Vibes and Stuff
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let me flaunt the style, I think that the time's near
That we drop Scuds, there won't be no duds here
Rappers play the dumb, kinda on the space tip
But when they hear the jams, they be on the dilsnick
Now I'm not for the rock, I know the territory
Go ahead and try, that's a different story
Similar to Grimm, I could tell a better one
All about a kid, who couldn't rap and didn't run
Stands on the side when the mic is getting dumb
Resorts to bagging Billy, asking could he have some
No never ever, go back and try again man
If you come back, I'll be the first to shake your hand
Competition's good, it brings out the vital parts
The Abstract Poetic, majors in recital arts
Do it for the kids, the elders and the rap peers
We know the job is done when we hear a lot of cheers
Gotta feel the vibes, real from my creation
If the hands clap I'm filled with elation
Here I am ghetto, full with a lot of steam
Think I gotta, I think I gotta, I think I gotta scream
'Cause that's how good it feels child
Let your hair down, so we can get buckwild
Do your ill dance, don't think about the next man
We must have unity and think of the bigger plan
Division we will fall, we must stick together, see
I'd like to take this time to say what's up to Kool G
The name is Q-Tip, the Midnight Marauder
Giving nuff respects to Afrika Bambaataa
As a man in the world, I must do my job
Take care of Mama Duke, I won't resort to rob
Bob you'll get your dough, Mase is my witness
Obsessed with the rap, for it's the mental fitness
Like shooting Cee-lo, and always hitting head cracks
The industry is luck, winning with the fake raps
Peace to the crews who pump the real hip hop
Not selling out, from hardrock to disc jock

I don't know what to say, but here I go freak it
If the papes come, then you know I'll seek it
I'm just a short brother, dark skin face
Weigh a buck-fifty, 36 waist
Hair is crazy curly, flip like Mr. Furley
To this day I still believe that no MC can serve me
Brothers try to front, but everybody know
I get more props than the Arsenio Hall Show
Party animal I was, but now I chill at home
All I do is write rhymes, eat, drink, shit and bone
Found my thrill in Amityville, I'm always in the Island
Fudge and Lucky know the time, they know who keeps 'em smiling
Go out on my own, something that I gotta do
Do what the hell I want and have no one to listen to
I'm prompt with my business and I do things on the double
Yo, I'm out like Buster Douglas, I say peace to MC Trouble
Rest in peace

Word Up, rest in peace, and you know what else?
We got, we got, we got the vibes
All the people in Long Island, we got the vibes
Brooklyn and Queens, we got the vibes
Uptown and Now Rule, we got the vibes
People Upstate, we got the vibes
If you're in DC, you got the vibes
Maryland, Virginia, Carolina vibes
Out West, we got the vibes
In the Bahamas, we got the vibes
Over in Europe, you know what, we got the vibes
And we gotta keep it alive, it goes um

Of rap I'm a fan, I've seen a whole lot of slums
Good with the girls, I get a whole lot of 'em
From fat to skinny, Freda to Winnie
Emma to Cindy, Constance to Wendy
'Cause I be real friendly, never on the snotty side
I don't brag to brothers about the little papes I got
My vocal styles can vary, the sight is never scary
It's only legendary, my father well prepared me
My job ain't temporary, I'm here for the long shot
Better yet the long term, I don't have a perm
In a way I do, call 'em the perma-naps
I'm crazy slap-happy and I'm scrappy and I'm nappy
When I get the mic in my hand with the crowd in stand
It's as good as grand like that

I wanna say peace and dedicate this joint to MC Trouble
And to uh, Trouble T Roy
And to um, Scott La Rock
And to um, Cowboy, you know what I'm sayin?
This is for the slain rappers and the fallen rappers, you know what I'm saying?
This is a special, special, special, special, special dedication
And also to my Pops and also to Vinia's Moms, you know what I'm saying?




