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)
The Chase
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
Dem cyan't touch we, no, dem cyan't touch we
Dem cyan't hold we, no, dem cyan't hold we
Dem cyan't touch we, no, dem cyan't touch we
Dem cyan't hold we, no, dem cyan't hold we
(Damn Phife, you got fat)
Yeah, I know it looks pathetic
Ali Shaheed Muhammad got me doing calisthenics
Needless to say boy I'm bad to the bone
Making love to my mic like Jarobi on the phone
But um, no time for jokes, there's bills to be paid
Hoes to be laid, punks to be sprayed
Chumps to attack, so my man watch your back
'93 means skills are a must, so never lack
Sit back and learn, come now watch the birdie
Your styles are incomplete, same as Vinny Testaverde
Battling, whenever, hot Damn
Give me the microphone bwoy, one time, bam!
Keep it on the cooler cos here come the heat
Lyrically in space, the jazz will pace the beat
As we proceed to elevate you we in 4/4
Run and tell your dad the Abstract's the bad
As we proceed to move your hind parts we know as ass
Poets got the gimmicks, but they lack the sassafras
To make the average hardrocker, cock the Glock
And roam the city streets on the jury, they hot
I be ingredients, like sugar in candy
If your life is broke, girl I'll be the handy-dandy
That can mend you, my fee is a shower
For you, I scrub the back and I floss the butt crack
Make you shiny, spiffy in a jiff
Fucking with the Ab, you got the greatest of gifts
Ayo, my mic is sounding bugged, Bob Power, you there? (Yeah)
Adjust the bass and treble make my shit sound clear
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
Move back yourself man, come watch me drop it
For sure me a go do it, for sure me a go rock it
Me nuh deal with no changaram, bangaram business
I got soul on the end, like Jehovah's got the witness
Musically, the three, poetically we be
The enchantment on the airwaves, kids just fade
Obey the MCs, cos the MCs say
We flipping on niggas like we Super Dave
But noticing my stature, y'all niggas know we gotcha
Moving to the rapture, listen how we catch ya
Moving with the grace, here we go, let's begin
Making people jump out their goddamn skin
Lyrically, we bite like we Rin Tin Tin
Peace to Grand Pu and his many, many skins
Don't mark us for the "L" cos you know we get the wins
It's the Ab, Shaheed, and the Dawg for the blend
And I wanna say peace to my man Bob P, my man Jerod
And Skeff Anslem on the help out and we out like shout
Nine-trey, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I don't wanna say nine-trey
Cause my man Extra P said don't say the years
So, it's for eternity, know what I'm saying?
Rock rock on, everybody in Queens, rock rock on
Everybody in Brooklyn, rock rock on
Money Earnin' Mt. Vernon, rock rock on
Everybody in Jersey, rock rock on
Everybody in Philly rock rock on
Everybody in Houston, rock rock on
Everybody LA, rock rock on
Everybody in The Sand, rock rock on
Everybody in Egypt, rock rock on
Everybody Nigeria, rock rock on
Everybody in London, rock rock on
Everybody in Sweden, rock rock on
Everybody everywhere, rock rock on
To the niggas on the famous, rock rock on
Everybody no name, rock rock on
To the kids at Nu-Clear, rock rock on
To the The Cave rock rock on
McDonald's, rock rock on
This concludes Midnight Marauder Program
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The lyrics to A Tribe Called Quest's song "The Chase" are representative of the group's signature style of combining their jazz and hip-hop influences to create a funky, danceable sound. The repeated line of "I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out" emphasizes the group's energetic and upbeat vibe, encouraging listeners to let loose and have a good time. At the same time, the line can also be read as a boast of the group's musical prowess and ability to wow audiences.
The second half of the song features a series of verses from different members of the group, each showcasing their unique style and lyricism. The verse from Phife Dawg stands out as he acknowledges his physical appearance and his need to stay in shape to keep up with the group's demands. He then transitions to discussing the group's pursuit of success, including the need to battle other rappers and stand out from the competition. The song concludes with a shoutout to various cities around the world, emphasizing the group's global appeal and influence.
Overall, "The Chase" is a catchy and upbeat song that showcases A Tribe Called Quest's unique blend of jazz and hip-hop influences. The lyrics encourage listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves while also showcasing the group's musical prowess and dedication to their craft.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out
I am confident that my performance will energize and excite everyone at this party
Dem cyan't touch we, no, dem cyan't touch we
No one can match or surpass our musical skills and abilities
Dem cyan't hold we, no, dem cyan't hold we
Despite any challenges or obstacles, we cannot be stopped or held back
(Damn Phife, you got fat)
Observation that one of the band members has gained weight
Yeah, I know it looks pathetic
Acknowledgment that the weight gain is not ideal
Ali Shaheed Muhammad got me doing calisthenics
One band member is helping another improve their physical fitness
Needless to say boy I'm bad to the bone
There is no need to explain that I am extremely talented and skilled
Making love to my mic like Jarobi on the phone
I am passionately committed to my music and performance, like how Jarobi is talking on the phone
But um, no time for jokes, there's bills to be paid
We need to focus on our music career because we have financial obligations and responsibilities
Hoes to be laid, punks to be sprayed
We have romantic interests and enemies to deal with
Chumps to attack, so my man watch your back
We need to be aware and prepared for any enemies or potential threats
'93 means skills are a must, so never lack
In 1993, it is crucial to constantly improve and showcase musical skills to succeed in the industry
Sit back and learn, come now watch the birdie
Take a moment to relax and observe as we demonstrate our skills and abilities
Your styles are incomplete, same as Vinny Testaverde
Your music is lacking and incomplete, like a football team without a competent quarterback like Vinny Testaverde
Battling, whenever, hot Damn
We are constantly competing and impressing with our music, and it is exciting
Give me the microphone bwoy, one time, bam!
