Two weeks ago, I posted a blog entry on A Tribe Called Quest to celebrate their documentary coming to DVD on October 18, and it got me thinking about the collection of positive-minded, “real-talk” rappers whose voices were prominent in the 1980s and 1990s: The Native Tongues. Even though there are a sprinkling of artists presently doing their things who are on the same vibe, during the 80s and 90s is when they actually received consistent radio play and were able to get that positive message out there. So I thought, why not dedicate a post to reflecting on some of their profound quotes.
“Buddy” is a song that represents a few of the Native Tongue members. Check it out!
Black Sheep, “The Choice is Yours:” “You can get with this, or you can get with that. I think you’ll get with this, for this is where it’s at.”- Jungle Brothers, “Beyond This World” “Confused, no landing, no understanding. But I knew not to give what life was demanding. Found a new tab, thought I’d take a grab. Tired of brothers who feign to backstab”
- De La Soul, “Stakes is High:” “Man life can get all up in your ass baby you betta work it out. Let me tell you what it’s all about. A skin not considered equal. A meteor has more right than my people. Who be wastin’ time screaming who they’ve hated. That’s why the Native Tongues have officially been re-instated.”
- Queen Latifah, “U.N.I.T.Y.:” “Instinct leads me to another flow; Every time I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho. Trying to make a sister feel low. You know all of that gots to go.”
- Leaders of the New School, “Understanding the Inner Mind’s Eye: “Word is bond and I give my, Life before my word shall fall. Do me a favor listen up y’all. We got to activate social; Activity for one common cause, Cherish your mind or you will perish.
Brand Nubian, “Wake Up:” “You see, the answer to me is black unity . Unification to help our bad situation“- A Tribe Called Quest, “Oh My God:” “Listen up everybody the bottom line. I’m a black intellect, but unrefined; with precision like a bullet, target bound, just livin like a hooker, the harlett sounds.”
- Monie Love, “It’s a Shame:” “Get back on your feet please. I’m beggin you to check out all your own needs.
- Large Professor, “It’s About That Time:” “There’s a whole lotta rappers in the world today; Some good, there’s some that gotnothing to say, Some fake, some false, some imitation, But I’m the uncut raw for your generation.
- Fu-Schnickens, “Ring the Alarm“ ” You can tell I’m a lyrical prophet from the words spoken and broken up. In these books and scrolls that I unfold. The knowledge I use does make me bold. The intelligence in my system converts itself and becomes wisdom”
The Limitations of not only ten songs but ten artists with ten specific lines from those selected those ten songs is no easy task; there’s so many more songs I could reference. Who’s your favorite artist from the Native Tongues? Please feel free to share.
All the best,
Anonomz aka Tanya H. Franklin
Journey of Anonomz 