A Tribe Called Quest, who are regarded as one of the best rap groups of all time, were officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
At a capacity crowd at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, (Oct.19), A Tribe Called Quest received their flowers.
Presented by Dave Chappelle, the comedian paid tribute to the group’s influence on him.
“After Phife passed away — yes, make some noise for Phife — though I remember it happened suddenly. I had tickets to a Prince concert, and Phife passed, and the same night for those tickets was Phife’s funeral. Wasn’t even a question,” Chappelle said.
“And we went to the Apollo to say goodbye to one of hip-hop’s heroes,” he continued. “And that was a very difficult time.”
After Phifes’s memorial, Dave recalled meeting with ATCQ and other rap legends.
“Everyone met at Q-Tip’s house, and me, an outsider, got to see the Native Tongues be together and mourn their friends,” Chappelle said. “Latifah was there, and everybody was there. De La was there. And we laughed that night.”
Q-Tip gave an emotional speech in his acceptance of the prestigious honor.
“Rest in peace to our brother Phife Dawg. I wish you were here,” Q-Tip said.
“There’s so many people for us to thank, that we’re probably gonna post all the names on IG,” Q-Tip. “So stay tuned. Because if I say everybody’s names up here, it would be ridiculous.”
“I think Dave hit it on the head: we didn’t even think this was something to aspire to. My boy Phife Dawg, give it up for Phife Dawg,” Jarobi White added.
“I don’t have any stories; all I have is gratitude,” Q-Tip said before introducing Phife’s parents and thanking his own family.
Ja “I love your dirty drawls, boy. I love you to death. Thank you for your tutelage, support, the gift of this life,” Jarobi continued. I wouldn’t be the same without all of my brothers. I’m really glad and proud to call you guys my big brothers.”
Ali Shaheed Muhammad was not in attendance.
Other honorees in the evening included Mary J. Blige, Dionne Warwick, Kool & the Gang, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Norman Whitfield, Big Mama Thronton, and Suzanne De Passe.
Emerging on the scene more than 30 years ago, ATCQ has one of the most acclaimed discographies. People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders are all hip-hop classics.
ATCQ joins a growing list of rap acts who are inducted into the Rock Hall. Past inductees include Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, N.W.A, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Eminem, and Missy Elliot.
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