I demand to be given the microphone to perform immediately
Keep it on the cooler cos here come the heat
Stay calm and collected because we are about to bring the fire and intensity
Lyrically in space, the jazz will pace the beat
Our poetic lyrics are otherworldly, and the jazz music will drive the tempo and rhythm
As we proceed to elevate you we in 4/4
As we continue performing, we will heighten your experience and do it in a consistent 4/4 beat
Run and tell your dad the Abstract's the bad
Go inform your father that I, the Abstract rapper, am extremely skilled and talented
As we proceed to move your hind parts we know as ass
Our music and performance will make you dance and move your body
Poets got the gimmicks, but they lack the sassafras
Other poets may have flashy tricks, but they lack the authentic flavor and style that we have
To make the average hardrocker, cock the Glock
To make an ordinary rock fan turn to violence, like pulling a gun
And roam the city streets on the jury, they hot
To wander around the city with a gun, aware that the cops are monitoring the area
I be ingredients, like sugar in candy
I am a crucial part of the music and performance, like sugar in candy
If your life is broke, girl I'll be the handy-dandy
If your life is in disarray, I can be the solution and help fix it
That can mend you, my fee is a shower
I can help heal you, and my only price is a simple shower
For you, I scrub the back and I floss the butt crack
I will take care of every aspect of your hygiene, including scrubbing your back and flossing your behind
Make you shiny, spiffy in a jiff
I will make you look and feel your best in no time
Fucking with the Ab, you got the greatest of gifts
Interacting or working with me, the Abstract rapper, is a great privilege and gift
Ayo, my mic is sounding bugged, Bob Power, you there? (Yeah)
There is a problem with my microphone, and I am asking sound engineer Bob Power for assistance
Adjust the bass and treble make my shit sound clear
Please adjust the sound levels so that my music and performance are clear and audible
Move back yourself man, come watch me drop it
Please give me some personal space, and witness my incredible performance
For sure me a go do it, for sure me a go rock it
I am absolutely certain that I will perform and rock the crowd
Me nuh deal with no changaram, bangaram business
I do not associate with shady or questionable business dealings
I got soul on the end, like Jehovah's got the witness
My music and performance are deeply rooted in my soul and passion, like the steadfast conviction of a Jehovah's Witness
Musically, the three, poetically we be
We Three are extremely skilled and talented in making music and poetry
The enchantment on the airwaves, kids just fade
Our music is so captivating that it overshadows other less skilled artists
Obey the MCs, cos the MCs say
Listen to and respect us as the masters of ceremony and music
We flipping on niggas like we Super Dave
We are mercilessly outclassing and surpassing other rappers, like the famous daredevil Super Dave
But noticing my stature, y'all niggas know we gotcha
Even while recognizing my fame and success, we still have the support and loyalty of our fans
Moving to the rapture, listen how we catch ya
Our music and performance are so captivating that they will transport you to a state of rapture and awe
Moving with the grace, here we go, let's begin
We move elegantly and skillfully as we begin our music and performance
Making people jump out their goddamn skin
Our music and performance are so powerful that they will make people jump with excitement and energy
Lyrically, we bite like we Rin Tin Tin
Our lyrics are sharp and biting, like the famous dog Rin Tin Tin
Peace to Grand Pu and his many, many skins
We give a shoutout to Grand Pu, who has many different personas and characters in his music
Don't mark us for the "L" cos you know we get the wins
Do not underestimate or discredit us, because we always come out on top and win
It's the Ab, Shaheed, and the Dawg for the blend
Our group consists of the Abstract rapper, Shaheed and the DJ Dawg to create the perfect blend of music
And I wanna say peace to my man Bob P, my man Jerod
Shoutout to colleagues and friends Bob P and Jerod for their contributions and support
And Skeff Anslem on the help out and we out like shout
Thanks to Skeff Anslem for helping us out, and now our performance is over for the night
Nine-trey, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Reference to the year 1993
I don't wanna say nine-trey
Changing the previous line, as requested by Extra P
So, it's for eternity, know what I'm saying?
Our music and influence will last forever, not just for one specific year
Rock rock on, everybody in Queens, rock rock on
A call to continue partying and enjoying the music, specifically directed at everyone in Queens
Money Earnin' Mt. Vernon, rock rock on
Another shoutout to a specific location, to keep the party going
Everybody in Jersey, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in New Jersey
Everybody in Philly rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in Philadelphia
Everybody in Houston, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in Houston
Everybody LA, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in Los Angeles
Everybody in The Sand, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in The Sand, presumably a location
Everybody in Egypt, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in Egypt
Everybody Nigeria, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in Nigeria
Everybody in London, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in London
Everybody in Sweden, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone in Sweden
Everybody everywhere, rock rock on
Universal invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone everywhere
To the niggas on the famous, rock rock on
Specific invitation for famous people to party and enjoy the music
Everybody no name, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for everyone without fame or notoriety
To the kids at Nu-Clear, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music for the kids at Nu-Clear, likely a location or event
To the The Cave rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music at The Cave, likely a location or event
McDonald's, rock rock on
Invitation to party and enjoy the music at a McDonald's fast food restaurant
This concludes Midnight Marauder Program
The performance and broadcast of the Midnight Marauder Program is coming to an end
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Instruction to the audience to change channels or return to the main menu once the program is over
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Steven R. Arrington, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Victor Godsey, Buddy Hankerson, Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad, Biz Markie, Malik Izaak Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tate Buitrago
on Electric Relaxation
another of my dads