Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest delivered an emotional speech at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction, paying tribute to his late bandmate Phife Dawg.
During the prestigious ceremony, streamed live on Disney+, the iconic group A Tribe Called Quest was inducted by none other than Dave Chappelle. Chappelle, who shared gratitude for the group inviting him to ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2016, emphasized their pivotal influence on his career.
As the spotlight shone on A Tribe Called Quest, a video tribute narrated by industry heavyweights like Andre 3000, Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill, and others celebrated the group’s legacy. Clips of both past and present moments highlighted their enduring impact on music and culture.
Taking the stage with Phife Dawg’s parents and Ali Shaheed Muhammad’s wife, Jarobi White opened the acceptance with heartfelt words, stressing gratitude rather than anecdotes. He thanked significant cities in his life, fans worldwide, and shared a touching moment with Q-Tip, expressing profound admiration for his ‘big brother.’
When Q-Tip addressed the crowd, he navigated the mix of joy and grief with poise. He acknowledged the numerous people he wished to thank, humorously noting they’d need a social media post for all the names. Yet, he paused, visibly moved, to honor Phife Dawg with a heartfelt ‘I wish you were here.’
Q-Tip shared various acknowledgments, from Dr. Emma Boyce, affectionately called ‘Grandma,’ for supporting their early days, to DJ Red Alert for giving them their break. Phife’s father’s heartfelt contribution further added to the emotional resonance of the ceremony.
In a powerful culmination, surviving members of De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, and others joined A Tribe Called Quest on stage. Together, they ignited the room with performances of classics like ‘Can I Kick It?’ and ‘Bonita Applebum,’ creating a memorable rendition of ‘Scenario.’
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony was a profound moment of nostalgia and honor for A Tribe Called Quest, blending celebration with heartfelt remembrance of Phife Dawg.
