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)
Rock Rock Y'all
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We want ya'll all to know, that it's time
To rock rock ya'll
Freak freak ya'll
To the beat ya'll
It's unique ya'll
My rap'll blast ya, send you to the hereafter
I push a tractor, for horses grazin' in the pasture
Ya heard I was trickin', the whole room filled with laughter
In ciphers, I'm the one you don't rhyme after
You only know half of the math, it don't add up
The lead batter, my hits make ya frame shatter
Watch me now! Just begun like Jimmy Castor
I'm bad luck just like walkin' under ladders
Mad rappers, book of life, last chapter
Me and my squad build just like contractors
I break shit, you only give hairline fractures
Women flash us, don't know ya better ask us
A bastard, wit' more contacts than Lens Crafters
Tear down the rafters, venereals couldn't clap us
You need practice, hit chicks then I'm Casper
The church of scientology, feminine biology
Manic depressive psychologically, A.D.D. alive and we
Polluted by technology, the fumes and its ecology
While your thought you was out of copy I get nastier than sodomy
Probably an oddesey, started back on robbery
Was the degree of the economy that do the sovereignty
Regarded as a prodigy, leery in sociology
Let the wallabees always conceal my gynecology
Rhymin' pathologically, that's how it gotta be!
Never makin' no apology, worshippin' my anthropology
Fuck modesty, studyin' microbiology
Causin' verbal lobotomy, it's in my geneology
Six months of sobriety, movin' very methodically
Like a unicorn, more ways than oceanography
Guard technology, rip shows antibiotically
True thugs bionically, give birth to criminology
Yo as a youngin', I swear to God you couldn't tell me nothin'
I swore I was gettin' somethin', clothes or humpin'
For girls with the church, slacks with some shirts tucked in
I set it up for money, my mom worked when I was cuttin'
Unsigned strugglin', for the heat I lit the oven
One would by the CD, the other would do the dubbin'
Before I met Rob, I was in the clubs frontin'
Oh yeah I know the Tip, when I see him I be duckin'
But now when I'm clubbin', those that used to dis were buggin'
Overweight chicks, spandex, they stomachs sucked in
Stay interruptin', dance and try to cut in
Told people you got in free when you really snuck in
We never get concerned about who's in the league
We just stay workin' so no one will need
An unconcerned outsider givin' niggas feed
My niggas puff weed but negotiate the seed
The family is granite and you can't intercede
I try to switch lanes at this operatin' speed
Cats in the game be gamblin' with greed
We the house, you the player and we gonna catch these
Who's the Sam Sneed makin' microphones bleed
Poker face creed while my mind just read
Shorty got rhythm but her freak got freed
That's insignificant but this take heed
They say I'm pretty like Clay is, bright like the day is
Beats from my fleet be sweet like Sugar Ray is
I'm swingin' this from Bay Ridge to where the Oakland Bay is
My game is tough to play, I'm tough to weigh like your safe is
The aim is, to make you recognize what the name is
Mos Def gon' set it straight from where the 718 is
The place with the greats who originate the flavors
An all-star block with some all-star neighbors
(Turn the music down!) This is probably some haters
Achin' cuz they hear us rotatin' on the playlist
From B-boy laces to Detroit gators
Yo Tip I got to bail, where the scale? Help me weigh this
To rock rock ya'll
Freak freak ya'll
To the beat ya'll
It's unique ya'll
The lyrics of "Rock Rock Y'all" are a fusion of bold and boastful verses by the members of A Tribe Called Quest, with frequent allusions to hip-hop culture and sociopolitical issues. The song opens with a call to action, as the group asserts their intention to rock the joint and encourages their audience to do the same. They proceed to deliver a series of blistering verses that complement each other in a style similar to a rap cipher, with each line building on the preceding one while retaining its individual flair. The first verse, delivered by Q-Tip, highlights his superior rhyming skills, while also showcasing his wit and humor as he jokes about pushing a tractor and getting laughed at by his peers. The second verse, rapped by Phife Dawg, touches on a range of topics, including the Church of Scientology, environmental pollution, and criminality. He emphasizes his unique rhyme style and his disregard for modesty or apologies, while also suggesting that he produces verbal lobotomies with his words. The third verse, performed by Mos Def, is a guest feature that introduces a new flow and energy to the song. Mos Def displays his lyrical prowess by cleverly comparing himself to Muhammad Ali (who was famously known as Cassius Clay early in his career) and Sugar Ray Leonard, who was an accomplished boxer. He also pays homage to his hometown of Brooklyn and highlights the all-star status of his block.
