On this day in 1970, the second lyrical half of A Tribe Called Quest, Phife Dawg was born. Born Malik Isaac Taylor in Queens, New York, Phife was one-fourth of one of the most influential groups in Hip-Hop culture; A Tribe Called Quest. It’s been almost nine years since Phife lost his battle with diabetes, however, his music will live on for eternity.
On many of ATCQ’s tracks, fans have always rightfully celebrated Q-Tip’s lyricism, but rarely gave Phife Dawg his proper due. In the posthumous honor of his birthday, we have put together a list of five of his hottest verses to shine a light on the unsung lyrical phenom that is Phife Dawg.
5. “Electric Relaxation” On this standout track from the album Midnight Marauders, Phife and The Abstract went toe to toe, trading off verse without a hook until the song ended, with standout bars like, “Let me hit it from the back, girl I won’t catch a hernia/Bust off on your couch, now you got Seaman’s Furniture..”and let’s not forget, “I like ‘em brown, yellow, Puerto Rican or Haitian/Name is Phife Dawg from the Zulu Nation..”
4. “La Schmoove” This was a featured verse from Phife Dawg on a track by Brooklyn rap tongue twisters Fu Schnickens. On this track, Phife had the third verse, yet opened it like it was his own song saying,
“Now here I go, once again with the ill flow/Other MC’s that rap, their style is so-so..”
3. “Scenario” Being one of the most popular songs on A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory album, Phife Dawg’s opening verse is one that rings in the ears of many rap fans.
“Ayo, Bo knows this, and Bo knows that/ But bo don’t know jack cause Bo can’t rap//Well what do you know, the Di-Dawg, is first up to bat/No batteries included and no strings attached..”
2. “Award Tour” Another cut from Midnight Marauders, Award Tour was a huge success for A Tribe Called Quest. It also houses some of Phife Dawg’s strongest metaphors. “I have a quest to have a mic in my hand/without that, it’s like Kryptonite and Superman/So Shaheed come in with the sugar cuts//Phife Dawg’s my name, but on stage, call me Dynomut..”
“So, next time that you think you want something here/Make something dope or take that garbage to St.Elsewhere..”
1. “Buggin Out” Coming from their most popular album, this is regarded as Phife’s illest bars. Phife Dawg spits two of the hardest verses on the album on this one record. “Yo microphone check one, two, what is this?/The five foot assassin with the roughneck business/I float like gravity, never had a cavity/Got more rhymes than the Winans got family..”
“You soar off to another world, deep in your mind/But people seem to take that, as being unkind/’Oh yo he’s acting stank,’ really on the regal?/a man of the fame not a man of the people/believe that if you want but I tell you this much/riding on the train with no dough, sucks..”
On this day in Hip Hop history A Tribe Called Quest Released their third studio album Midnight Marauders. As the group’s most popular work, this album marked the height of Hip Hop’s Afrocentric/hippie movement.
Aside from content, this album’s cover is it’s most distinctive quality. It features a full frontal portrait of the same black, green, and red woman from the The Low End Theory cover as well as head shots of some of the more well known rappers of the time, including: Dr. Dre, Afrika Bambaataa, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Ice-T, Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Del the Funky Homosapien, P. Diddy, Heavy D, Too $hort, The Pharcyde, The Beastie Boys, and more.
With this album, Tribe took a slight step away their heavy jazz influence to perpetuate a funkier vibe. Ali Shaheed Muhammad‘s production sounded more on this album like something you would hear on the radio in the early 90’s (with a Tribe twist of course). The largest change however came in the realm of lyricism. Over their four year quest, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg picked up linguistic skills that come full circle on this album. Their cadence, flow, and diction all show signs of improvement along with the length and depth of their metaphors. Although this album features less subject specific tracks than their previous work, the two show that they have finally figured out how to intrigued the minds of both the Hip Hop faithful and everyday music listener.
Commercially, Midnight Marauders is the A Tribe Called Quest’s highest selling album. The album sold over 1,000,000 copies within it’s first year, making it a platinum hit. It also peaked #70 on the UK album charts, #8 on the Billboard 200, and took the top spot Top R&B/Hip Hop chart.
A lot of the album’s success is due to its timeless classic of a single “Award Tour” which peaked at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s influence has spanned decades with the track being referenced by the likes of Wale, Kanye West, Common, Azealia Banks, and Justin Timberlake.
