

present!

@lechuckwithoutluck

3y↑4

Why thank you. :)

@vee7757

3y↑3

:^)

@yahirgarcia7049

3y↑3

Yessir

69 More Replies...

@007isdcraig

8y↑170

Rest in peace, funky diabetic.. We're missing you Phife..

@tyhairston5397

26w↑7

I remember seeing this on a VCR tape when I was real young !!! A classic 🔥💯💯💯💯💯

@_AIAH_

3y↑2

Phife was such an underrated MC he is easily top 10 of All Time!

@bronlokis

8y↑12K

ahh, when hip hop was fueled by poets and not billionaires

@hakc97again

8y↑88

Poetry. A Tribe Called Quest - Poetry. They were massively overrated and their lyrics were actually rather shit

@BushiBato

8y↑550

+hakc97again What fucking planet are you from!?

@hakc97again

8y↑55

BushiBato A planet called 'actually read the fucking lyrics'

@TwoDogggs

8y↑118

+BushiBato He's right you know. While A Tribe Called Quest and other 90s rap groups' songs were a bit more complex lyrically than some examples from today, they still had as little meaning as present groups.

@lifestraight

8y↑289

+bronlokis "I'm countin' money. I'm swervin' in my brand new benz, aye, I say I'm swervin' in my brand new benz"-Fetty Wap

256 More Replies...

@angelrangel4205

8y↑14

Man backspin helps me find and reminisce music that were part of my youth. Shit the beats were hella dope and ill. Rip Phife

@P-10.00

2y↑4

im so glad all these old hip hop videos are up on YT

@mistylewis357

2y↑4

This was posted 8 years ago?! I grew up on this - 1991. I love A Tribe Called Quest. Coming from a Puerto Rican born and raised in Detroit! This was the glory age of hip hop!

@franciscoruiz-lugo5387

8y↑20

Whatever man Im glad to be alive now, and be able to simply look up this song.

@baldswagg79

8y↑16

Phife might have passed but he lives on through his phenomenal lyrics rhyming over smooth beats.

@michaelgray4218

2y↑25

Such a dope beat.
Cool tune.
One of my favourite beats ever.

@sanidarryl7052

2y↑4

The highhat killing it

@unstablegenius2325

1y↑9

My favorite hip hop group ever.❤

@MS-ns4ki

😂

@jayonefive234

8y↑42

''So pay attention, it's not hard to decipher
And after the horns, you can check out the Phifer''

@edgarallanbroo

8y↑13

2.3K ppl wanna diss the Phifer, but they still don't know the half.

@theINQBS

17w↑1

Man, Phife is my ALL-TIME favorite Rapper… So underrated and under the radar but he schools most other rappers in so many ways. Every time I hear him Iget echoed up knowing he's gone. Just a beautiful man with supreme talent and it sucks I'll never get to hear his voice on anything new.

May my GOAT RIP.