Q-Tip spits on “Verses from the Abstract” with an unconventional flow, landing in unusual pockets, that seem to work, creating a funky style of rap that has influenced hip hop artists since it’s release. The lyrical content of his signature song seems to emanate from stream-of-conscious thoughts with plenty of shout-outs to prominent rappers of the group’s scene. Tribe brought in recording jazz bassist Ron Carter to pull off a jazzy, yet funky bassline for the beat.

lyrics

Open in browser ↗

View on Last.fm →More by A Tribe Called Quest →The Low End Theory →