You just gotta keep it happy and keep the vibes going
'Cause this is Vibes and Stuff, and we out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to A Tribe Called Quest's "Vibes and Stuff" are packed with references to the hip-hop world and the struggles of being a rapper. The lines "Let me flaunt the style, I think that the time's near / That we drop Scuds, there won't be no duds here" speak to the confidence that the group had as they approached the release of their second album, The Low End Theory, which went on to be one of their most critically acclaimed works. The next few lines are a reference to other rappers who pretend to be spacey or unintelligent but then jump on the bandwagon of popular songs out of self-interest. The verse also alludes to the challenges of being a rapper without resorting to violence, which is often glamorized in the genre.


Line by Line Meaning

Let me flaunt the style, I think that the time's near
I want to confidently showcase my unique style because I believe the right moment is approaching


That we drop Scuds, there won't be no duds here
We will release powerful songs, ensuring that there are no lackluster tracks


Rappers play the dumb, kinda on the space tip
Many rappers pretend to be ignorant, adopting a spacey persona


But when they hear the jams, they be on the dilsnick
However, when they listen to our music, they become enthusiastic and energetic


Now I'm not for the rock, I know the territory
I don't support the mainstream style, I am familiar with the underground scene


Go ahead and try, that's a different story
If you attempt to imitate me, you'll face a completely different outcome


Similar to Grimm, I could tell a better one
Like the Brothers Grimm, I have captivating tales to share, but mine are even more compelling


All about a kid, who couldn't rap and didn't run
It's the story of a kid who lacked talent in both rapping and running


Stands on the side when the mic is getting dumb
He remains on the sidelines when others are delivering uninspiring performances


Resorts to bagging Billy, asking could he have some
In desperation, he starts begging for money, hoping someone like Billy would give him some


No never ever, go back and try again man
No, never give up, go back and attempt it again, my friend


If you come back, I'll be the first to shake your hand
If you return and show improvement, I'll be the first to congratulate you


Competition's good, it brings out the vital parts
Competition is beneficial as it brings out the best in each individual


The Abstract Poetic, majors in recital arts
I, known as the Abstract Poetic, excel in the art of poetic recital


Do it for the kids, the elders and the rap peers
I create music for the younger generation, the older generation, and my fellow rap artists


We know the job is done when we hear a lot of cheers
We understand that we have accomplished our mission when we receive enthusiastic applause


Gotta feel the vibes, real from my creation
It's necessary to experience the genuine and authentic emotions conveyed through my music


If the hands clap I'm filled with elation
When the audience applauds, I am overwhelmed with joy


Here I am ghetto, full with a lot of steam
This is who I am, representing the urban neighborhood, brimming with passion and energy


Think I gotta, I think I gotta, I think I gotta scream
I believe I need to express myself loudly and forcefully


'Cause that's how good it feels child
Because that's the level of satisfaction it brings, my young friend


Let your hair down, so we can get buckwild
Relax and let loose, so we can party and have a great time


Do your ill dance, don't think about the next man
Perform your unique dance moves without worrying about what others think


We must have unity and think of the bigger plan
It's essential for us to maintain unity and focus on the broader goals


Division we will fall, we must stick together, see
If we remain divided, we will fail, so it's crucial for us to stay united


I'd like to take this time to say what's up to Kool G
I want to take this moment to greet and acknowledge Kool G


The name is Q-Tip, the Midnight Marauder
I go by the name of Q-Tip, also known as the Midnight Marauder


Giving nuff respects to Afrika Bambaataa
I am showing great respect to Afrika Bambaataa


As a man in the world, I must do my job
Being an individual in this world, I have responsibilities to fulfill


Take care of Mama Duke, I won't resort to rob
I will ensure the well-being of my mother, avoiding any criminal activities


Bob you'll get your dough, Mase is my witness
Bob, you will receive your money, and Mase can attest to that


Obsessed with the rap, for it's the mental fitness
I am deeply passionate about rap music, as it provides mental stimulation


Like shooting Cee-lo, and always hitting head cracks
Similar to rolling dice, I consistently achieve great success and victory


