The Low End Theory

Check the Rhime

A Tribe Called Quest

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

End

246

Internal

Multi

268

Slant

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight

[Intro: Q-Tip]

Uh, uh, uh, uh

Uh, uh, uh, check the rhyme

[Verse 1: Q-Tip & Phife Dawg]

Back in the days on the boulevard^✦ of Linden^✦

We used^✦ to kick routines^✦ and the presence^✦ was fittin'^✦

It was I, The Abstract^✦

And me, the Five Footer^✦

I kicks the mad style so step off the frankfurter

Yo, Phife, you remember^✦ that routine

That we used^✦ to make spiffy^✦ like Mr. Clean?

Um... um... a tidbit, um... a smidgen

I don't get the message^✦ so you gots to run the pigeon^✦

Heh, okay,^✦ you on point, Phife? All the time, Tip

You on point, Phife? All the time, Tip

Well, then grab the microphone and let your words rip

[Verse 2: Phife Dawg]

Now here's^✦ a funky^✦ introduction^✦ of how nice I am

Tell your mother,^✦ tell your father,^✦ send a telegram

I'm like an energizer 'cause, you see, I last long

My crew is never^✦ ever^✦ wack because we stand strong

Now if you say my style is wack, that's where you're dead wrong

I slayed that Buddy^✦ in El Segundo then Push it Along^✦

You'd be a fool to reply^✦ that Phife is not the man

'Cause you know and I know that you know who I am

A special shout of peace goes out to all my pals, you see

And a middle finger^✦ goes for all you punk MC's

'Cause I love it when you wack MC's despise me

They get vexed,^✦ I roll next, can't none contest me

I'm just a fly MC who's five foot three and very^✦ brave

On top remaining,^✦ no home training^✦ 'cause I misbehave

I come correct in full effect,^✦ have all my hoes in check

And before^✦ I get the butt, the Jim must be erect^✦

You see, my aura's positive,^✦ I don't promote no junk

See, I'm far from a bully^✦ and I ain't a punk

Extremity in rhythm, yeah, that's what you heard

So just clean out your ears and just check the word

[Chorus: Q-Tip]

Check the rhyme y'all, check the rhyme y'all

Check it out, check it out

Check the rhyme y'all, check the rhyme y'all

Check the rhyme y'all, play tapes^✦ y'all

Check the rhyme y'all, check the rhyme y'all

Check it out, check it out

[Verse 3: Phife Dawg & Q-Tip]

Back in the days on the boulevard^✦ of Linden^✦

We used^✦ to kick routines^✦ and the presence^✦ was fittin'^✦

It was I, the Phifer^✦ And me, the Abstract^✦

The rhymes^✦ were so rumpin'^✦ that the brothers rode the 'zack

Aiyo Tip, do you recall^✦ when we used^✦ to rock What?

Those fly routines^✦ on your cousin's block?

Um, let me see... damn, I can't remember^✦

I receive^✦ the message^✦ and you will play the sender^✦

You on point, Tip? All the time, Phife

You on point, Tip? Yeah, all the time, Phife

You on point, Tip? Yo, all the time, Phife

So play the resurrector (Yeah), and give the dead some life

[Verse 4: Q-Tip]

Okay,^✦ if knowledge is the key, then just show me the lock

Got the scrawny legs but I move just like Lou Brock

With speed, I'm agile^✦ plus I'm worth your while

One hundred percent intelligent Black child

My optic presentation^✦ sizzles the retina^✦

How far must you go to gain respect? Umm

Well, it's kinda^✦ simple, just remain^✦ your own

Or you'll be crazy,^✦ sad and alone^✦

Industry rule number^✦ four-thousand-and-eighty

Record^✦ company people are shady^✦

So kids, watch your back 'cause I think they smoke crack

I don't doubt it, look at how they act

Well, off to better^✦ things like a hip-hop^✦ forum

Pass me the rock and I'll score 'em with decorum

And proper,^✦ what you say, Hammer?^✦ Proper^✦

Rap is not pop, if you call it that, then stop

[Outro: Q-Tip]

NC, y'all check the rhyme y'all

SC, y'all check it out y'all

Virginia, check the rhyme y'all

Check it out, check it out

In London,^✦ check the rhyme, y'all

Technical Breakdown

7.1

Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm9.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity4.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.08

Production

— A Tribe Called Quest

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Critic Analysis

RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

The interplay between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg showcases the infectious camaraderie and playful banter that defines their style.

7.5

Multisyllabic

9.5

Internal Rhymes

9.5

Cadence / Flow

Vocabulary

Wordplay

Delivery

Internal RhymesMultisyllabic RhymesCall and Response

Rhyme Architecture: Loose, with a focus on internal and multisyllabic rhymes, creating a rhythmic flow that is conversational yet engaging.

Strong internal rhyming

High cadence

Engaging call-and-response dynamics

Limited use of clever wordplay

Occasional clichés

Simple vocabulary choices

User Scores

Notes

Excellent interplay between the artists maximizing flow.