5 Rare Tribe Called Quest Performances

Today is a rough day in hip-hop. Fans of all ages, from old to new school, are mourning the loss of Phife Dawg.

The legendary 5 Foot Assassin from A Tribe Called Quest died last night at the age of 45. Tribe has not released an official statement yet, but legends such as DJ Scratch and Punchline of Punch & Words confirmed the news. No cause of death has been stated, though Phife was diagnosed with diabetes back in the ’90s.

To remember the legendary Tribesman, we have put together a list of rare performances from the group. Our thoughts are with Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi, and friends and family:

“Can I Kick It?” – Showtime At The Apollo

The Tribe went uptown and appeared on the Apollo TV show from the ’90s. One album in and the audience at the theater was loving them.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbwJgduQ3qo&w=650&h=360%5D

“Check The Rhyme” – In Living Color

Tribe came to the classic comedy show that was home to the Wayans family. Peep a young Jennifer Lopez, back when she was one of the Fly Girls, introducing the legendary group.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIRp7Gp5uyo&w=650&h=360%5D

Interview & Freestyle – Arsenio Hall

In this clip, the group sits with Arsenio and talks about making “Award Tour.” Then Phife spits a freestyle as Tip provides a beat box for him. Check how Ali and Tip are excited about an 18-year-old singer who plays multiple instruments: D’Angelo.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYmw98437Aw&w=650&h=360%5D

“Rumble In The Jungle” – Late Night with David Letterman

This is a gem. Tribe performed this rare song from the Rumble In The Jungle soundtrack with the Fugees, John Forte, and Busta Rhymes. Need we say more?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-M1nE28SZ4&w=650&h=360%5D

Freestyle – Rap City

Tip and Phife dropped a quick freestyle during an appearance on the BET show. This was when Joe Clair was hosting.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYqgZzfl0zM&w=650&h=360%5D

BONUS: Sprite Commercial

Back in the day, nearly every rapper appeared in a Sprite commercial. Tribe was no exception.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kg5gdJxZHk&w=650&h=360%5D

SOURCE: YouTube | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty 

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#RIPPhifeDawg: 5 Rare A Tribe Called Quest Performances was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.preprod.go.ione.nyc