We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service

Black Spasmodic

A Tribe Called Quest

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

8

End

94

Internal

53

Multi

146

Slant

2

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Hook: Consequence]
(Black) They don’t make thugs of this caliber✦
(Spasmodic)✦ Who kept up the buzz the whole calendar✦
(Black) Used✦ to sell drugs out the Challenger✦
(Spasmodic)✦ Used✦ to keep guns with the silencers✦
[Verse 2: Q-Tip]
My nigga✦ spirit✦ be talkin'✦ to me, let me explain
Not through evil mediums, tarot✦ cards, and Ouija✦ games✦
But through mixing✦ chords and boards
And even✦ drum machines—he be saying:
"Nigga✦ fuck awards,✦ keep reppin’✦ Queens"
And don’t be taking✦ slack from these non-rapping niggas, man
That intellectual shit you spit, you better✦ change your plan
Especially when you see 'em at the lobby✦ of a label
And they don’t seem able to outstretch they hands
And admit✦ they fans
You better✦ flame 'em in the J's that they standing in
Ostracize they memory✦ for not remembering
The articles✦ reduce✦ their body✦ parts to particles✦
And dust the Dead Sea with their cremated molecules
I’m leaving, but nigga✦ you still got the work to do
I expect the best from you, I’m watching from my heaven✦ view
Don’t disappoint me, make sure that they anoint me
As the blue ribbon pedigree,✦ the best of show, five-foot-three✦
Speak of the legacy✦ for short people around the world
Napoleonic, bionic people who cause the world to twirl
Rip every✦ stage with grace, look right dead in they face
Live the Tribe principle of havin'✦ impeccable taste
Enjoy✦ that breath like that one was your last one left
If you don’t believe me, Tip, there’s✦ truly✦ life after✦ death
So refer✦ to the Biggie covers and shoutout my Trini brothers
And please check in on my mother...✦
Malik Izaak,✦ call me shorty"✦
[Hook: Consequence]
(Black) They don’t make thugs of this caliber✦
(Spasmodic)✦ Who kept up the buzz the whole calendar✦
(Black) Used✦ to sell drugs out the Challenger✦
(Spasmodic)✦ Used✦ to keep guns with the silencers✦
(Black) (Spasmodic)✦

Technical Breakdown

7.6
Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres8.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm5.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity8.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.5

Performance and control

Computed Score7.58

Production

— Q-Tip, Blair Wells, Consequence

Be the first to rate the production

Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Q-Tip utilizes the metaphysical weight of Phife Dawg's passing to anchor a complex technical performance that balances conversational flow with intricate internal rhyme chains.

B+
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
5.5
Cadence / Flow
8
Vocabulary
8
Wordplay
8.5
Delivery
Multisyllabic internal rhymingConversational cadence shiftingMetaphorical deconstructionPhonetic mirroring
Rhyme Architecture: Tip employs a fluid AABB-adjacent structure that frequently breaks into complex multisyllabic clusters (e.g., 'particles/molecules/molecules') that create a hypnotic, driving tension.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"The articles reduce their body parts to particles"

① The literal destruction of an opponent through lyrical assault (articles/verses).② A scientific reference to matter reduction where the 'articles' (the bars) atomize the opposition into 'particles'.

"I’m watching from my heaven view"

① A spiritual acknowledgement of Phife Dawg's death and his post-humous perspective.② A pun on the 'heavenly' high-ground or the vantage point of a mentor who has reached the zenith of the craft.

"Blue ribbon pedigree"

① A literal reference to a 'Best in Show' award for animals or prize products.② A claim to the top-tier, gold-standard status within hip-hop culture.

High level of technical density

Authentic emotional narrative

Sophisticated vocabulary

Commanding, rhythmic vocal presence

Occasional reliance on standard battle-rap tropes

Complex layering may be obscured by the rapid cadence

User Scores