Top 30 Greatest A Tribe Called Quest Songs

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Top 30 Greatest A Tribe Called Quest Songs

With the release of the Michael Rapaport-directed documentary film Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, many have been pleasantly reminded of just how groundbreaking and influential Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad—and Jarobi, too—were to Hip-Hop music and culture. The DNA of the group and their Native Tongues cohorts can still be found in today’s biggest hip-hop artists, from Kanye West to Odd Future to, yes, Lupe Fiasco. Tribe’s innovative sampling, slick wordplay and underground to commercial bridging appeal made them eternal fan favorites, despite their last official album being released 13 years ago. Picking thirty of the best A Tribe Called Quest songs is impossible, but worth trying anyway.—Alvin "Aqua Boogie" Blanco and Carl Chery
Push It Along

30. ”Push It Along” People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)

Though it marks an earlier stage in Tribe’s evolution, this track still holds up in Tribe’s catalog. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p0kLGoB-7yE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p0kLGoB-7yE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Butter

29. ”Butter” The Low End Theory (1991)

“Buggin’ Out” may have been Phife Dawg’s coming out party, but on “Butter” the 5 Foot assassin proved he could hold the fort down without the Abstract rhyming by his side, if need be.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QB9PiW68yQg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QB9PiW68yQg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
1nceAgain

27. “1nce Again” Beats, Rhymes & Life (1996)

Critics may have panned Beats, Rhymes & Life, but with the late Jay Dee/J. Dilla helping with the beats, it’s time you revisit. Start with “1nce Again.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uLlZ7mjHPRs?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uLlZ7mjHPRs?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
tribe-called-quest

26. “Midnight” Midnight Marauders (1993)

“Jake be getting illy when the sun get dark, he be coming out forheads but chill, don’t let me start,” spits Q-Tip, effortlesslyweaving a tale about a night filled with gambling, partying, crooked cops,and more.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4W5bEw1PJU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4W5bEw1PJU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
find-a-way

25. “Find a Way” The Love Movement (1998)

Following what many consider to be Tribe’s worst output, Beats, Rhymes and Life, this lead single showed that the legendary group still had plenty left in the tank.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-tjrM9qugQ?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-tjrM9qugQ?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
a-tribe-called-quest-590kc032311

24. “Verses from the Abstract” The Low End Theory (1991)

Jazz giant Ron Carter on the bass with the funky singing by Ms. Vinia Mojica, official chanteuse of the Native Tongue. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A75MsdqU-jc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A75MsdqU-jc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
a-tribe-called-quest-1

23. “The Infamous Date Rape” The Low End Theory (1991)

One of the finest displays of Tip’s knack for conveying a message without coming off preachy.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ks0kDOZ4Vy4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ks0kDOZ4Vy4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
chase pt2

22. “The Chase Part 2” Midnight Marauders (1993)

Can you really lose with a choice Biz Markie sample? Tip and Phife come through with the breezy wordplay to make the cipher complete. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lXJe2EcOClU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lXJe2EcOClU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
LuckyLucien

21. “Luck of Lucien” People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)

How does a 19-year-old kid from Queens have enough insight to pen a tale about a down-on-his luck Parisian? Only Tip, with inspiration from the real life Lucien.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rNZNGmdRdmk?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rNZNGmdRdmk?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
OhmyGod

20. “Oh My God” Midnight Marauders (1993)

Admit it, you could listen to Busta Rhymes roaring “Oh my God yes, oh my God,” all day, every day. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ETVwuOv69R0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ETVwuOv69R0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
07hhh_15

19. “Vibes & Stuff” The Low End Theory (1991)

Cypress Hill flipped the same Grant Green sample on “Stoned is the Way of the Walk” about a month prior to hearing Tribe’s. Close, but we’re giving the edge to the crew from Queens. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CRr6W-zVCdw?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CRr6W-zVCdw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Steve Biko

18. “Steve Biko (Stir It Up),” Midnight Marauders (1993)

Titled after the famed South African apartheid activist, this opening song set the tone for arguably Tribe’s most cohesive listen yet.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wf9Hh6pu78I?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wf9Hh6pu78I?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
show business

17. “Show Business” The Low End Theory (1991)

