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)
mobius
A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dream about Bugattis and other four-wheels
They say Illuminati and other ordeals
Is how my lawyer got me to avoid a raw deal
And now it's more real than it is for any other star
And that's enough to have you tearing up the mini-bar
I should probably get awards when the Emmys are
For how I deal with the path like Remy Ma
But don't confuse how you see me, have to move now
I got bars like the cypher's in the booth now
Ooo, child, things are gonna get easier
'Long as they get my page right on Wikipedia
'Long as they say my name right in the media
If you don't, that's a sin like Cincinnati
'Cause ever since I had the polo suit at the Grammys
I been spittin' at the camera like Trick Daddy
So swaggy, he could have broke up with IG
I ain't surprised that they broke up on IG
I got the game on IV
Might as well have a live feed
Keep a fresh cut from IB
So I always match the picture in my ID
They packin' Dub C and run with Mack 10
I was still a baby Similac then
And what the crack era did to black men
It had to be a error if you had a Cadillac then
How I rock mine, I throw it up
Makin' sure that you niggas all are on the same page
Powerful force, you better look both ways
Fuck that, I'm chokin' niggas, it's goin' down
I'm from a different cloth, we the oracles of the sound
Skip town, hit 'em with impeccable pound
Lost, found, the way I flood it, niggas gon' drown
Rip shit, oh, wait, wait, wait, wait
I gotta do it again, I gotta do it again
You already know the script, roundhouse kick
She lookin' at me, lickin' her lip
Put my arm around her like a bowl of chip with the dip
With your bitch, what the fuck, niggas erupt
I got the half moon clip, that's banana, a good planner
A new anger like a larger Bruce Banner, out the house
Nigga, if you open your mouth
Damn, nigga, if you open you mouth
Fuck the press, I'm leavin' every room in a mess
Like herds of bulls with they aprons on and bakin' soda
Keep it movin', keep the convo short and bring a case of Henny
House of Pain, I control many
House of lies, you niggas go run, hide
Peep the way the vibe conflict with they real lives
(Nigga) Fanatic shit, we go bizarre
Bad news for niggas as I go emphatical, radical
National animal, rulin' like a czar
Every time I black for the record, the shit splatter
The whole batter, no bullshit, the boom bapper
I pull the gat up, whip the ship, cook the batter
When I pull up on niggas even your momma goin' scatter
The lyrics of A Tribe Called Quest's song "Mobius" touch upon several themes like money, fame, power, and reputation. The opening lines talk about the singer's desire for material possessions like Bugattis and hundred-dollar bills. But, at the same time, he acknowledges the rumors surrounding the Illuminati and other secret societies in the entertainment industry. He gives credit to his lawyer for helping him avoid a "raw deal" that could have affected his life negatively. The singer feels that his fame is more real for him than it is for any other star. He talks about the pressure of handling his success and how he copes with it. He says that he should probably get awards for the way he deals with fame, comparing himself to Remy Ma, a rapper known for her resilience in the face of adversity.
In the later part of the song, the lyrics get more aggressive and use violent imagery to assert dominance. The singer talks about how he can get in a car like a sniper's on the roof and move around discreetly. He brags about his skills as a rapper, saying that he has bars like the cypher's in the booth. He takes pride in his appearance and makes sure that his haircut matches his ID picture. The singer then talks about himself in third person, saying that he's a powerful force and that his enemies better look both ways before crossing him. He doesn't care about the press or what they say about him, and he doesn't mind leaving a room in a mess. He compares himself to a "czar" who rules with an iron fist, and he's not afraid to fight back when someone tries to challenge him.
Overall, "Mobius" is a song about the pressures of fame and how it affects an individual. While the singer desires material possessions and recognition, he also acknowledges the darker side of the entertainment industry and takes measures to protect himself. The song also has several references to hip hop culture, like bars and cyphers, and the violent imagery is typical of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
I break bread, ribs, hundred dollar bills
I have a lot of money and can afford to live luxuriously.
Dream about Bugattis and other four-wheels
I fantasize about owning high-end sports cars.
They say Illuminati and other ordeals
Rumors circulate about secret societies influencing my success.
Is how my lawyer got me to avoid a raw deal
My legal representation helped me avoid a bad situation.
And now it's more real than it is for any other star
My success is tangible and undeniable, unlike other celebrities.
And that's enough to have you tearing up the mini-bar
My achievements are impressive enough to make people go crazy.
I should probably get awards when the Emmys are
I deserve recognition for my success
For how I deal with the path like Remy Ma
I handle obstacles and challenges like a champ, similar to Remy Ma.
I get in the car like a sniper's on the roof now
I am cautious and vigilant.