One of the song's most interesting attributes is its beat, which was produced by Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The instrumental track features a combination of samples from various sources, including multiple James Brown tracks and a drum loop from the song "Apache" by the Incredible Bongo Band. The resulting groove is funky, upbeat, and highly danceable, which makes it a popular choice for DJs and breakdancers. Another noteworthy element of the song is the vocal interplay between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, who trade bars seamlessly and play off each other's styles. Mos Def's contribution adds another layer of diversity to the track, and his verse stands out as a highlight of the song. Owing to its raw energy and memorable hooks, "Rock Rock Y'all" has become one of A Tribe Called Quest's signature tracks, and it remains popular among both old-school and new-generation hip-hop fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo! We about to rock this joint, from the family And
We are about to start a party and we want everyone to know it’s our family who is responsible.
We want ya'll all to know, that it's time
We want everyone to get ready, because it’s time to start the party.
To rock rock ya'll
To have a great time.
Freak freak ya'll
Have no inhibitions, enjoy yourself.
To the beat ya'll
Dance in sync with the rhythm.
It's unique ya'll
The experience we offer is one of a kind.
A-yo praise the master, make plans wit' your pastor
Let's praise the music and have a great time, but also remember to be responsible and make plans with your spiritual advisor.
My rap'll blast ya, send you to the hereafter
My rap is so powerful it will leave you speechless.
I push a tractor, for horses grazin' in the pasture
I am capable of doing hard labor, even pushing a tractor.
Ya heard I was trickin', the whole room filled with laughter
People may have heard rumors about me, but it’s all in good fun and not taken seriously.
In ciphers, I'm the one you don't rhyme after
In a rap battle, I am the one you don’t want to challenge.
You only know half of the math, it don't add up
You might think you know, but you don't understand the full picture.
The lead batter, my hits make ya frame shatter
I am the main player and my music is so powerful it will shake you to your core.
Watch me now! Just begun like Jimmy Castor
Pay attention, because the party is just getting started and it's going to be great just like Jimmy Castor's music.
I'm bad luck just like walkin' under ladders
Don't mess with me, because I am a force to be reckoned with, and bad things may happen if you challenge me.
Mad rappers, book of life, last chapter
There are many rappers, but only a select few are worthy of the last chapter in the book of life.
Me and my squad build just like contractors
My crew is like a building contractor, working together to create something great.
I break shit, you only give hairline fractures
I am capable of causing massive impact while you can only create small, insignificant cracks.
Women flash us, don't know ya better ask us
Women may hit on us, but you better ask us for their phone number.
A bastard, wit' more contacts than Lens Crafters
I may be a bastard, but I know a lot of people and have many connections.
Tear down the rafters, venereals couldn't clap us
We are so good at our performance that even venereal diseases cannot stop us from tearing down the roof.
You need practice, hit chicks then I'm Casper
You need more practice if you want to impress women like I do, because I am the modern-day Casper.
The church of scientology, feminine biology
My music encompasses both science and biology related to women.
Manic depressive psychologically, A.D.D. alive and we
I may be mentally ill, but I am still kicking and alive.
Polluted by technology, the fumes and its ecology
We have been polluted and affected by technology, which has had an impact on our ecology.
While your thought you was out of copy I get nastier than sodomy
While you thought you had surpassed me, I will come back stronger than ever.
Probably an oddesey, started back on robbery
It was probably a challenging journey, that started with robbery for me.
Was the degree of the economy that do the sovereignty
The control over an entire group or society is influenced by the state of the economy.
Regarded as a prodigy, leery in sociology
I am seen as a genius in my field, but I am cautious when it comes to social interactions.
Let the wallabees always conceal my gynecology
I prefer my shoes to always cover parts of my body.
Rhymin' pathologically, that's how it gotta be!
Rhyming is a pathological need, and it’s the way it must be.
Never makin' no apology, worshippin' my anthropology
I will never apologize for who I am, and I am dedicated to my study of anthropology.
Fuck modesty, studyin' microbiology
I don't care about being humble, because my focus is studying microbiology.
Causin' verbal lobotomy, it's in my geneology
My music is so powerful it will have the same effect on your brain as a lobotomy.
Six months of sobriety, movin' very methodically
I have been sober for six months and I am taking a careful and methodical approach.