Tribe, Diamond D and half of Brand Nubian on the same track? Nuff said. “You don’t wanna make a Pitch that’s Wild.” Get it. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zflDclWNiOg?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zflDclWNiOg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
atcq-bw-image

16. “Footprints” People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1991)

A choice album cuts from the group’s debut, “Footprints” utilizes a sample of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” and Donald Byrd’s “Think Twice” along with their trademark thumping drums to create this standout album cut. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zqc1R1ggllo?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zqc1R1ggllo?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
i-left-my-wallet-in-el-segundo

15. “I Left My Wallet in El Segundo,” People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)

Tip’s storytelling skills take front and center as he weaves “8 Million Stories” into one. Shout out to Ali Shaheed Muhammad with the fruit punch. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NCxFL5od9D0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NCxFL5od9D0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
God Lives Through

14. “God Lives Through” Midnight Marauders (1993)

Q-Tip and Phife Dawg put the capstone on the Midnight Marauders with a pair of flawless verses that essentially stamp the album a classic. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/auOFp8rnaII?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/auOFp8rnaII?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Jazz-276524

13. “Jazz (We Got)” The Low End Theory (1991)

Perhaps Tribe’s most blatant contribution to hip-hop and jazz fusion, this horn-laced single smoothly delivered a laid back vibe that was anything but soft. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1gnhOmcbwN0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1gnhOmcbwN0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Excursions

12. “Excursions” The Low End Theory (1991)

Any thought of a sophomore jinx was null and void when the bass kicks in and Q-Tip starts ripping rhymes in this opening track. The Low End Theory arrived, with a sonic kick to your face.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4poAOhrsvWE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4poAOhrsvWE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Lyrics to Go

11. “Lyrics To Go” Midnight Marauders (1993)

Q-Tip chopped and looped up a Minnie Riperton sample (“Inside My Love”) to perfection for him and Phife to lyrically explain why they were hip-hop’s dynamic duo. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/onGtPe4XCtU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/onGtPe4XCtU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
A+Tribe+Called+Quest

10. “Buggin’ Out,” The Low End Theory (1991)

“Microphone check one two, what is this?,” spit Phife Dawg on his opening verse. And just like that the Five Footer had graduated from being Tip’s sidekick to arguably outshining him on this Low End standout.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NaIDj6vBEoU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NaIDj6vBEoU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
album-midnight-marauders

9. “Sucka Nigga” Midnight Marauders (1993)

Every couple of years a debate about the continued use of the N-word is sparked. Back in 1993, the Abstract Poetic eloquently explained its controversy and why it’s used as a “term of endearment” lyrically.
can-i-kick-it-jive-1

8. “Can I Kick It? (Spirit Mix)” Can I Kick It 12" (1990)

The album version was cool, but check for the video version a.k.a. the “Spirit Mix.” Funky. Hey, even Jay-Z liked it (see: “22 Twos”)<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sYWtwDxEjMU?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sYWtwDxEjMU?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
hot_sex-01241-42094-1-1141296765

7. “Hot Sex” Boomerang Soundtrack (1992)

The Boomerang Soundtrack was forgettable, but it at least offered Quest fans a bonus track not found on their albums; dropping after Low End Theory and before Midnight Marauders.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HWuXSVAP9cM?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HWuXSVAP9cM?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
A-Tribe-Called-Quest

6. “Scenario (Remix)” Scenario 12” (1992)

Topping the original was a quasi-impossible feat, but this remix came damn close. Initially released as the B-side of the “Scenario” single it later landed on The Love Movement in 1998.<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e-p-JqQSQg4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e-p-JqQSQg4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Award_Tour

5. “Award Tour” Midnight Marauders (1993)

A Top 5 track on any true Tribe fan’s list, the Weldon Irvine sampling, Dave of De La Soul assisted jam was the lead single to Tribe’s triumphant third album. Do that, do that, do, do, that, that, that!
Bonita-Applebum-520094

4. “Bonita Applebum” People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)

Tribe’s first hit single, “Bonita Applebum” has been referenced by everyone from Lil Wayne to Black Eyed Peas and sampled by The Fugees, just to name a few. 38, 24, 37, indeed. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HU_4pf8BSQw?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HU_4pf8BSQw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
electric-relaxation

