In an electrifying night in Cleveland, hip hop fans were treated to a brilliant tribute to A Tribe Called Quest at their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
The celebration kicked off with comedian Dave Chappelle introducing the legendary group, followed by an emotional speech from Q-Tip. A star-studded lineup including Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Common, Queen Latifah, and The Roots then took the stage, delighting the audience with a medley of A Tribe Called Quest’s greatest hits.
With The Roots as the live band and Maseo on the ones and twos, Queen Latifah ignited the crowd with a lively rendition of “Can I Kick It?” Black Thought and Posdnuos followed, skillfully trading verses on “Check the Rhime.” Meanwhile, Common brought his soulful vibe to “Bonita Applebum,” and Busta Rhymes rounded off the set with his high-energy performance of “Scenario (Remix),” to everyone’s delight.
Afterwards, Busta Rhymes shared his enthusiasm on Instagram, writing, “THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO YOU BETTER KNOW WE DEFINITELY AIN’T EVER GONNA STOP!!” capturing the spirit of the monumental evening.
Q-Tip and Jarobi White accepted the induction, graciously accompanied by the parents of the late Phife Dawg. Ali Shaheed Muhammad’s wife stood in for the absent DJ. During the heartfelt moment, Jarobi expressed his deep bond with Q-Tip, saying, “I love you to death. Thank you for your tutelage, support, the gift of this life.”
Q-Tip paused to honor their “brother Phife Dawg,” becoming emotional as he remembered him. He also thanked families and supporters, including Dr. Emma Boyce, as he recalled their earliest days working together. Notably, he mentioned Red Alert, a New York City DJ who was pivotal in launching their career.
The group’s induction alongside iconic names like Mary J. Blige and Ozzy Osbourne marks them as the 13th hip-hop act to join the hall, a testament to their influence and legacy in the music world.
As the echoes of A Tribe Called Quest’s hits faded, the night stood as a vivid reminder of their enduring impact on music and culture. This Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction wasn’t just an honor; it was a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
