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 Hillβand moving on to AndrΓ© 3000, Kanye West, and Talib Kweliβeverything 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)
melatonin
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And every brother ain't a brother, but (they don't know)
Pop melatonin like they Swedish fish (they don't know)
To give her everything's my dying wish (they don't know)
Roleplay, she plays the mannequin (they don't know)
Raising my hand, teacher says not again (they don't know)
The sun is up, but I feel down again (they don't know)
On just one hand I can count all my friends (they don't know)
The understudy for the star, the show must go on
I'm a beast on a leash, I'm towed from the lawn
Another notch in my belt, the food's getting scarce
Another notch in my belt, she shakes up the stairs
Drink liquid confidence, tequila's our defense
Get rid of this tense, and makes life make some sense
As I come off the fence and break through defense
Anxiety is on the ropes and it's getting intense
Population getting tired now (they don't know)
Everybody wants to inspired now (they don't know)
Racist emails fire out (they don't know)
We did it in the dark, it's coming out (they don't know)
The world is crazy and I cannot sleep, but (they don't know)
Melatonin ain't good enough to eat, but (they don't know)
I read the papers so that I can see what (they don't know)
I rather stay indoors and make a beat, but (they don't know)
My mother said a lot of wise words to me
Her Bible was like her toolie
Peasy headed and unruly I made her think she got to me
Following the trail of reefer, and niggas talking through speakers
Fattest laces, through my sneakers, the rappers were ghetto preachers
Thought I had it so I tried it, for so long I would just hide it
Then I made the crowds say "oh", smoking more and get excited
I was hooked, I couldn't shake it, the more I got the I would take it
Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, but this life I would not forsaken
I said I rarely dream in color, but (they don't know)
And every brother ain't a brother, but (they don't know)
Pop melatonin like they Swedish fish (they don't know)
To give her everything my dying wish (they don't know)
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
Guess I should take one, just one
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
Guess I should take one, just one
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
Guess I should take one, just one
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
Guess I should take one, just one
This one's for good girls that all gone bad
This one, I'm taking when I feel sad
This one, I'm taking to make me strong
This one, I'm taking so that I'll live long
This one, I'm taking to make me smile
This one, I'm taking to make life worthwhile
This one and that one and those and these
I just want to sleep I want to be at ease
The lyrics of "Melatonin" by A Tribe Called Quest explore various themes such as anxiety, addiction, and the struggle for inner peace. The opening lines, "I said I rarely dream in color, but (they don't know)/And every brother ain't a brother, but (they don't know)," set the tone for the song as a contemplative piece about the things that are often hidden from view. The next few lines address the use of melatonin, which is often used as a sleep aid, but the singer notes that it is being "popped" like candy, suggesting a deeper issue at play. The following lines about roleplaying and feeling alone in a crowd continue this theme of things not being as they seem on the surface.
As the song continues, the narrative shifts to the singer's own struggles with addiction, using metaphors like "beast on a leash" and "notch in my belt" to describe this battle. The chorus then returns with a repeated refrain of "they don't know," suggesting that there is always more beneath the surface than is readily apparent. The final verse talks about the singer's struggles with addiction in more detail, including the impact it had on their relationships ("Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, but this life I would not forsaken"). The song closes with a repeated call for peace and ease, suggesting that the singer is still searching for a way to find that elusive state of mind.
Overall, "Melatonin" is a thoughtful meditation on the many hidden struggles that people face in their daily lives, from addiction to anxiety to the broader societal issues that often go unseen. The repetition of the phrase "they don't know" serves to underscore the idea that there is always more to a person or situation than meets the eye, and that empathy and understanding are crucial in navigating the complexities of modern life.