The industry is luck, winning with the fake raps
The music industry heavily relies on luck, often applauding insincere and artificial lyrics


Peace to the crews who pump the real hip hop
I extend my respect and wishes for peace to the groups that promote genuine hip hop


Not selling out, from hardrock to disc jock
We refuse to compromise our principles and integrity, whether we are performing for a rock crowd or a DJ audience


I don't know what to say, but here I go freak it
I'm unsure how to express myself, but I will give it my all and deliver an exceptional performance


If the papes come, then you know I'll seek it
If the money comes my way, I will actively pursue it


I'm just a short brother, dark skin face
I am a young and physically small Black man with a dark complexion


Weigh a buck-fifty, 36 waist
I weigh 150 pounds and have a waist size of 36 inches


Hair is crazy curly, flip like Mr. Furley
My hair is wild and curly, similar to the flipped hairstyle of Mr. Furley from the TV show 'Three's Company'


To this day I still believe that no MC can serve me
Even now, I firmly believe that no rapper can outperform or overpower me


Brothers try to front, but everybody know
Some individuals try to deceive, but everyone is aware of their true intentions


I get more props than the Arsenio Hall Show
I receive more recognition and praise than the popular TV show hosted by Arsenio Hall


Party animal I was, but now I chill at home
I used to be a wild partygoer, but now I prefer to relax and stay at home


All I do is write rhymes, eat, drink, shit and bone
Writing lyrics, eating, drinking, using the restroom, and engaging in sexual activities occupy most of my time


Found my thrill in Amityville, I'm always in the Island
I discovered my excitement and satisfaction in Amityville, and I am constantly present on Long Island


Fudge and Lucky know the time, they know who keeps 'em smiling
My friends Fudge and Lucky understand what truly brings them joy and happiness, and they know it's because of me


Go out on my own, something that I gotta do
I need to venture out on my own, as it is something I absolutely must do


Do what the hell I want and have no one to listen to
I will do whatever I please without anyone telling me what to do or interfering


I'm prompt with my business and I do things on the double
I handle my affairs efficiently and complete tasks quickly


Yo, I'm out like Buster Douglas, I say peace to MC Trouble
I'm leaving like Buster Douglas after his boxing victory, and I send my regards to the late MC Trouble


Rest in peace
May they rest in peace


Word Up, rest in peace, and you know what else?
Word up, rest in peace, and you know what else I want to express?


We got, we got, we got the vibes
We possess, we possess, we possess the positive energy and atmosphere


All the people in Long Island, we got the vibes
Everyone in Long Island, we have the positive energy and atmosphere


Brooklyn and Queens, we got the vibes
The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, we possess the positive energy and atmosphere


Uptown and Now Rule, we got the vibes
The neighborhoods of Uptown and Now Rule, we have the positive energy and atmosphere


People Upstate, we got the vibes
Those in Upstate New York, you possess the positive energy and atmosphere


If you're in DC, you got the vibes
If you're in Washington, D.C., you possess the positive energy and atmosphere


Maryland, Virginia, Carolina vibes
In Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas, there exists the positive energy and atmosphere


Out West, we got the vibes
Out on the West Coast, we possess the positive energy and atmosphere


In the Bahamas, we got the vibes
Even in the Bahamas, there exists the positive energy and atmosphere


Over in Europe, you know what, we got the vibes
Even in Europe, you know what, they possess the positive energy and atmosphere


And we gotta keep it alive, it goes um
And it's crucial for us to maintain this positive energy and atmosphere, it continues onward


Of rap I'm a fan, I've seen a whole lot of slums
I am a fan of rap music, and I have witnessed numerous impoverished neighborhoods


Good with the girls, I get a whole lot of 'em
I am successful with women, I attract quite a large number of them


From fat to skinny, Freda to Winnie
I attract women of various body types, from overweight to slender, with names like Freda and Winnie


Emma to Cindy, Constance to Wendy
I also attract women named Emma, Cindy, Constance, and Wendy