In the eyes of music lover, yesterday (October 19), the 2024 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony made good on several past snubs. In the realm of pop, that was Cher finally being welcomed into the pristine club. But for hip-hop that was undoubtedly A Tribe Called Quest’s induction.
Despite being eligible since 2015, the legendary rap group is only just now making into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. However, that didn’t stop two of its members (Q-Tip and Jarobi White) from cheerfully celebrating the milestone.
White dedicated a part of his speech (viewable here) to honor Phife Dawg who tragically died in 2016. “I don’t I don’t have any stories,” he said. “All I have is gratitude. What I’m saying thank you. Thank you. Tribe fans everywhere, we wouldn’t be nothing without you. Ali Shaheed, I love you, boy. Wish you was here. Let me give it up right quick. Give it up for Phife’s mom and dad right here.”
Late member Phife Dawg’s parents looked on in pride as the crowd and musicians paid their respects. In his place, the sister of Ali Shaheed Muhammad (who was not in attendance) stood in for the honor.
Q-Tip took a moment to subtly acknowledge why A Tribe Called Quest’s induction was so deserved. “To the latter, it has been the terrain for many of us to do Whoppers and Hip-Hoppers, and yes, to all of you pseudo-historians who might be confused about the corner opera in the corner hip hop is saying and rap the blues,” he said. “And what’s more rock and roll than the blues? But just like our predecessors, we had to find spaces on the outskirts of cities and towns, from a southern sun house off Robert Johnson Crossroads to a transformed room in a hood tenement on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. The need to express burns in us with an art-fueled determination. A spark. The spark that embers within many of us in this room, and the spark that burned within the four of us boys in 1985 in New York City.”
While A Tribe Called Quest’s honoree performance (viewable here) featured an all-star lineup of Queen Latifah (“Can I Kick It?”), De La Soul’s Pos and The Roots’ Black Thought (“Check the Rime”), Common (“Bonita Applebum”), and Busta Rhymes (“Scenario”) which was all backed by The Roots.
The 2024 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame streamed live on Disney+, but a special featuring the evening’s performances will air on ABC on Jan. 1. Then it will be available for viewing on Hulu. Find more information here.
Busta Rhymes is a hip-hop legend whose rapid-fire delivery of lyrics, tricky rhyming patterns, and dynamic stage presence have positioned him as one of the greatest emcees of all time. In the early 1990s, he gained popularity as part of the group Leaders of the New School. He later forged a successful solo career with hits like “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.” His stardom first reached new heights after he appeared on A Tribe Called Quest’s posse cut “Scenario,” stealing the show with his high-energy verse littered with references from popular culture.
Innovative and influential, Busta has consistently been ahead of his time while remaining true to himself. He has never shied away from taking risks artistically or sonically, evidenced by his unpredictable flow patterns and genre-bending collaborations. From winning awards to influencing today’s artists, Bussa Buss is an artist unlike any other.
1. “Woo-Hah!! Got You All In Check” (1996)
“Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check” is Busta Rhymes’s breakout solo single from his debut album The Coming, released in 1996. This track catapulted Busta into the limelight, establishing his energetic and animated style that would become his trademark. The song was an instant hit, echoing with both hip-hop fans and mainstream audiences. Its success was marked by its peak position at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance.
The “Woo-Hah” music video further solidified Busta’s reputation for creativity and innovation. The video featuring surreal and vibrant visuals matched the song’s eccentric energy and showcased Busta’s charismatic presence. Moreover, the success of this single laid the foundation for his solo career. “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check” remains a defining moment in Busta Rhymes’s journey, emphasizing his ability to create memorable and impactful music.
2. “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”
“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” is a song from Busta Rhymes’s 1997 second album, When Disaster Strikes. The track displayed a smoother and more controlled flow than any other song by Busta Rhymes but still kept up with his usual intensity. The production of this record, a simple bass line together with a catchy beat, made it possible for people to recognize what he was talking about through skillful wordplay. It became successful commercially, reaching No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while also being nominated for a Grammy Award under the Best Rap Solo Performance category.
Further, the music video for “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” could easily be said to be one of the most remembered videos in Busta Rhymes’s career as an artist. It had lively and surreal visuals, directed by Hype Williams, inspired by the film Coming to America. This single alone also solidified him not only as one of the best rappers alive today.