Like a unicorn, more ways than oceanography
Like a unicorn, I am unique and incomparable.
Guard technology, rip shows antibiotically
We are the first defense when it comes to using technology, and our shows will heal you like antibiotics.
True thugs bionically, give birth to criminology
We are the ultimate criminals and exhibit more power than technology.
Yo as a youngin', I swear to God you couldn't tell me nothin'
When I was young, I was unstoppable and no one could tell me anything differently.
I swore I was gettin' somethin', clothes or humpin'
I was convinced that I was going to get something, whether it was clothes or sex.
For girls with the church, slacks with some shirts tucked in
I was attracted to girls who wore church clothes and had their shirts tucked in their pants.
I set it up for money, my mom worked when I was cuttin'
I used to hustle to make money, while my mom was working hard.
Unsigned strugglin', for the heat I lit the oven
Before I signed, I was struggling, and I worked very hard to make a name for myself.
One would by the CD, the other would do the dubbin'
One person would buy my CD while the other made copies to share.
Before I met Rob, I was in the clubs frontin'
Before I met Rob, I was trying to be cool in the clubs.
Oh yeah I know the Tip, when I see him I be duckin'
I am familiar with Tip, and when I see him I try to avoid him.
But now when I'm clubbin', those that used to dis were buggin'
Now that I am successful and out clubbing, people who used to dislike me are now trying to get my attention.
Overweight chicks, spandex, they stomachs sucked in
I am not particularly attracted to overweight women who are wearing tight spandex trying to suck in their stomachs.
Stay interruptin', dance and try to cut in
People are always trying to interrupt my dance moves and cut in on my dance partner
Told people you got in free when you really snuck in
People would lie and say they got in free, when in reality they snuck in.
We never get concerned about who's in the league
We don't care who the competition is.
We just stay workin' so no one will need
Our hard work speaks for itself and we will always be in demand.
An unconcerned outsider givin' niggas feed
An observer who is unconcerned is giving advice to people.
My niggas puff weed but negotiate the seed
My friends may smoke weed, but they are still able to make smart business decisions.
The family is granite and you can't intercede
Our group is solid and no one can come between us.
I try to switch lanes at this operatin' speed
I try to change my approach while moving quickly.
Cats in the game be gamblin' with greed
People in the music industry make risky decisions because of greed.
We the house, you the player and we gonna catch these
We control the game and we will succeed in catching is the best players.
Who's the Sam Sneed makin' microphones bleed
Who is responsible for making microphones bleed from the power of their music?
Poker face creed while my mind just read
I am able to maintain a calm demeanor, while my mind is constantly performing.
Shorty got rhythm but her freak got freed
The girl has great dance skills, but her wild side is also unleashed.
That's insignificant but this take heed
That detail is unimportant, but this message is very important.
They say I'm pretty like Clay is, bright like the day is
People liken my appearance and personality to Clay and the shining sun.
Beats from my fleet be sweet like Sugar Ray is
The beats that are produced by my crew are sugary sweet, like Sugar Ray.
I'm swingin' this from Bay Ridge to where the Oakland Bay is
My music is being played from Bay Ridge all the way to Oakland Bay.
My game is tough to play, I'm tough to weigh like your safe is
It's hard to keep up with me and I am hard to define, just like a well-secured safe.
The aim is, to make you recognize what the name is
Our ultimate goal is to make sure that our name and brand is recognized and respected.
Mos Def gon' set it straight from where the 718 is
Mos Def will clear the air from where he is from, in the 718 area code.
The place with the greats who originate the flavors
718 is rich with talented artists who create and originate unique music.
An all-star block with some all-star neighbors
Everyone in this block is talented, including all of the neighbors.
(Turn the music down!) This is probably some haters
People asking to turn the music down are probably just trying to bring us down.
Achin' cuz they hear us rotatin' on the playlist
They are hurting inside because they know we are dominating the music scene.
From B-boy laces to Detroit gators
We appreciate hip-hop culture and also have an affinity for flashy, expensive clothing.
Yo Tip I got to bail, where the scale? Help me weigh this
Hey, Tip, I have to go. Can you help me find a scale? I need to weigh something.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALI SHAHEED JONES-MUHAMMAD, CHARLES WRIGHT, DANTE SMITH, J. GADSON, KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, LATANIA MORRIS, MALIK IZAAK TAYLOR, RASHAAN TRUELL, VINSON JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Buitrago
on Electric Relaxation
another of my dads