'Cause I be real friendly, never on the snotty side
I am genuinely friendly, never behaving arrogantly or snobbishly


I don't brag to brothers about the little papes I got
I don't boast to others about the small amount of money I have


My vocal styles can vary, the sight is never scary
I possess diverse vocal styles, and my performance is never intimidating


It's only legendary, my father well prepared me
My father adequately groomed and trained me, making me a legendary figure


My job ain't temporary, I'm here for the long shot
My career isn't temporary, I am committed for the long haul


Better yet the long term, I don't have a perm
In fact, it's more like the long term, and I don't have a permanent hairstyle


In a way I do, call 'em the perma-naps
Well, in a sense, I do have a permanent hairstyle known as 'perma-naps'


I'm crazy slap-happy and I'm scrappy and I'm nappy
I am joyfully energetic, tenacious, and unapologetically embracing my natural hair texture


When I get the mic in my hand with the crowd in stand
When I hold the microphone and the crowd is standing before me


It's as good as grand like that
It's an incredibly gratifying feeling, just like having a grand experience


I wanna say peace and dedicate this joint to MC Trouble
I want to express peace and dedicate this song to MC Trouble


And to uh, Trouble T Roy
And also, to Trouble T Roy


And to um, Scott La Rock
Additionally, to Scott La Rock


And to um, Cowboy, you know what I'm sayin?
Furthermore, to Cowboy, do you understand what I'm saying?


This is for the slain rappers and the fallen rappers, you know what I'm saying?
This is dedicated to the deceased and fallen rappers, do you understand what I'm saying?


This is a special, special, special, special, special dedication
This is an incredibly significant and heartfelt dedication


And also to my Pops and also to Vinia's Moms, you know what I'm saying?
And also to my father and to Vinia's mother, do you understand what I'm saying?


You just gotta keep it happy and keep the vibes going
You simply need to maintain a positive and joyful atmosphere, keeping the positive energy alive


'Cause this is Vibes and Stuff, and we out
Because this is a song about positive energy and atmosphere, and we are finished




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Malik Izaak Taylor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Chris Metz

Verse 1: Q-Tip]
Let me flaunt the style, I think that the time's near
That we drop Scuds, there won't be no duds here
Rappers play the dumb, kinda on the space tip
But when they hear the jams, they be on the dilsnick
Now I'm not for the rock, I know the territory
Go ahead and try, that's a different story
Similar to Grimm, I could tell a better one
All about a kid, who couldn't rap and didn't run
Stands on the side when the mic is getting dumb
Resorts to bagging Billy, asking could he have some
No never ever, go back and try again man
If you come back, I'll be the first to shake your hand
Competition's good, it brings out the vital parts
The Abstract Poetic, majors in recital arts
Do it for the kids, the elders and the rap peers
We know the job is done when we hear a lot of cheers
Gotta feel the vibes, real from my creation
If the hands clap I'm filled with elation
Here I am ghetto, full with a lot of steam
Think I gotta, I think I gotta, I think I gotta scream
Cause that's how good it feels child
Let your hair down, so we can get buckwild
Do your ill dance, don't think about the next man
We must have unity and think of the bigger plan
Division we will fall, we must stick together, see
I'd like to take this time to say what's up to Kool G
The name is Q-Tip, the Midnight Marauder
Giving nuff respects to Afrika Bambaataa
As a man in the world, I must do my job
Take care of Mama Duke, I won't resort to rob
Bob you'll get your dough, Mase is my witness
Obsessed with the rap, for it's the mental fitness
Like shooting Cee-lo, and always hitting head cracks
The industry is luck, winning with the fake raps
Peace to the crews who pump the real hip hop
Not selling out, from hardrock to disc jock


