The Low End Theory
Excursions
A Tribe Called Quest
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
17
End
119
Internal
90
Multi
197
Slant
5
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
We gotta✦ make moves✦ (Words)
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (come on, come on)
We gotta✦ make moves✦ (Words)
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Come on, come on)
We gotta✦ make moves✦
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Come on, come on)
We gotta✦ make moves✦
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Oooh)
[Interlude: Sample]
"Time, time is a ship on a merciless sea drifting toward✦ an abyss of nothingness until it can be recharted for its own destiny
Time is an inanimate object✦ paying and paying and paying for no justification for belief
Time is dancing, boogalooing-away all memories✦ of past—"
[Verse 2: Q-Tip]
We gotta✦ be a winner✦ all the time
Can't fall prey to a hip-hop✦ crime
With the dope raps and dope tracks we move blocks
From the fly girlies✦ to the hardest of the rocks
Musically✦ the Quest, is on the rise
We on these excursions✦ so you must realize
That continually,✦ I pop my Zulu✦ [shit]
If you don't like it, get off the Zulu✦ tip
So what can you do in the times✦ which exist
You can't fake moves✦ on your brother✦ or your sis
But if your sis is a [bitch], brother✦ is a jerk
Leave 'em both alone✦ and continue with your work
Whatever it may be in today's society
Everything is fair, least that's how it seems to me
You must be honest✦ and true to the next
Don't be phony✦ and expect✦ one not to flex
Especially✦ if you rhyme, you have to live by the pen
Your man is your man, then treat him like your friend
All it is, is the code of the streets
So listen✦ to the knowledge being dropped over✦ beats
Beats that are hard, beats that are funky✦
They could get you hooked like a crackhead junkie
What you gotta✦ do is know the Tribe is in the sphere
The Abstract Poet, prominent like Shakespeare
(Or Edgar Allan✦ Poe, or Langston Hughes,✦ or...)
[Chorus]
We gotta✦ make moves✦
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Come on, come on)
We gotta✦ make moves✦
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Come on, come on)
We gotta✦ make moves✦
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Come on, come on)
We gotta✦ make moves✦
Never,✦ ever,✦ ever✦ could we fake moves✦ (Oooh)
[Outro: Sample + Q-Tip]
"—time is running✦ out on black power✦ advocates in the day and white thighed supporters at night
Every✦ time you see them, they're chasin'✦ some white woman✦ with their tongue hangin'✦ out
Time is running✦ and passing,✦ passing✦ and running,✦ running✦ and passing,✦ passing✦ and running—"✦
Excursions✦
Technical Breakdown
7.4
Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm6.5
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity6.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control8.0
Performance and control
Computed Score7.44
Production
— A Tribe Called QuestBe the first to rate the production
Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
Q-Tip utilizes a conversational yet precise rhythmic cadence that exemplifies the 1991 standard of jazz-rap fusion, focusing on rhythmic pocket stability over complex wordplay density.
B+
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
6.5
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Internal multisyllabic rhymingSyncopated placement on the snareCultural signaling via Zulu Nation referencesConversational flow
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB couplet structure integrated with dense internal rhyming patterns that link end-syllables across mid-line clauses.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"we move blocks"
① The physical action of distributing music or merchandise across neighborhoods.② A nod to the urban environment and the 'street' credibility synonymous with hip-hop in 1991.
"get off the Zulu tip"
① Leave the specific cultural/philosophical ideology of the Zulu Nation.② Stop criticizing the specific style or 'point' being argued by the artist.
Exceptional rhythmic pocket stability
Cohesive thematic focus on cultural heritage and integrity
Natural vocal inflection that enhances the boom-bap aesthetic
Limited metaphorical complexity
Repetitive phrasing in the chorus structure
Lexical range is standard for the era rather than exploratory