3. “Electric Relaxation” Midnight Marauders (1993)

For those of you still making up their own words to the chorus, it’s, “Relax yourself girl, please settle down.” Shout out to Seaman’s furniture and Phife’s double entendres. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y9B7rxtxZs4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y9B7rxtxZs4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
ChecktheRhime

2. “Check the Rhime” The Low End Theory (1991)

The lead single to Tribe’s classic sophomore set, “Check the Rhime” features Phife and Tip’s seamless chemistry over a sped up loop of Minnie Ripperton’s “Baby This Love I Have,” but is mostly easily remembered for the Abstract’s iconic line: “Industry rule no. 4080, record company people are shaddyyyyyyy.”<object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BQT2DfzpCLA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BQT2DfzpCLA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Scenario

1. “Scenario” The Low End Theory (1991)

A Tribe Called Quest asserting themselves as one of hip-hop’s best groups then invite young upstarts Leaders of the New School to get down on a track. The result is “The Scenario,” easily hip-hop’s greatest posse cut, ever. <object width="620" height="25"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WrhHH3_t218?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WrhHH3_t218?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="25" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Flow

one of the strongest things to do is to make a different between all songs from that spirituell intelligent hip hop group.they were,are and will be my favourite artists.ceck their rhymes !!!
Bobby

You left off a lot of great Tribe songs like “Keep it Rollin”, “We Can Get Down”, “Phony Rappers”, “The Night He Got Caught”, “What?”, “Crew”, “The Love”, “Mr. Incognito”, “Peace, Prosperity, and Paper”, “Common Ground”, “Jazz (remix)”, “Oh My God (remix)”, and “Description of a Fool”.
- http://www.slangrapdemocracy.com Alvin
  
  Every record you mentioned is dope, but what songs from the 30 would you swap out for those?
  - Bobby
    
    If I had to replace 5 songs I would definitely take off “After Hours”, “Footprints”, “El Segundo”, “Oh My God”, and “Hot Sex” and replace them with “Keep it Rollin”, “The Night He Got Caught”, “Oh My God (remix)”, “Jazz (remix)”, and “We Can Get Down”.
    - http://www.slangrapdemocracy.com Alvin
      
      I respect your opinion but I could make a case for why any of those songs you mentioned MUST stay. But hey, I’ll take a top 35 ATCQ songs playlist any day too. And let’s not forget “Glamour & Glitz,” “Busta’s Lament,” “Everything Is Fair,” “One, Two, Sh*t,” and “If the Papes Come.”
Matt C

Bobby, Phony Rappers is my jam
$yk

I like ‘Keep It Rollin’ & ‘Go Ahead In The Rain’
Donte

I feel like Electric Relaxation is there best song HANDS DOWN,….. but to think about it the two ahead of it could be argued
EffYou

I think Mr Muhammed should be on there somewhere
MindState

I love Tribe so much. Anyway for me it’s “Footprints”, “Jazz” “Butter” “Check The Rhime” “Vibes N Stuff” “Award Tour” “Sucka Nigga” “Midnight” “Electric Relaxation” “We Can Get Down” and “Busta’s Lament” just to name a few man for real. Oh yeah! “Oh My God”!! See I can go on and on..
M.I.S.C

Boomerang soundtrack “forgettable”? I still hear Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” and PM Dawn’s “Die Without You” to this day. Not to mention Toni Braxton’s “Love Should’ve Brought You Home”. #CmonSon.

other than that, good article.
http://www.justice.gov.za Ch*l*z

I confess ..most tracks r “new” 2 me……..classic though!!
jay

The Chase pt. 2 was my shit.
oskamadison

Shout out ot Alvin for bringin’ up “If the Papes Come” (Remember B-side joints?) Two I would have put up there are Youthful Expression from People’s Instinctive Travels(jazzy but funky) and Wordplay from BR&L (Dilla lives on).
So…How’s Your Girl?

Most rappers today only WISH they had 30 hits to choose from.
The Future

Great movie just watched it on Mixvid, love them
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it’s an alright list, but i think the original “Can I Kick It?” should be number 1 haha

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