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)
One Two S**t
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One one, one two one two
Yo it's the Q-Tip, you know I get down
Yes I rock to the rhythm of a funky sound
It go
One one, one two one two
And it's the, Phife Dawg, and I do the same
One one, one two one two
Hey yo you know it's Busta Rhymes, ev-ery time
Oh yes, I'm coming wicked with the new design
I'm saying
One one, one two one two
MC's ain't coming equipped with the rhymes
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time
The time is eternal when you play with the miser
Soul is in my body, and the health make me wiser
The tantalizing wordplay yeah that's the joint
Sometimes I have to cuss just to prove my damn point
Brothers need to come, with better, compositions
I write and recite to make good position
In this, rap game here, we engineer
Stabbing up the jam yeah son shit's clear
And I be kicking rhymes in my own damn way
Beating niggas to the punch like Sugar Ray
Got the cool-ass style, that's cooler than the cool
My lyrics is the bullet and the mic is the tool
Peace to C-Seventy-Three, and C-Seventy-Fo'
Do a little something when I'm out on tour
Coming through like narcotics for the antibiotics
Flapping shorty's stockings to the Space-like Sprockets
What you really need to do is just boogie your ass
It's not gassed, we got to make the good times last
Let the good times roll, cause we in control
Take you out on your high less you paying a toll
Let the good times roll, let the good times toll
Take you out on your high less you paying a toll
Question Why is that, MC's be wack
And major labels wanna sound like crap, hey yo Funk that!
Word to life I'm coming rugged
Cuz once you add the hip to the hop kid, it equals out to love
If the beat's fat I use it, some wack shit, I lose it
Refuse it, how could you chose it, it stinks Refuse it
Put down the mic kid, cuz you gets no dap
How long did it take for you to see you can't rap
The name is Phife Dawg, and I got nuff styles
It doesn't take long for me to get buckwild
So bust what I'm swinging what I'm swingin when I swing
I rap when I rap cause I never wanna sing
Go ask the last MC what happened when he said battle
I bust his ass in Cleveland now he's Sleepless in Seattle
Rude boy official coming with the ill grammar
Coming back on kids, like Joey Montana
We be the three MC's to make your mind go batty
Mad play, on WKRP in Cincinnati
So lord send a hon, if ya kyant send a han sen a man
An if ya kyan sen a man, come yaself
Cause all deez biting MC's, lawd them something else
See I kick the styles that'll make ya ass melt
Money on my mind so never mind a trick
New York is the town and the team is the Knicks
World's greatest five footer ripping parties apart
Here comes Shaheed with the big green shark
Never had to rhyme about feelin what with lead
NEVER MIND DAT MON HERE COME DE DREAD
We coming far far far
Busta Rhymes is coming far far far
Ya know ya hear me Star! Bet your bottom dollah
Right after this jam about one million one two niggaz go follow
Whether it be to-day or to-morrow
Niggas be collaborating sickening you beat them like they father
Oh shit check out what I saying
You know my niggas don't be playing
Once upon a hacking time
I received the opportunities to represent my first rhymes
To define, lyrical sensations
Black masons blowing up the spot Just to represent the Nations
Three dimensions, tryclops,
Mr. Busta Rhymes three eyes
Fat like a burger and fries
Go back to the country to go check my grandmama
Bring it to the table at the meetings
Gathering large receivings delivering intellectual ass beatings
As I carry on with my proceedings
Greetings!! Watch a nigga debut on premier movie screenings
But before I be face to face
With my eternal resting place
I hope you find civilized every soul and every race
Sit dog sit! Busta Rhymes forever on that ultrasonic shit!
The song "One Two S**t" by A Tribe Called Quest features Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Busta Rhymes, and it is a classic example of old school hip-hop. The lyrics discuss the wackness of some MCs and major labels, the importance of good music, and the skills of the three MCs. Q-Tip's verse is about his ability to rap and rock to a funky sound, while Phife Dawg's verse is about his different styles and his ability to get buckwild. Busta Rhymes' verse is about rapping with ill grammar, representing the nations, and carrying on with his proceedings. The chorus of the song emphasizes the need to boogie and let the good times roll.
In terms of instrumentation, the song features a sample from the song "Keep On Truckin'," originally performed by Eddie Kendricks. The sample is used throughout the song, creating a funky and danceable beat. The song was produced by the group themselves, with additional production from Skeff Anselm.
Line by Line Meaning
One two, one two
Testing the mic before the performance starts.
One one, one two one two
Rhythmic transition preparing for the next verse.
Yo it's the Q-Tip, you know I get down
Introducing oneself and expressing confidence in one's ability to perform.
Yes I rock to the rhythm of a funky sound
Confirming one's musical style or genre.
And it go
Leads to the next verse.
And it's the, Phife Dawg, and I do the same
Next performer introducing and confirming his style.
And when it comes to ripping mics hey yo it ain't no games
Expressing one's expertise in music, especially in concerts.
Hey yo you know it's Busta Rhymes, ev-ery time
Next performer introducing himself and confirming his style; creating anticipation and excitement among concert-goers.
Oh yes, I'm coming wicked with the new design
Expressing one's innovative and creative style.
MC's ain't coming equipped with the rhymes
Deploring the lack of lyrical skills among performers.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time
Reflecting on the consequences of poor performance or unethical behavior.
