A Tribe Called Quest was a hip-hop group formed in 1985 in Queens, New York City. The group is known for its innovative and socially conscious approach to hip-hop, blending elements of jazz, funk, and soul into their music. They have released five studio albums, with their final album “We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service” being released in 2016, following the death of founding member Phife Dawg.
As one of the most influential and respected hip-hop groups of all time, A Tribe Called Quest has left an indelible mark on the genre. With a discography that spans over three decades, they have produced numerous classic tracks that have stood the test of time. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best A Tribe Called Quest songs of all time, taking into account factors such as cultural impact, lyrical content, and musicality. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the group’s music, this list will showcase some of the best work of one of the most important groups in hip-hop history.
1. Can I Kick It?
“Can I Kick It?” is one of A Tribe Called Quest’s most recognizable and beloved tracks. Released in 1990, the song features a sample from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” and showcases the group’s unique blend of jazz-infused beats and socially conscious lyrics. The song’s title, which has become a cultural catchphrase in its own right, speaks to the group’s desire to carve out their own space in the world of hip-hop and assert their right to be heard. With its laid-back groove and catchy chorus, “Can I Kick It?” remains a timeless classic and a testament to A Tribe Called Quest’s enduring legacy.
2. Bonita Applebum
“Bonita Applebum” is a classic A Tribe Called Quest track that was released in 1990 as part of their debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”. The song is a smooth and sensual ode to a woman named Bonita, with rapper Q-Tip delivering his signature mellow flow over a sample of RAMP’s “Daylight”. The song’s chorus, which features a catchy call-and-response between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, has become one of the most iconic in hip-hop history. “Bonita Applebum” is widely regarded as one of the group’s signature songs and is a prime example of their ability to blend jazz and soul samples with socially conscious lyrics and laid-back, mellow vibes.
3. I Left My Wallet In El Segundo
“I Left My Wallet In El Segundo” is a lighthearted and humorous track from A Tribe Called Quest’s second album, “The Low End Theory”. Released in 1991, the song tells the story of Q-Tip and Phife Dawg’s misadventures on a road trip to California, during which Q-Tip accidentally leaves his wallet in the small town of El Segundo. The track’s catchy beat and playful lyrics make it a fan favorite and showcase the group’s ability to balance serious social commentary with more light-hearted material. “I Left My Wallet In El Segundo” remains a classic example of A Tribe Called Quest’s unique style and their ability to inject fun and humor into their music, while still delivering important messages about society and culture.
4. Check the Rhime
“Check the Rhime” is a standout track from A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 album, “The Low End Theory”. The song features the group’s signature jazz-infused beats and witty, socially conscious lyrics, with Q-Tip and Phife Dawg trading verses over a sample of “Can I Kick It?” The track’s catchy chorus and infectious groove have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the group’s live shows. “Check the Rhime” is notable for its celebration of hip-hop culture and the power of language, with Q-Tip and Phife Dawg showcasing their lyrical prowess and wordplay. The song remains a testament to A Tribe Called Quest’s ability to blend serious social commentary with more playful material, and stands as a classic example of the group’s influential sound and style.
5. Electric Relaxation
“Electric Relaxation” is a smooth and sensual track from A Tribe Called Quest’s 1993 album, “Midnight Marauders”. The song features a laid-back beat and a jazzy sample from Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew”, over which Q-Tip delivers his signature flow. The lyrics celebrate the pleasures of romance and intimacy, with Q-Tip rapping about “doin’ it in the park” and “beating down the block to the boogie all day”. The song’s chorus, which features a sample from the jazz group Ronnie Laws’ “Tidal Wave”, is one of the most memorable in the group’s catalog. “Electric Relaxation” is a classic example of A Tribe Called Quest’s ability to blend jazz and hip-hop influences into a unique and innovative sound. The track remains a fan favorite and a testament to the group’s enduring legacy in the world of hip-hop.
6. Excursions
“Excursions” is the opening track from A Tribe Called Quest’s seminal 1991 album, “The Low End Theory”. The song features a sample from jazz musician Ronnie Laws’ “Tidal Wave” and showcases the group’s signature blend of jazz-infused beats and socially conscious lyrics. The track’s lyrics explore themes of cultural identity and the power of hip-hop music to connect people across different backgrounds and experiences. Q-Tip’s verse in particular is notable for its clever wordplay and references to other influential hip-hop artists, such as Rakim and KRS-One. “Excursions” is widely regarded as one of the most important songs in A Tribe Called Quest’s catalog, and a groundbreaking track in the world of hip-hop. The song’s innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
7. Scenario
“Scenario” is one of A Tribe Called Quest’s most iconic and influential tracks, released in 1991 as part of the “The Low End Theory” album. The song features a memorable opening verse from Leaders of the New School member Busta Rhymes, as well as standout verses from Q-Tip and Phife Dawg. The track’s infectious beat and catchy chorus, which features the refrain “Here we go, yo, here we go, yo / So what’s the scenario?”, have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the group’s live shows. “Scenario” is notable for its energetic and dynamic sound, as well as its celebration of hip-hop culture and the power of collaboration. The song remains a classic example of A Tribe Called Quest’s unique style and enduring legacy in the world of hip-hop.
8. Oh My God
“Oh My God” is a standout track from A Tribe Called Quest’s fourth studio album, “Beats, Rhymes and Life”, released in 1996. The song features a funky, bass-heavy beat and showcases the group’s signature lyrical style, with Q-Tip and Phife Dawg trading verses about their love for hip-hop and their place in the music industry. The track’s catchy chorus, which features a sample from the song “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight” by Kool & the Gang, has become one of the most memorable in the group’s catalog. “Oh My God” is notable for its innovative sound and complex wordplay, with Q-Tip and Phife Dawg delivering rapid-fire verses full of clever rhymes and cultural references. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to A Tribe Called Quest’s enduring legacy as one of the most important groups in the history of hip-hop.
9. Jazz (We’ve Got)
“Jazz (We’ve Got)” is a standout track from A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 album, “The Low End Theory”. The song features a jazzy, laid-back beat and showcases the group’s signature blend of jazz and hip-hop influences. The lyrics celebrate the power of music to bring people together, with Q-Tip rapping about the group’s ability to “smooth it out like butter” and “connect the dots with the jazz we’ve got”. The track features a memorable bassline and samples from jazz legends such as Miles Davis and Ron Carter, making it a prime example of A Tribe Called Quest’s innovative and influential sound. “Jazz (We’ve Got)” remains a fan favorite and a testament to the group’s enduring legacy as one of the most important and influential groups in the history of hip-hop.
10. Award Tour
“Award Tour” is a classic A Tribe Called Quest track from their 1993 album, “Midnight Marauders”. The song features a funky, bass-heavy beat and showcases the group’s signature lyrical style, with Q-Tip and Phife Dawg trading verses about their travels and experiences on tour. The track’s catchy chorus, which features a sample from the song “We Gettin’ Down” by Weldon Irvine, has become one of the most recognizable in the group’s catalog. “Award Tour” is notable for its upbeat and energetic sound, as well as its celebration of hip-hop culture and the power of collaboration. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to A Tribe Called Quest’s enduring legacy as one of the most important and influential groups in the history of hip-hop.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
