Phife Dawg-A Tribe Called Quest
Independent Film Quarterly’s Shawn Lukaszewicz sat down with Phife Dawg before the LA Premiere of BEATS, RYHMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST.
BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST is a
documentary film directed by Michael Rapaport about one of the most influential and
groundbreaking musical groups in hip-hop history.
A Tribe Called Quest is widely recognized as one of the most innovative, influential, and revered hip-hop groups of all time. Known for their unique approach to rap music by employing jazz infused soundscapes to Afro-centric rhymes, their sound was a decisive and welcomed tangent of the genre. Discarding the jaded, aggressive posturing associated with hip-hop, A Tribe Called Quest was largely responsible for the popularity of a new style that dominated the East Coast sound of the early 1990s, and has been called the most intelligent, artistic rap group of that decade.
IFQ: After seeing the finished film, did it make you want to start an acting career?
Phife Dawg: Not really. I’m interested in acting, but not totally. I want to be a sports broadcaster.
IFQ: In the film, everyone said you are all about sports. No matter where you went, you always had to catch a sports game.
PD: Absolutely.
IFQ: Does any of this relate to your childhood that kept you into sports?
PD: Definitely. I love the camaraderie. I love the spirit and liveliness of college basketball. Basketball is my favorite sport. I like seeing people get dunked on, a buzzer being at the end.
IFQ: Did you play in high school?
PD: Yes.
IFQ: What are your two favorite teams?
PD: The Lakers and the Knicks. I just keep it real from an analyst point of view. I love the Knicks, but I’m not going to be silly enough to say they are going to win the title this year. That’s just stupid. I hope they win the title.
IFQ: Lakers or Knicks?
PD: The Knicks.
IFQ: Because you are originally from New York?
PD: What’s funny is I didn’t become a Knicks fan until 1986 when they drafted Mark Jackson. Before that, I liked Magic Johnson and James Bartley. Pat Riley came over to the Knicks from LA. That became my team. I guess Magic Johnson was to blame. That was my dude; I didn’t care what team he played for. That would’ve been my favorite team.
IFQ: Throughout the touring and the shows, did sports keep you grounded?
PD: Absolutely. They say the grass is always greener on the other side. When I get tired of doing what I’m known for doing, I go over there and have fun with that.
IFQ: Do you feel this project brought Q-Tip, Jarobi, Ali and you together throughout the process of making it?
PD: No. We are not in it together. I can’t answer that question yet because we haven’t seen the movie together. I’ve been to Tribeca, Sundance, SilverDocs in Maryland and now tonight. The thing about that question is Ali and Jarobi will be there tonight. Hopefully, I can answer your question the next time I see you.
IFQ: Anything memorable throughout the making of this film?
PD: The whole thing, man. I didn’t expect us to be this big, first of all. We were just some kids from Queens and Brooklyn, respectively—just doing what we loved to do. To have a documentary done about yourself is amazing because I don’t recall too many rap groups being able to say that.
IFQ: What is the message that A Tribe Called Quest would extend to today’s hip-hop culture with this project?
PD: First of all, be original and be yourself. Secondly, although we are looked at as far as celebrity status, we are human at the end of the day. I think that’s the one thing I want them to walk away realizing. There are kids out there that want to rhyme and join groups. Communication is the key in a group. Period. Point blank. That’s the only way you will be successful.
IFQ: What’s in store for the future for A Tribe Called Quest?
PD: I’m not sure right now. I’m just glad that we are friends right now. That means more to me than platinum records, 30 million selling records. Hopefully by us being friends again, that can lead into bigger and better things—like a new album and touring again.
IFQ: Can you tell us about your upcoming album and any other projects?
PD: I have an EP coming out, “Songs in the Key of Phife: 8 is Enough.” Following that is the LP “Cheryl’s Big Son.” When I was sick and going through what I was going through, that was my main support system other than my wife. Basically, I dedicated the album to them. They are both done and getting mixed right now. It’s just all about getting distribution for my record label and putting them out there.
IFQ: Is securing distribution a tough process in the music industry?
PD: When you haven’t been in the game for like 10 or 11 years, like I have, there will be some reluctancy. It’s expected. But I know that the music speaks for itself.
IFQ: Last but not least—Can I kick it?
PD: Yes, you can.