Raised in a single parent household, I've proudly said for years that A Tribe Called Quest raised me. No hyperbole. I was blessed with an older brother that liked the Native Tongue sound more than Gangster Rap and the rest is history or...me. I listened to that A Low End Theory album like they were the gospel - psychics or prophets who gave me the blueprint on how to navigate Jamaica Queens. So I listened ...figuratively and literally. Songs like "Excursions" and "Everything is fair" to "The Infamous Date Rape", I went to that album when I didn't think I had someone to talk to or learn from...
"Competition dem try fe come side way
But competition they must come straight way
Competition dem try fe come side way
But competition they must come straight way" -Phife "We got the Jazz"
I learned more from this album than any class in middle school, high school, or college. So hearing Phife's passing was like hearing a family member die. I've no intention to belittle his actual family members. My condolences and I will forever keep you in my prayers. Please know that your blood gave life all across the world. In this case, a lil black boy that grew up in Queens.
"Me sweat another? I do my own thing
Strictly hardcore tracks, not a new jack swing" -Phife "We got the jazz"
I used to argue with my brothers all the time with who was better....Tip or Phife. We flip flopped all the time. Older I realize...it never mattered. They were perfect together. N' Phife...well Phife IS Queens...Phife IS Knicks...Phife is...Phife is...sigh. Phife is raw man...always will be.
"No shame in my game cause I'll always be the same
Styles upon styles upon styles is what I have
You wanna diss the Phifer but you still don't know the half
I sport New Balance sneakers to avoid a narrow path" -Phife "Buggin Out"
I stare at this post..hoping I say the right words...but...there are no words. A great man is resting in power. N' it's felt all across the world. We love you Phife. It's not in the songs post but I'd like to share one of Hip Hop's best bars that was written by Phife from the song entitled "The Infamous Date Rape".
“All of a sudden, her sugarwalls tumble down like Jericho
She's hotter than Meshach, Shadrach and Abendego” -Phife "The infamous date rape"
Rest in Power brother.
