Dis Generation by A Tribe Called Quest Lyrics Meaning – Bridging the Past and Present in Hip-Hop
Lyrics
Status, Chris Paul and John Wall in the league
Grabbin’ mics till the knuckles would bleed, ’cause I believe
The potent that I’m quoting will have you geeked like speed
If rationale is naturale or a weave
It’s all edges and peas
Settin’ press, we on a permanent steez
I’m in a world where my princess is Leia
And she feeling my Vader
And my lure grows greater and greater
Chem trails droppin’ poisonous vapors
Have you shaking like gator
Been trill, nigga, process the data
Blu-ray wave file or a beta, I’ll DVR for later
Kappo Massa with my G to my waiter
You can’t define us, XY us, or Z us, you generational
Elitists have your chi in virtual think pieces
See, these written words are poetical science, brains defiant
Thoughts heavy, baby, they’re a major appliance
Leave a dent when dropping the flyness, fluent giant
Dude’s nice, he tight, screwed in with some pliers
Cool with some buyers, yeah, nigga, cool with some growers
Never no tattletales, only I don’t knowers
We a show me generation, show us what you gon’ show us
So listen, mami, see we could collude with a boing
Mouthpiece like Goins, with a jubilant noise
Dude’s rude and as useless as coins, shoot ’em boys
Versed in, rehearsed in the soothing of loins
Talk to Joey, Earl, Kendrick, and Cole, gatekeepers of flow
They are extensions of instinctual soul
It’s the highest in commodity grade and you could get it today
Dis generation
Rules di nation
One hiting reading pages of Poe
Telly is low, cuddle bunny ready to go
Day of the dead, bury all the zombies instead
And it’s just your aftermath, Busta cutting your dreads
Bruce Lee’in niggas, while y’all niggas UFC
Smoke tree on niggas, sizzle out your USB
Surge pricin’ on these Ubers, I’mma get me a cab
Yo, where Jarobi at?
Imbibing on impeccable grass
I be in NYC waiting for that law to pass
Past shit been waiting for a Jet’s title since last
Richard Todd, Todd Bowles, gang green on that ass
Magic Mike on the mic, David Blaine, Douglas Henning
In the church of Busta Rhymes it’s my sermon you’re getting
Horizontal spittin’, I’m the exorcist of your writtens
Don’t interrupt me, nigga
Sorry, that’s a sin unforgiven
Like how we be skipping on beats like cooking crack in the kitchen
Wait
Just spit the package, dry it bag up the wet
This mad city’s not a game, easy, quiet on set
Phife, student of the past, trailblazing a daze
Not acknowledging a trend or swept up in a phase
We still the highest of commodity grade, and you could get it get it get it get it today
Dis generation
Rules di nation
This is our generation, generation, ah
This our generation, generation, ah
This our generation, generation, ah
A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Dis Generation’ is more than just a song; it’s a powerful statement of connectivity, legacy, and evolution within the context of an ever-changing hip-hop landscape. As critical darlings of the 90s conscious rap movement reunite for their 2016 album ‘We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service,’ they deliver a testament to hip-hop’s generational relay race.
The beats are rich and the bars are heavy with meaning, crafting an anthem that operates on several levels. It’s a mediation on their status as elder statesmen, a tribute to the new titans of the genre, and a commentary on wider social issues. With magnetic lyricism and beats, ‘Dis Generation’ demands to be broken down and celebrated, revealing its commentary on an entire culture.
Passing the Torch: A Shout-Out to New Kings
The song calls out by name the new gatekeepers of flow – Joey, Earl, Kendrick, and Cole. By directly naming Joey Bada$$, Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, A Tribe Called Quest acknowledges the talent and energy of the new generation. It’s not an act of surrender but of pride, recognizing the continuum of hip-hop’s storytelling majesty.
‘Dis Generation’ is an embrace across eras, highlighting the beauty of the genre’s evolution while emphasizing the notion that while players may change, the soulful substance of hip-hop remains intact. This lyrical passing of the baton roots the song in a larger narrative about mentorship and influence that is as ageless as music itself.
Breaking Down Generational Barriers with a Beat
A Tribe Called Quest challenges the listener to defy categorization. With the line ‘You can’t define us, XY us, or Z us,’ they push back against attempts to pigeonhole them based on age or era. The insistence that they’re beyond generational labels speaks to their desire to remain undefinable, always evolving alongside the music they create.
In doing so, they celebrate an inclusivity that transcends age demographics and time periods. This song is a refusal to be left in the past; it’s a statement of their ongoing relevance and their refusal to be marginalized by the passage of time.
Decoding the Meaning Behind the Chemistry
Lines such as ‘Chem trails droppin’ poisonous vapors’ and ‘Magic Mike on the mic, David Blaine, Douglas Henning’ might first appear as mere rhyming playfulness, yet they encapsulate a deeper commentary on illusion and reality. These metaphors speak to the smoke and mirrors of the music industry, society’s distractions, and perhaps, the political climate.
By integrating these images into their lyrics, A Tribe Called Quest prompts listeners to think critically about the world around them, defining ‘Dis Generation’ not just by their sound but by their unwillingness to conform to expectations without question.
The Science of Flow: Lyrical Acrobatics and Ingenious Rhyme
A Tribe Called Quest has long been celebrated for their thoughtful and complex lyrical wordplay. In ‘Dis Generation,’ they liken their verbal skills to ‘poetical science,’ elevating their craft to a level of intellectual endeavor. Not only do they lay down slick rhymes, but they also delve into topics like technology’s rapid advancement and society’s reliance on digital data.
It’s a track that manages to be both a showcase for technical prowess and a canvas for cultural reflection, with lines that reward those who approach their music with a discerning ear.
Memorable Lines Etched in the Canon of Hip-Hop
Phife Dawg’s verse, which he expertly delivers, stands out as a resolute refusal to follow trends mindlessly: ‘Phife, student of the past, trailblazing a daze / Not acknowledging a trend or swept up in a phase.’ Here, the late rapper asserts his individuality and commitment to authenticity, promoting a message of self-trust within the waves of passing fads.
The song’s hook ‘Dis generation / Rules di nation’ is an affirming chant that unifies. It’s areminder of the group’s faith in the transformative power of music, especially hip-hop, to rally and encourage affirmative action amongst communities. Such lines connect deeply with listeners and solidify the song’s place as an anthem for hip-hop enthusiasts across different eras.
