Excursions

About this song

Q-Tip talked about the production in Brian Coleman's book Check the Technique. He reworked an original bass line written in 3/4 time by adding a beat to the last measure to make it 4/4, and he layered drums underneath along with a reversed 808 drum machine sound just before the beat kicks in.

What it's about

The song sets the central theme for the album, which is built around Afrocentric content and witty lyricism over minimalistic jazz grooves. Early on, Q-Tip recalls a comparison from his father between the improvisation of bebop jazz and the freedom of hip-hop's sonic structure.

Fun facts

• Samples “Time by The Last Poets”.
• Sampled in 14 other songs, like “Attention Is A Drug by Tash (Tha Alkaholiks) (Ft. Seefor Yourself)”.
• Written by Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg and Q-Tip.
• Produced by A Tribe Called Quest.
• Recorded at Battery Studios (New York City).