Released: 1996
“The Hop” by A Tribe Called Quest is a classic track from one of hip-hop’s most influential groups. This track is a celebration of the hip-hop culture and the spirit of perseverance. A Tribe Called Quest lyrically assert their authority in the rap game, while inviting everyone to join the ‘hop,’ a metaphor for both the rhythm of hip-hop and the motion of life.
The first verse has Q-tip, the lead MC, acknowledging his crew, including fellow Tribe member Shaheed and some friends. He situates his hip-hop (the ‘hop’) as a universal force that can make anyone move, whether they are in the ‘ghetto or a sunny meadow’. When Q-tip says ‘MC’s be ready to die cuz I’ma kill,’ he’s proclaiming his lyrical prowess, asserting that his rhymes are superior, and can metaphorically ‘kill’ his competition.
The hook, “Everybody do the hop,” can be interpreted as a call to enjoy hip-hop music, as well as endure the ups and downs (the hops) of life itself. The phrase “you do the hop” refers to how we all have to navigate through difficulties (“going up to cop, a town full of brick”), indicating that life won’t always be smooth.
In the second verse, Phife Dawg comes in with a vengeance, warning his competition that messing with him might lead to serious consequences – he references the infamous actions of Left Eye of TLC and O.J. Simpson, both involved in high profile cases of arson and alleged murder respectively, to illustrate his point. Phife also claims that other rappers are mimicking the popular styles of artists like Das EFX and Method Man rather than being unique. His lines “you’se a corny muthafucka, you must be high smoking dust with Chris Tucker” suggest that he sees some of his competition as unserious and lacking in authenticity.
The lines “This ain’t no Barnum and Bailey show, I don’t get down with the clowns” reflect Tribe’s disdain for artists who they see as treating hip-hop like a gimmick or spectacle, rather than recognizing it as a serious art form. The second instance of the hook further emphasizes their invitation for everyone, including their critics, to acknowledge the realism and potency of their music – to ‘do the hop’.
To conclude, “The Hop” is a classic display of A Tribe Called Quest’s vibrant lyrical ability, rooted in a deep respect for hip-hop culture, and a desire to keep it authentic and transformative. Through the imagery of ‘the hop,’ they remind us to move to the beat of our own drum, in music, and in life.