Line by Line Meaning
I said I rarely dream in color, but (they don't know)
I have not had many vivid dreams, but I keep this to myself
And every brother ain't a brother, but (they don't know)
I have been betrayed by friends and family members, but they don't know the extent of my pain
Pop melatonin like they Swedish fish (they don't know)
I take melatonin supplements to aid my sleep, like candy, but people don't know this
To give her everything's my dying wish (they don't know)
I am deeply in love with her and would do anything to make her happy, even give up my life
Roleplay, she plays the mannequin (they don't know)
When we are together, she merely acts like a lifeless prop, but my friends don't know this
Raising my hand, teacher says not again (they don't know)
I often act out in class, and my teacher always reprimands me
The sun is up, but I feel down again (they don't know)
Despite it being morning, my mood is always low, and no one can tell
On just one hand, I can count all my friends (they don't know)
I have very few close friends or associates, but they don't know this
The understudy for the star, the show must go on
I am not the lead, but I must continue performing my role diligently
I'm a beast on a leash, I'm towed from the lawn
I am an untamed, free spirit, but circumstances hold me back
Another notch in my belt, the food's getting scarce
I have several accomplishments, but resources are depleting, and I'm struggling to stay afloat
Another notch in my belt, she shakes up the stairs
I have cultivated relationships with many women, causing drama and strife
Drink liquid confidence, tequila's our defense
Alcohol makes us feel invincible, and tequila is our choice of escape
Get rid of this tense and makes life make some sense
The stress and anxiety of daily life is overwhelming, and alcohol takes us to a place of emotional clarity
As I come off the fence and break through defense
I am becoming more assertive, overcoming obstacles and pursuing my dreams
Anxiety is on the ropes, and it's getting intense
My anxiety is becoming overpowering and increasingly difficult to manage
Population getting tired now (they don't know)
People are becoming disillusioned and alienated with the world around them, but the people around me are unaware of this
Everybody wants to be inspired now (they don't know)
People are searching for inspiration and hope, but the people around me don't seem to realize this
Racist emails fire out (they don't know)
Many people harbor deep-rooted racist beliefs and spread hatred, but not everyone is aware of this
We did it in the dark, it's coming out (they don't know)
Many secrets have been kept hidden, but they are slowly coming to light
The world is crazy, and I cannot sleep, but (they don't know)
The world is in chaos, causing me to lose sleep, but no one knows this
Melatonin ain't good enough to eat, but (they don't know)
Although I take melatonin to sleep, it still isn't as effective as I would like it to be
I read the papers so that I can see what (they don't know)
I keep up to date with current events by reading the newspaper every day
I rather stay indoors and make a beat, but (they don't know)
I find solace in creative outlets, such as music production, which helps me escape the chaos of the world
My mother said a lot of wise words to me
My mother has shared valuable life lessons with me
Her Bible was like her toolie
She sought wisdom and guidance from the Bible just as others seek refuge in a gun
Peasy headed and unruly, I made her think she got to me
I was a problematic and rebellious child and made my mother think that her punishments had an effect on me when they didn't really
Following the trail of reefer and niggas talking through speakers
I was immersed in a culture of drugs and rap music which influenced me greatly
Fattest laces through my sneakers, the rappers were ghetto preachers
I had stylish and fashionable shoes and believed in the messages preached by rap artists
Thought I had it, so I tried it, for so long, I would just hide it
I thought I had life under control, so I experimented with drugs, and for a while, I kept this behavior a secret
Then I made the crowds say 'oh', smoking more to get excited
I became addicted to drugs and used them to fuel my performances, which became more lively and memorable because of it
I was hooked, I couldn't shake it, the more I got, the more I would take it
My addiction to drugs was getting progressively worse, and I couldn't control my cravings
Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, but this life I would not forsaken
My drug addiction led to a lack of appetite and insomnia, but I was willing to do anything to sustain this lifestyle
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
I am plagued by constant thoughts and find it difficult to relax or let go
Guess I should take one, just one
I should take a drug, just one, to alleviate my anxiousness