3. “Gimme Some More” (1998)
Released in 1998, “Gimme Some More” is the lead single from Busta Rhymes’ third studio album, E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front. The track perfectly showcases Busta’s quick delivery and exceptional storytelling abilities. Built around a sample of Bernard Herrmann’s “Psycho” theme, the song’s high-energy tempo and eerie backdrop create an intense listening experience. The track quickly became a fan favorite, reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart. It also earned critical acclaim for its innovative production and Busta’s relentless flow.
Additionally, The music video for “Gimme Some More” is just as dynamic and unforgettable as the song itself. Directed by Hype Williams once again, the video features surreal and exaggerated visuals that match Busta’s larger-than-life persona. The video’s cartoonish style highlights Busta’s creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional hip-hop aesthetics. “Gimme Some More” remains one of Busta Rhymes’ most iconic songs, exemplifying his ability to blend humor, intensity, and technical skill into a cohesive and captivating work.
4. “Break Ya Neck” (2001)
“Break Ya Neck,” a single from Busta Rhymes’s fifth studio album Genesis, is a high-energy song that highlights his ability to rap faster than many of his peers while still being able to breathe. Produced by Dr. Dre and Scott Storch, the track has an accelerated beat that perfectly suits Busta’s fast-paced delivery. The song was commercially successful, peaking at No. 10 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and becoming one of his most popular tracks.
The “Break Ya Neck” music video intensifies this energy even more as it shows different locations where Busta delivers his verses in dynamic and visually appealing ways. The fast cuts and sequences full of energy presented in the clip reflect the unstoppable tempo of the track itself, making it a great visual experience. “Break Ya Neck” remains one of fans’ most beloved songs, besides being frequently performed live by Busta Rhymes, who always provides evidence for his incredible skills, thus gaining recognition as one of the best rappers, technically speaking, within hip hop history.
5. “Touch It” (2006)
The song “Touch It” was released in 2006 as the first single from Busta Rhymes’s seventh studio album, The Big Bang. This club anthem continued to put Busta on the map of mainstream hip-hop. Further, “Touch It” samples Daft Punk’s “Technologic,” and this is what makes it catchy, futuristic even, as a background for Busta’s commanding voice. In no time did “Touch It” become a commercial success by reaching No. 16 on Billboard Hot 100 and dominating dance floors all over America, too.
This much-loved track has many remixes, with Mary J. Blige adding her touch. Missy Elliot raps along with Lloyd Banks, among others featured on these versions. Each one gives it its unique style or panache but still keeps it relevant, thus showing how much Busta liked working together with other artists.
Pete Rock and CL Smooth were a definitive rap group of the 1990s. They made some of the smoothest hip-hop of the era alongside Gang Starr and A Tribe Called Quest. As with any long term collab, however, tensions arose. Pete Rock and CL Smooth went their separate ways in 1995, and despite linking back up for reunions in the 2000s and 2010s, the two artists always seem to split. There hasn’t been a whole lot said about the reasoning for these numerous splits. That is, until Rock addressed the pattern during a recent episode of Drink Champs.
Pete Rock had nothing but positive things to say about his former partner. “He’s the best talent I ever came across in my whole life,” the producer explained. “I’ve never heard a guy rap like this, I’ve never heard a voice like this. We shared great times together. Don’t get it all f*cked up now, we’ve had our good times.” It wasn’t a matter of clashing personalities, but rather the natural tensions that rise from being around the same person for years on end. At least, that’s how Rock felt. “Just like life,” he noted. “People have ups and downs.”
These ups and downs ultimately made it difficult for Pete Rock and CL Smooth to grow as a duo. The former noted that growth for them as individuals began to differ from their growth as a unit. “Sometimes, when we’re in the negative zone, we go like this [does split motion],” he stated. “What we would wish for each other is growth, but when one is growing and one isn’t, then it’s still uneven.” Rock then shocked the hosts and the listeners by claiming that he and CL Smooth should still be together today. He didn’t care to get into specifics as to why they weren’t, however.
“We should still be together,” the producer asserted. “But some things, you know, that I can’t tell the whole public. Certain things happen in a partnership that just can’t be… and people won’t understand. I don’t want to be the only one speaking on someone who’s not here, but I wish him the best in life.” This take is a far cry from 2018, when Rock and Smooth decided to scrap their planned third album. The duo teased a reunion on wax after Smooth appeared on Rock’s Soul Survivor series, but the excitement was short-lived. According to HipHopDX, the album was scrapped due to resurfacing tensions.
