About that Tribe movie…

A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest

Re: Phife’s breakdown, it made me emotional to think about some dudes not even out of their teens going on to have such a huge impact on music and on so many lives, like mine.

In the pantheon of popular music, it’s common for groups to reach amazing heights then develop so much internal rancor that they could come to blows, yet still have love for each other, or at least be able to still work together. As messy as the inside view of them must be based on reviews I’ve read, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. Check Fleetwood Mac for a serious beef/longevity cycle.

I can also understand Tip as the tortured artist, as cliché as that sounds. It’s easy to develop a myopic view of how you’re perceived when you live in your head all the time, and it’s a weird place that great art springs out of as a side effect. I bet for all he’s accomplished, he might have a loud little hater that won’t shut up, like so many of us creatives.

Ultimately though… Phife’s mom. Can’t beat that wisdom.

“You better go and enjoy this, because it’s something that doesn’t happen every day. It’s a movie about your guys’ life and your music and your legacy. The least you could do is enjoy it.”

The world loves these guys and they worked hard for it. I wish they’d smell their flowers while they still can. I bet Phife’s flirtation with death influences his perspective.

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