This one's for good girls that all gone bad
This drug is for innocent girls that turned to the lifestyle of drugs and crime
This one, I'm taking when I feel sad
This drug is for when I'm depressed, and I need something to numb the pain
This one, I'm taking to make me strong
This drug is to empower me to feel invincible and fearless
This one, I'm taking so that I'll live long
This drug will prolong my life or at least allow me to enjoy it more
This one, I'm taking to make me smile
This drug is for when I'm feeling down, and I need something to lift me up
This one, I'm taking to make life worthwhile
This drug gives me a sense of purpose and meaning
This one and that one and those and these
There are various types of drugs, and I have tried more than one
I just want to sleep; I want to be at ease
All I want is to relax and get some rest
Lyrics Β© Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRIS SHOLAR, HIRANO MASAYUKI, KAMAAL FAREED, LOUIS CATO, MARSHA AMBROSIUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@f1had135
Lyrics:
[Refrain 1: Q-Tip]
I said I rarely dream in color but (they don't know)
And every brother ain't a brother but (they don't know)
Pop melatonin like they Swedish Fish (they don't know)
To give her everything's my dying wish (they don't know)
Role play, she plays the mannequin (they don't know)
Raising my hand, teacher says "Not again" (they don't know)
The sun is up, but I feel down again (they don't know)
On just one hand, I can count all my friends (they don't know)
[Verse 1: Q-Tip]
The understudy for the star, the show must go on
I'm a beast on a leash, I'm towed from the lawn
Another notch in my belt, the food's getting scarce
Another notch in my belt, she shakes up the stairs
Drink liquid confidence, tequila's our defense
Get rid of this tense and makes life make sense
As I come off the fence and break through defense
Anxiety is on the ropes and it's gettin' intense
[Refrain 2: Q-Tip]
Population gettin' tired now (they don't know)
Everybody wants inspired now (they don't know)
Racist emails fire out (they don't know)
We did it in the dark, it's coming out (they don't know)
The world is crazy and I cannot sleep but (they don't know)
Melatonin good enough to eat but (they don't know)
I read the paper so that I can see what (they don't know)
I'd rather stay indoors and make a beat but (they don't know)
[Verse 2: Q-Tip]
My mother said a lot of wise words to me
Her Bible was like her toolie, peasy-headed and unruly
I made her think she got to me
Following the trail of reefer
And niggas talking through speakers
Fattest laces through my sneakers
The rappers ere ghetto preachers
Thought I had it so I tried it, for so long I would just hide it
Then I made the crowds say "Hoo!"
And saw them all get excited
I was hooked, I couldn't shake it
The more I got, I would take it
Couldn't sleep andcouldn't eat
But this life, I would not forsake it
[Refrain 3: Q-Tip]
I said I really dream in color now (they don't know)
And every brother ain't a brother now (they don't know)
Pop melatonin like they Swedish Fish (they don't know)
To give her everything my dying wish (they don't know)
[Chorus: Abbey Smith]
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
I guess I should take one, just one
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
I guess I should take one, just one
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
I guess I should take one, just one
So many thoughts in my mind making it very hard to unwind
I guess I should take one, just one
[Outro: Q-Tip]
This one's for good girls that all gone bad (just one)
This one I'm taking when I feel sad (just one, yeah)
This one I'm taking to make me strong (just one)
This one I'm taking so that I'll live long (just one, yeah)
This one I'm taking to make me smile (just one)
This one I'm taking to make life worthwhile (just one)
This one and that one and those and these (just one)
I just want to sleep, I want to be at ease (just one)
@wa7saka
the harmonization and singing in the background does so much wow
@lcozzarelli
Yebba is apparently one of the background vocalists. Check her out if you donβt know who she isβ¦incredible!
@liza4bz
It's Marsha Ambrosius and Yebba... awesome vocals
@diobrando5896
Theres vocal mixed with bass lines in places too if i remember right
@bartdude82
This song is legit my personal anthem. Can't even describe how much I love this song. And the Prince-esque vibes I get from this omg... Too good.
@haneefshaheed9985
"Prince-esque vibes"...precisely!
@Toidentity
Same here! Two years later and still my anthem.
@supremebuffalo6322
best Tribe song? for all us that have played the TCQ classics about a million times, it could be the new favouite. it is for me, anyway
@Thothschild
Yo. THIS SHIT RIGHT HERE... its an exclamation mark on the chasm between STATISTS and THE BELOVED. My fave track on that record.
@supremebuffalo6322
Still here? I'm still rockin this in December '23