The Low End Theory

Jazz (We've Got)

A Tribe Called Quest

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

End

184

Internal

Multi

253

Slant

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight

[Chorus: A Tribe Called Quest]

We got the jazz, we got the jazz

[Verse 2: Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, both]

Competition,^✦ dem try fi come side way

But competition,^✦ they must come straight way

Competition,^✦ dem try fi come side way

But competition,^✦ they must come straight way

How's about^✦ that? It seems like it's my turn again

All through the years, my mic has been my best friend

I know some brothers^✦ wonder,^✦ can Phife really^✦ kick it?

Some even^✦ wanna^✦ diss me, but why sweat it?

I'm all into^✦ my music,^✦ 'cause it's how I make papes^✦

Try to make hits like Kid Capri makes^✦ tapes^✦

Me sweat another? I do my own thing

Strictly hardcore tracks, not a New Jack Swing

I grew up as a Christian, so to Jah, I give thanks

Collect my banks, listen^✦ to Shabba^✦ Ranks

I sing, and chat – I do all of that

It's 1991 and I refuse^✦ to come wack

I take off my hat to other^✦ crews that tend to rock

But The Low End Theory's here, it's time to wreck shop

I got Tip and Sha' (Huh), so whom shall I fear? (Word)

Stop, look, and listen,^✦ but please don't stare (Uh)

So jet to the store, and buy the LP (Yeah)

On Jive/RCA Cassettes and CD's

Produced and arranged by the four-man crew

And, oh shit, Skeff Anselm – he gets props too (Ha-ha)^✦

Make sure you have a system^✦ with some fat house speakers (Yeah)

So the new shit can rock (Uh), from Bronx to Massapequa (Uh)

'Cause where I come from – quality is job one

And everybody^✦ up on Linden^✦ know we get the job done

So peace to that crew (Yeah), and peace to this crew (Yeah)

Bring on the tour, we'll see you at a theater nearest you

[Verse 3: Q-Tip, The Dells sample]

Hey yo, but wait, back it up, hup, easy,^✦ back it up

Please let The Abstract embellish on the cut

"Back and Forth," just like a Cameo^✦ song

If you dig this joint then please come dance along^✦

To the music,^✦ 'cause it's done just for the mind

Now I gotta^✦ scat and get mine, underline

The jazz, the what? The jazz can move that ass

For the Tribe originates that feeling of pizzazz

It's the universal sound, bless the brothers^✦ on the ground

And the ones^✦ six below,^✦ you didn't have to go

Some say that I'm eccentric, 'cause I once had an orgy^✦

And sometimes for breakfast, I eat grits and porgies

If this is a stinker, then call me a skunk

I ask, "What's–" "funk?"

Now check it out

[Outro: Q-Tip, The Dells sample]

All my peoples^✦ in Queens, ya don't stop

Now all my peoples^✦ in Brooklyn, ya don't stop

And all my peoples^✦ Uptown,^✦ ya don't stop

That includes The Bronx and Harlem,^✦ ya don't stop

Now to that girl Ramelle, ya don't stop

I said because "Ladies^✦ First," ya don't stop

And to the JB's, ya don't stop

And De La Soul, ya don't stop

To my Brand Nubians, ya don't stop

And to my Leaders Of The New, ya don't stop

Uh, to my man Large Professor, ya don't stop

Pete Rock for the beat, ya don't stop

Everybody^✦ in the place, ya don't stop

You keep it on, to the rhythm, ya don't stop

And last, but not least, on the sure shot

It's the Zulu^✦ Nation! Heh

"Funk is as deep as an elephant's trunk"

Technical Breakdown

8.6

Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm10.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity6.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.55

Production

— A Tribe Called Quest

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Critic Analysis

RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Phife Dawg utilizes a rhythmic, syncopated delivery that elevates straightforward, accessible lyricism into a masterclass of pocket-riding and cadence variation, defining the '90s 'East Coast bounce'.

7.5

Multisyllabic

9.5

Internal Rhymes

Cadence / Flow

Vocabulary

6.5

Wordplay

8.5

Delivery

Patois-inflected deliveryCadence-driven internal rhymeDynamic rhythmic variationConversational direct address

Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB couplets with dense internal multi-syllabic chaining. The structure relies on recurring rhythmic motifs ('side way'/'straight way') to anchor the listener before transitioning into fluid, conversational segments.

Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Try to make hits like Kid Capri makes tapes"

① A direct comparison to the high-volume, highly regarded mixtape output of DJ Kid Capri.② A statement of artistic intent to maintain a high-quality production standard consistent with the most influential tastemaker of the era.

"Competition, dem try fi come side way / But competition, they must come straight way"

① A commentary on rap rivals trying to take shortcuts or use unauthentic methods.② A assertion that Phife's lyrical and professional integrity requires a direct, honest, and 'straight' approach to artistry.

Exceptional rhythmic pocket and pocket-shifting

Strong, confident vocal delivery that reinforces the 'hardcore' theme

Clear, punchy narrative structure

Effective use of contemporary cultural references to establish authority

Literal approach limits deep lyrical abstraction

Vocabulary complexity is low compared to more abstract lyricists of the era

Wordplay is functional rather than intricate

Jazz (We've Got)

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

Technical Breakdown

Production

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