Dave Chappelle took the stage in Cleveland at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to introduce A Tribe Called Quest.
Chappelle tried to play a recording but faced technical issues, so he read the group’s members’ names himself: Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, and Jarobi. He said it was an honor to induct them.
Reflecting on their journey, he shared how they influenced him during his break from Hollywood, recalling a Chinese proverb about using what you have, much like the group did by turning friendship into music. People think it’s cool how they mixed old records into new hip-hop sounds.
Fans often find it amazing how these friendships can turn into something big.
When they first started, their album had the catchy tune “Can I Kick It?” Even though sales were low initially, their impact on culture was huge, showing that hip-hop could be fresh without being tough.
In 1991, music changed forever when they released “The Low End Theory,” alongside other great albums from Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album’s title cleverly hinted at both music and societal themes, with Busta Rhymes shining in “Scenario.”
Tribe believed in unity, helping create the Native Tongues collective with artists like De La Soul and Queen Latifah. Though part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this hip-hop movement gave rise to many iconic artists.
After Phife’s sudden passing, Chappelle chose his funeral over a Prince concert, joining friends to remember Phife at Q-Tip’s house. That night, they laughed, reminisced, and heard Phife’s last recording, “Thank You 4 Your Service, We Got It from Here.” Tribe’s kindness helped Chappelle return to TV on “Saturday Night Live,” for which he’s forever thankful. Applaud A Tribe Called Quest!
