By Odeisel

A Tribe Called Quest left a rich musical legacy that not only inspired their contemporaries to step their game (even Dre has admitted to be inspired by The Low End Theory) but left their genetic imprint in the DNA of generations of future Hip-Hoppers who weren’t enamored of drug dealing tales or Benjamin building. Focus has taken the task of honoring legendary producers and this time around it’s Tribe member Ali Shaheed Muhammad with “Homage To Ali Shaheed” featuring Donwill and Von Pea of Tanya Morgan and Chaundon.

The muzak of Midnight Marauders is interpolated on the intro, producing a source material reference and a pivot point between the past and the present. The beat unfolds to a rolling bassline tempered by drums and high hats. A Q-Tip vocal sample from “The Jazz” colors the break. Digital keys create an undercurrent

Von Pea drops first and admits that he was heartbroken when Tribe broke up  but swiftly recovers to hone in on the aesthetic created by the group and Ali Shaheed in particular, noting the naked with color Low End hottie, and also Shaheed’s formation of Lucy Pearl. Phife may have had a crush on Dawn from En Vogue but Ali started a group with her. His evolution, from behind the boards to MC, was also a surprise and an inspiration and Pea pays homage.

Donwill interpolates a few Tribe lyrics in his verse, opening with “Oh My God!” and the dithering effect from Large Professor’s verse on “Keep It Rolling.” Don notes Shaheed’s technique behind the boards of flipping samples and filtering basslines, also praising his staying power in the music. He closes with a shout to the entire Ummah collective, including Q-Tip and the late great J Dilla.

Chaundon brings the song to a close with a sing songy flow also fitting in elements from “The Chase, Part II” and fits in song titles from various Tribe works and briefly swiping Phife’s faux island flow. Chaundon states the true legacy of Tribe as rappers that paved the way for regular guys to share their experiences.

Focus’s homage doesn’t quite match up to that classic Tribe production, but what does? He crafts an agile construction that bounces and gets agile at certain instances. Job well done, word to Ali Shaheed. Enjoy.

Focus Feat. Von Pea Donwill & Chaundon -“Homage To Ali Shaheed”

Focus Feat. Von Pea Donwill & Chaundon -“Homage To Ali Shaheed”

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