But don't confuse how you see me, have to move now
Don't mistake my demeanor for vulnerability or weakness.
I got bars like the cypher's in the booth now
I have great lyrical talent.
Ooo, child, things are gonna get easier
Things will eventually improve.
'Long as they get my page right on Wikipedia
I care about my public image.
'Long as they say my name right in the media
I want my name to be pronounced correctly on television and in other coverage.
If you don't, that's a sin like Cincinnati
Mispronouncing my name or giving me bad publicity is a grave mistake.
'Cause ever since I had the polo suit at the Grammys
My success has been consistent.
I been spittin' at the camera like Trick Daddy
I am confident and unafraid to perform.
So swaggy, he could have broke up with IG
I am so cool that even Instagram would want to break up with me.
I ain't surprised that they broke up on IG
I am not surprised when things go wrong, even on social media.
I got the game on IV
I am fully immersed in the music industry.
Might as well have a live feed
My life is constantly being documented.
Keep a fresh cut from IB
I maintain my appearance and always look sharp.
So I always match the picture in my ID
I want to ensure that my ID photo is an accurate reflection of me.
They packin' Dub C and run with Mack 10
My peers are armed and dangerous.
I was still a baby Similac then
I was young and innocent then.
And what the crack era did to black men
The crack epidemic had a devastating impact on black communities.
It had to be a error if you had a Cadillac then
If you owned a Cadillac during that time, it likely attracted unwanted attention.
How I rock mine, I throw it up
I take pride in my unique style and mannerisms.
Makin' sure that you niggas all are on the same page
I want everyone to be unified and working together.
Powerful force, you better look both ways
I am a formidable presence, and should not be taken lightly.
Fuck that, I'm chokin' niggas, it's goin' down
I am not afraid to take action if needed.
I'm from a different cloth, we the oracles of the sound
I am a unique artist with a distinct sound and style.
Skip town, hit 'em with impeccable pound
I am quick to leave a place or situation, and can deliver a powerful punch.
Lost, found, the way I flood it, niggas gon' drown
My music is so good it can overwhelm listeners, leaving them in awe.
Rip shit, oh, wait, wait, wait, wait
I am about to deliver some serious bars.
I gotta do it again, I gotta do it again
I know I am capable of delivering even more incredible lyrics.
You already know the script, roundhouse kick
My fans are familiar with my style and know what to expect.
She lookin' at me, lickin' her lip
A woman is ogling me and showing signs of attraction.
Put my arm around her like a bowl of chip with the dip
I am being flirtatious and physical with my admirer.
With your bitch, what the fuck, niggas erupt
Being seen with someone's girlfriend can lead to trouble and drama.
I got the half moon clip, that's banana, a good planner
I am prepared with the proper equipment and strategy to handle difficult situations.
A new anger like a larger Bruce Banner, out the house
My anger is powerful and uncontrollable, like the Hulk.
Nigga, if you open your mouth
You better not say anything to upset me.
Fuck the press, I'm leavin' every room in a mess
I am uninterested in publicity and will do what I want without regard for others.
Like herds of bulls with they aprons on and baking soda
I am powerful and intimidating, like a group of bulls preparing for battle.
Keep it movin', keep the convo short and bring a case of Henny
I am not interested in long conversations but would appreciate some alcohol as a peace offering.
House of Pain, I control many
I am the master of my domain, in control of many situations.
House of lies, you niggas go run, hide
If you're not truthful with me, you better run and hide from the consequences.
Peep the way the vibe conflict with they real lives
People's personalities and actions may not match their public image.
(Nigga) Fanatic shit, we go bizarre
My crew and I are known for being wild and crazy.
Bad news for niggas as I go emphatical, radical
I am not afraid to take radical action that may upset others.
National animal, rulin' like a czar
I am powerful, in control, and deserve respect.
Every time I black for the record, the shit splatter
Every time I make a record, it is impactful and influential.
The whole batter, no bullshit, the boom bapper
I bring my authentic self to my music, without any fakery.
I pull the gat up, whip the ship, cook the batter
I am ready to handle any situation with a weapon and a quick getaway car.
When I pull up on niggas even your momma goin' scatter
I am so intimidating, even someone's mother would flee in fear.
