Elton John Calls A Tribe Called Quest "The Seminal Hip Hop Band Of All Time"

BYErika Marie2.1K Views
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A Tribe Called Quest

The singer interviewed the rapper for his radio show.

Who knew that Elton John was a huge fan of A Tribe Called Quest? Tribe rapper Q-Tip was recently a guest on John's Beats 1 radio show, Rocket Hour. From the onset of the interview, the singer sings Q-Tip's praises, calling him a "legend in music" and claims he's been a superfan of the "laid back [but] funky" group decades. "If you don’t know A Tribe Called Quest, you’re stupid,” John said. “But if you listen to [‘Electric Relaxation’], you’ll understand why I rave about them.” 

To receive such high accolades from the likes of Elton John something that Q just couldn't take in. “Can I just say something? I really pinch myself when you say that something that I did is a favorite track,” Q-Tip said. “I’m just like still kind of like, ‘Am I dreaming?’ I feel like I’m in a different universe.” The two artists collaborated on "Solid Wall of Sound," a track from the final Tribe record, We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service, in 2016.

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“I was so happy to play that,” John said. “That’s where we first met you came to London, and we did a track in the studio, and it was such a huge honor for me. I was so excited. I just absolutely love this. This is such a takedown of what’s going on...That is such a great track. The album is a fantastic record. If you’re gonna bow out with a record, you better do something like that.”

“Thank you so much for being a part of our last record,” Q-Tip replied. “It meant so much to me. And just how everything ended.” John replied, “I’d love to do something with you. I can’t wait to hear some new stuff from you and what you’re producing. You’re brilliant. I love you. You are the best.”

The interview wasn't just about these two pouring out compliments to one another. Q-Tip also said that there are some solo projects he has in the works, as well as music that he's been working on with R&B diva Mary J. Blige, so stay tuned.


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.