The time is eternal when you play with the miser
A cautionary warning about being careful with one's time, and avoiding negative or toxic people who detract from one's artistry.
Soul is in my body, and the health make me wiser
Acknowledge that music comes from within, and taking care of one's body improves one's ability to create.
The tantalizing wordplay yeah that's the joint
Referring to one of the key components of good rap music: clever, imaginative wordplay.
Sometimes I have to cuss just to prove my damn point
Acknowledging that swearing can be a useful and powerful tool in conveying meaning and emotions.
Brothers need to come, with better, compositions
Encourages one's fellow performers to be more creative and dedicated to their craft.
I write and recite to make good position
Explaining his productive approach to music, and the connection between hard work and success.
In this, rap game here, we engineer
Describing themselves as craftsmen and technicians who work to create a great work of art.
Stabbing up the jam yeah son shit's clear
Emphasizing the clarity and quality of one's work.
And I be kicking rhymes in my own damn way
Asserting one's unique artistic style or voice.
Beating niggas to the punch like Sugar Ray
Comparing oneself to a famous boxer, who dominated his sport due to his quickness and agility.
Got the cool-ass style, that's cooler than the cool
Declaring one's musical style to be cool and original.
My lyrics is the bullet and the mic is the tool
Metaphorically, one's lyrics are the weapon that is used to create great music.
Peace to C-Seventy-Three, and C-Seventy-Fo'
Paying homage to particular people or places that have contributed to one's success.
Do a little something when I'm out on tour
Sharing information with fans about upcoming performances.
Coming through like narcotics for the antibiotics
Using a clever wordplay to convey the idea that good music is essential for good health.
Flapping shorty's stockings to the Space-like Sprockets
Using imaginative, strange lyrics to create a vivid picture in the listener's mind.
What you really need to do is just boogie your ass
Encouraging listeners to enjoy themselves and have fun.
It's not gassed, we got to make the good times last
Emphasizing the importance of enjoying oneself and creating memorable experiences.
Let the good times roll, cause we in control
Asserting that they will create a concert experience that is enjoyable, memorable, and energizing.
Take you out on your high less you paying a toll
Acknowledging that one's artistry comes with a cost, and that fans should expect to pay to see great performances.
Question Why is that, MC's be wack
Poses a question about the lack of lyrical quality among performers.
And major labels wanna sound like crap, hey yo Funk that!
Condemning the record labels that prioritize profit over creativity.
Word to life I'm coming rugged
Affirming one's musical identity and style.
Cuz once you add the hip to the hop kid, it equals out to love
Explaining the connection between hip-hop music and love.
If the beat's fat I use it, some wack shit, I lose it
Explain the importance of a great beat, and the criteria for selecting beats to use in music.
Refuse it, how could you chose it, it stinks Refuse it
Asserting that he would never perform to sub-par beats or music.
Put down the mic kid, cuz you gets no dap
Encouraging poor performers to give up music, so as not to humiliate themselves in front of others.
How long did it take for you to see you can't rap
Questioning the likelihood that poor performers could ever become successful musicians.
The name is Phife Dawg, and I got nuff styles
Introducing oneself and one's style to the audience.
It doesn't take long for me to get buckwild
Demonstrating one's ability to quickly create great music.
So bust what I'm swinging what I'm swingin when I swing
Encouraging fans to enjoy and dance to his music.
I rap when I rap cause I never wanna sing
Affirming one's commitment to rap music, versus other musical genres.
Go ask the last MC what happened when he said battle
Reflecting on an earlier competition, where one's skills and talents were tested against others.
I bust his ass in Cleveland now he's Sleepless in Seattle
Asserting that one won that competition and that the other performer was humiliated as a result.
Rude boy official coming with the ill grammar
Describing oneself as a skilled and powerful rapper.
Coming back on kids, like Joey Montana
Returning to the rap scene and performing against rivals, like the famous Joe Montana.
We be the three MC's to make your mind go batty
Asserting that one's musical performances would be exciting, memorable, and energizing.
Mad play, on WKRP in Cincinnati
Referencing a popular television show and emphasizing the intensity and drama of his performances.
So lord send a hon, if ya kyant send a han sen a man
Employing religious language to create energy and intensity in the lyrics.
An if ya kyan sen a man, come yaself
Encouraging fans to attend and enjoy the performance in person.
Cause all deez biting MC's, lawd them something else
Critiquing the lack of originality among rival performers.
See I kick the styles that'll make ya ass melt
Promising to create music so powerful and energetic that it would excite and entertain audiences.
Money on my mind so never mind a trick
Acknowledging the importance of financial success in the rap industry, but suggesting that one's musical integrity should always come first.
New York is the town and the team is the Knicks
Celebrating one's roots and ties to a particular place.
World's greatest five footer ripping parties apart
Describing oneself as an energetic, lively performer who excites audiences wherever one goes.
Here comes Shaheed with the big green shark
Introducing and acknowledging fellow performers while creating excitement among audiences.
Never had to rhyme about feelin what with lead
Acknowledging one's ability to create great music without focus on drugs or violence.
NEVER MIND DAT MON HERE COME DE DREAD
Ending with a declaration of one's strength and power as a great rapper.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALI SHAHEED JONES-MUHAMMAD, JOHN W. DAVIS, MALIK IZAAK TAYLOR, TREVOR SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Buitrago
on Electric Relaxation
another of my dads