Lyrics Β© Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Dexter Mills, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Trevor Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vincent Dawson
I break bread, ribs, hundred dollar bills
Dream about Bugattis and other four-wheels
They say Illuminati and other ordeals
Is how my lawyer got me to avoid a raw deal
And now it's more real than it is for any other star
And that's enough to have you tearing up the mini-bar
I should probably get awards when the Emmys are
For how I deal with the path like Remy Ma
I get in the car like a sniper's on the roof now
But don't confuse how you see me, have to move now
I got bars like the cypher's in the booth now
Ooo, child, things are gonna get easier
'Long as they get my page right on Wikipedia
'Long as they say my name right in the media
If you don't, that's a sin like Cincinnati
'Cause ever since I had the polo suit at the Grammys
I been spittin' at the camera like Trick Daddy
So swaggy, he could have broke up with IG
I ain't surprised that they broke up on IG
I got the game on IV
Might as well have a live feed
Keep a fresh cut from IB
So I always match the picture in my ID
They packin' Dub C and run with Mack 10
I was still a baby Similac then
And what the crack era did to black men
It had to be a error if you had a Cadillac then
How I rock mine, I throw it up
Makin' sure that you niggas all are on the same page
Powerful force, you better look both ways
Fuck that, I'm chokin' niggas, it's goin' down
I'm from a different cloth, we the oracles of the sound
Skip town, hit 'em with impeccable pound
Lost, found, the way I flood it, niggas gon' drown
Rip shit, oh, wait, wait, wait, wait
I gotta do it again, I gotta do it again
You already know the script, roundhouse kick
She lookin' at me, lickin' her lip
Put my arm around her like a bowl of chip with the dip
With your bitch, what the fuck, niggas erupt
I got the half moon clip, that's banana, a good planner
A new anger like a larger Bruce Banner, out the house
Nigga, if you open your mouth
Damn, nigga, if you open you mouth
Fuck the press, I'm leavin' every room in a mess
Like herds of bulls with they aprons on and bakin' soda
Keep it movin', keep the convo short and bring a case of Henny
House of Pain, I control many
House of lies, you niggas go run, hide
Peep the way the vibe conflict with they real lives
(Nigga) Fanatic shit, we go bizarre
Bad news for niggas as I go emphatical, radical
National animal, rulin' like a czar
Every time I black for the record, the shit splatter
The whole batter, no bullshit, the boom bapper
I pull the gat up, whip the ship, cook the batter
When I pull up on niggas even your momma goin' scatter
Sergio B.Viera
HOW I ROCK MINE!, I throw it up
Makin' sure that you niggas all are on the same page
Powerful force, you better look both ways
Fuck that, I'm chokin' niggas, it's goin' down
I'm from a different cloth, we the oracles of the sounds
Skip town, hit 'em with impeccable pound
Lost, found, the way I flood it, niggas gon' drown
Rip shitβayo, wait, wait, wait, waitβ
I gotta do it again, I gotta do it again
You already know the script, roundhouse kick
She lookin' at me, lickin' her lip
Put my arm around her like a bowl of chip with a dip
With yo' bitch, what the fuck, niggas erupt
I got the half moon clip, that's banana
A good planner, a new anger like a larger Bruce Banner
Out the house, nigga, if you open your mouth
Man, nigga, if you open your mouth
Fuck the press, I'm leavin' every room in a mess
Like herds of bulls with they aprons on and bakin' soda
Keep it movin', keep the convo short
And bring a case of Henney (case of Henney)
House of pain, I control many (control many)
House of lies, you niggas go run, hide
Peep the way this vibe conflict with they real lives
(Nigga) Fanatic shit, we go bizarre (we go bizarre)
Bad news for niggas as I go emphatical, radical
National animal rulin' like a czar
Every time I black for the record, the shit splatter
The whole batter, no bullshit, the boom bapper
I pull the gat up, whip the shit, cook the batter
When I pull up on niggas, even your momma gon' scatter
Barishkaaa
1800notarealnumber
On every song on this album there's a comment from a few folks saying it's the best song on the album.. that's how you know it's a masterpiece of an album
SMUS16475
Precisely.
V
!!!
DevTech
This fucking Busta Rhymes verse is unreal. He flows on the track like butter.
BigDapPacino
Busta has been a incredible lyricist since his days with Leaders of the New School....I think he dumbed down for the audience but the flow has been sick...something about him getting with ATCQ...makes him beast out!
Timo Niksen
This, insane flowssss
AbhNormal
No way Tribe predicted Morbius??! π³
Barret Wallace
That guitar riff while Consequence is rappin got me goosebumps! Got tha game on iv! Might as well have a live feed! Then Busta comes in interrupting Consequence like a cypher took me back to The Coming album. I pictured Busta in the studio freestylin these bars! Especially when he goes "wait.Wait...gotta do it again!" Like someone else wanted on the mic but Busta pushed them out the way to continue. Like he was possesed! Shit goes hard everyday on my playlist! Thanks for you serviceπ
Joseph
Most overlooked song on this albumn, easily best production
Tim Harvey
Just what I felt in 22