[Verse 2: Phife Dawg and (Q-Tip)]
(From disk jock from hardrock, from hardrock to disc jock)
I don't know what to say, but here I go freak it
If the papes come, then you know I'll seek it
I'm just a short brother, dark skin face
Weigh a buck-fifty, 36 waist
Hair is crazy curly, flip like Mr. Furley
To this day I still believe that no MC can serve me
Brothers try to front, but everybody know
I get more props than the Arsenio Hall Show
Party animal I was, but now I chill at home
All I do is write rhymes, eat, drink, shit, and bone
Found my thrill in Amityville, I'm always in the Island
Fudge and Lucky know the time, they know who keeps 'em smiling
Go out on my own, something that I gotta do
Do what the hell I want and have no one to listen to
I'm prompt with my business and I do things on the double
Yo, I'm out like Buster Douglas, I say peace to MC Trouble
Rest in peace

[Interlude: Q-Tip]
Word Up, rest in Peace, and you know what else?
We got, we got, we got the vibes
All the people in Long Island, we got the vibes
Brooklyn and Queens, we got the vibes
Uptown and Now Rule, we got the vibes
People Upstate, we got the vibes
If you're in DC, you got the vibes
Maryland, Virginia, Carolina vibes
Out West, we got the vibes
In the Bahamas, we got the vibes
Over in Europe, you know what, we got the vibes
And we gotta keep it alive, it goes um...
[Verse 3: Q-Tip]
Of rap I'm a fan, I've seen a whole lot of slums
Good with the girls, I get a whole lot of 'em
From fat to skinny, Freda to Winnie
Emma to Cindy, Constance to Wendy
Cause I be real friendly, never on the snotty side
I don't brag to brothers about the little papes I got
My vocal styles can vary, the sight is never scary
It's only legendary, my father well prepared me
My job ain't temporary, I'm here for the long shot
Better yet the long term, I don't have a perm
In a way I do, call 'em the perma-naps
I'm crazy slap-happy and I'm scrappy and I'm nappy
When I get the mic in my hand with the crowd in the stands
It's as good as grand like that

[Outro: Q-Tip]
Yo, I wanna say peace and dedicate this joint to MC Trouble
And to uh... Trouble T Roy
And to um... Scott La Rock
And to um... Cowboy, you know what I'm sayin?
This is for the slain rappers and the fallen rappers, you know what I'm saying?
This is a special, special, special, special, special dedication
And also to my Pops and also to Vinia's Moms, you know what I'm saying?
You just gotta keep it happy and keep the vibes going
Cause this is vibes and stuff, and we out...



Dannis Sahetapy

Word Up, rest in Peace, and you know what else?
We got, we got, we got the vibes
All the people in Long Island, we got the vibes
Brooklyn and Queens, we got the vibes
Uptown and Now Rule, we got the vibes
People Upstate, we got the vibes
If you're in DC, you got the vibes
Maryland, Virginia, Carolina vibes
Out West, we got the vibes
In the Bahamas, we got the vibes
Over in Europe, you know what, we got the vibes
And we gotta keep it alive



All comments from YouTube:

Sam Gilliam

I actually get emotional listening to old school Tribe. We’ll never see something like them again

Brawl Nation

Maaaaan saw all them perform at Summer Jam after Midnight Marauders dropped....YO !!! Nuff respect too all my Tribe headz

Thinkin Green

Never say never

Louise Rose

Sooooo unique 💯 and that’s why it’s so special !!!! Good shit cannot be recreated ❤️🙏🏼

Peter Bland

So true! I listened to this album driving back and forth for three hours to lincoln in England for work everyday last summer, and it was absolutely bliss 🙌 RIP Phife! Much love from the uk

Goobiethicc

We might hear something this pure and creative again one day. Maybe someone will resurrect it with their own fresh touch. We must stay positive.

14 More Replies...

Markey Raiford

“Go out on my own is something that I gotta do. Do what the hell I want and have no one to listen to” That was motivation to move out of my parents house. RIP Phife Dog

John stuckey jr

Phife dog rip

Mustard Gas Hotdogs

RIP Phife

John Murphy

Evidence used this sample at the end of I know

More Comments

More Versions