Now, all the votes are in (including those of Uproxx’s own Steven Hyden), and last night (April 21), the Rock Hall revealed who’s getting in this year. The list is as follows:
Performer Category
Mary J. Blige
Cher
Dave Matthews Band
Foreigner
Peter Frampton
Kool & The Gang
Ozzy Osbourne
A Tribe Called Quest
Musical Influence Award
Alexis Korner
John Mayall
Big Mama Thornton
Musical Excellence Award
Jimmy Buffett
MC5
Dionne Warwick
Norman Whitfield
Ahmet Ertegun Award
Suzanne de Passe
The “performer” inductees are the ones selected by Rock Hall voters, while the other honors are doled out by the Rock Hall themselves.
As for nominees who didn’t end up get the votes for induction this year, that list includes Mariah Carey, Jane’s Addiction, Sade, Sinead O’Connor, Oasis, Lenny Kravitz, and Eric B. & Rakim.
Liam Gallagher presumably won’t be too upset about Oasis not making the cut this time around. After his band’s nomination was announced, he tweeted, “F*ck the Rock n Roll hall of fame its full of BUMBACLARTS,” as well as other things like, “I don’t need some wank award by some geriatric in a cowboy hat.”
Before jazz rap became a thing, many might have thought its two parent genres were too disparate to successfully mix. However, over the years, rappers have been able to adopt jazz elements into their music. At the heart of the convergence of hip-hop and Jazz, lies a profound appreciation for the essence of both genres. Moreover, in this soundscape, there have been groundbreaking, genre-bending works from iconic acts like A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr, among others. Newer artists have also tapped into the goldmine that is jazz rap, making beautiful music. The landscape of jazz-infused Hip Hop is now as diverse as it is dynamic, and we love to see it. Here’s a list of rappers who are masters at blending hip-hop and jazz.
Noname
It goes without saying that Noname is a very exciting musical talent, especially in the jazz rap scene. Since she started rapping in 2010, her artistry has evolved year after year, and now, she is in prime form. While she is not as widely known as some other names on this list, the rapper is no greenhorn. She has been masterfully blending jazz and Hip Hop since Telefone (2016). Her effortless flow and lyricism are also showcased throughout the jazz-inspired soundscapes of Room 25 and Sundial.Noname is one of the rappers pushing the boundaries with jazz elements in the Hip Hop space right now.
In the annals of musical fusion, few names shine as brightly as J Dilla. Although he is no longer with us, this visionary producer and rapper left an indelible mark on the world of Hip Hop. Renowned for his unparalleled knack for crafting sound, Dilla’s sonic palette was as diverse as it was groundbreaking. With projects like Donuts and the posthumous The Shining, he showed the world that no one else was doing jazz rap like him. Today, his legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to be inspired by his work. Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
Madlib
Not many hip-hop artists have mastered blending jazz with hip-hop the way Madlib has. A master craftsman, his musical odyssey has been marked by an insatiable curiosity, which has served him well. Because of his hunger to explore, Madlib has reached high levels of mastery of his sound. His impressive expertise of jazz rap is on full display, particularly on Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note. The album is as smooth as one can expect a fusion of jazz and Hip Hop to sound. However, as an MC, he’s dished out plenty of pitched up bars over jazz-centric production as Quasimoto, a duo made up of Madlib and his animated alter-ego, Lord Quas.
This Hip Hop trio came out swinging in 1992 when they dropped “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” It served as the lead single of their critically acclaimed debut album, Reachin’ (A New Refutation Of Time And Space. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important jazz-inspired Hip Hop albums of the ‘90s. Admittedly, their discography is quite compact as they only ever released two studio albums. However, they are both excellently executed and notable works in the jazz rap space.
Following the success of their debut album, The Roots released their sophomore album on January 17, 1995. Do You Want More?!!!??! is a jazz rap masterpiece that put the group under the spotlight. While their subsequent albums are also great examples of jazz rap done right, it is their sophomore album that takes the cake. Masterfully crafted, it earned The Roots widespread acclaim and a spot on this list. Evidently, the rappers in this Hip Hop band have a true understanding of jazz rap.
In the pantheon of jazz rappers, few names carry as much weight and reverence as Guru. One half of the iconic duo Gang Starr, Guru was already recognized as a pioneer of the genre. However, when he dropped Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 in 1993, he raised the bar even further. Subsequently, he released three additional Jazzmatazz volumes, as well as a few other albums. Unfortunately, the rapper passed away in 2010. However, he lives on through his musical catalog, which is a gold mine for fans of jazz rap.
A Tribe Called Quest
Hip Hop fans all over the globe know A Tribe Called Quest, they are just that iconic. However, some may not realize just how revered this group is in the jazz rap scene. With albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, they firmly situated themselves as pioneers of the movement. Likewise, those albums announced them as masters of the genre that is jazz rap. Although they have now disbanded, the group’s influence continues to reverberate through the world of Hip Hop and beyond.
Even though Phife’s premature passing was unfortunate, he was able to leave a legacy of his innermost thoughts in the form of rhyme. As a member of undoubtedly one of Hip Hop’s greatest groups of all time, it’s only right that he’s saluted for his lyrical skills on his born day.
On many of ATCQ’s tracks, fans have always rightfully celebrated Q-Tip’s lyricism, but rarely gave Phife Dawg his proper due. In honor of his birthday, we have put together a list of his top five hottest verses to shine light on the unsung lyrical phenom that is Phife Dawg.
5. “Electric Relaxation”– On this standout track from the album Midnight Marauders, Phife and The Abstract went toe to toe, trading off verse without a hook until the song ended, with standout bars like,
“Let me hit it from the back, girl I won’t catch a hernia/Bust off on your couch, now you got Seaman’s Furniture..”and let’s not forget, “I like ‘em brown, yellow, Puerto Rican or Haitian/Name is Phife Dawg from the Zulu Nation..”
4. “La Schmoove”– This was a featured verse from Phife Dawg on a track by Brooklyn rap tongue twisters Fu Schnickens. On this track, Phife had the third verse, yet opened it like it was his own song saying,
“Now here I go, once again with the ill flow/Other MC’s that rap, their style is so-so..”
3. “Scenario”– Being one of the most popular songs on A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory album, Phife Dawg’s opening verse is one that rings in the ears of many rap fans.
“Ayo, Bo knows this, and Bo knows that/ But bo don’t know jack cause Bo can’t rap//Well what do you know, the Di-Dawg, is first up to bat/No batteries included and no strings attached.”
2. “Award Tour”– Another cut from Midnight Marauders, Award Tour was a huge success for A Tribe Called Quest. It also houses some of Phife Dawg’s strongest metaphors.
“I have a quest to have a mic in my hand/without that, it’s like Kryptonite and Superman/So Shaheed come in with the sugar cuts/Phife Dawg’s my name, but on stage, call me Dynomutt”
“So, next time that you think you want something here/Make something dope or take that garbage to St. Elsewhere…”
1. “Buggin Out”– Coming from their most popular album, this is regarded as Phife’s illest bars. Phife Dawg spit two of the hardest verses on the album on this one record.
“Yo microphone check one, two, what is this?/The five foot assassin with the roughneck business/I float like gravity, never had a cavity/Got more rhymes than the Winans got family..”
“You soar off to another world, deep in your mind/But people seem to take that, as being unkind/’Oh yo he’s acting stank,’ really on the regal?/a man of the fame not a man of the people/believe that if you want but I tell you this much/riding on the train with no dough, sucks..”
Ahead of its time to say the least, A Tribe Called Quest’s experimental, alternative, jazz rap was originally unappreciated by mainstream audiences. It took six years for the Tribe’s first album to hit gold. The album might not have been a huge commercial success at first, but their innovative and comedic sound beautifully balanced the light-hearted social consciousness of their tracks. Although “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” was critically acclaimed, some critics felt that the inspired lyricism and unique humor was at times overshadowed by the group’s immaturity and lack of focus. Their debut album did, however, generate buzz within the Alternative Hip Hop community that has gained them a devout cult following. Today “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” is certified gold, and in The Source Magazines’s 100 Best Rap Albums. Other accolades include a 5 mic rating from The Source, 4 stars out of 5 by The Rolling Stone Album Guide, and a 3.5 out of 4 stars by the Chicago Tribune.
Regardless of which generation you belong to, every true Hip Hop fan can remember the first time they heard “Can I kick It?” by saying “yes I can!”…and how it changed their perception of the genre. In honor of this special day in Hip Hop history we did some digging and found old school Source articles reviewing “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”, so feel free to take a look at the history.
