Phife Dawg (born Malik Isaac Taylor; November 20, 1970 – March 22, 2016) was an American rapper and a member of the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. He was known for his distinctive rapping style and poetic lyrics, which often explored themes of his childhood in Queens and his own personal struggles. Phife Dawg released his debut solo album Ventilation: Da LP in 2000, and he was featured on several other albums, including The Love Movement (1998) and We Got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service (2016). He was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
| Name | Phife Dawg |
| Birth Date | November 20, 1970 |
| Genres | Hip Hop, Jazz Rap |
| Instruments | Vocals, Rapping |
| Labels | Jive, Universal |
| Associated Acts | A Tribe Called Quest, Faith Evans, Fu-Schnickens |
10 Best Phife Dawg Quotes
“I always wanted to be the most creative, I wanted to be the most lyrical, I wanted to be the most original, I wanted to be the most funky. All of that was a part of the energy that I put into the music.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rap-Up
“I’m a lover of creativity and originality, so when I hear something that I know is not original, I’m a little bit disappointed.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Fader
“We were trailblazers, man. We were one of the first rap groups to do a lot of things. We were the first rap group to go to the Apollo. We were the first rap group to be on Saturday Night Live. We were the first rap group to be on In Living Color. We were the first rap group to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. So, you know, all in all, we just represented hip-hop in a whole different way.”
– Phife Dawg, from Vice
“You can’t forget the past, you have to build on it. You have to take what you’ve learned from the past and take it to the future.”
– Phife Dawg, from YouTube
“When I came into the game, I wanted to make sure that I was different from everybody else. I wanted to make sure that I was talking about different things.”
– Phife Dawg, from Vibe
“It’s all about being creative. I’m not a fan of the copycats.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Huffington Post
“We were always trying to be unique and stand out from the rest.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“We never wanted to be typical. We always wanted to switch it up.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“That’s why A Tribe Called Quest is still so special to this day, because we always had something different coming out.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“It’s all about being creative and thinking outside the box.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rolling Stone
7 Phife Dawg Quotes About A Tribe Called Quest
“I’m still a fan of A Tribe Called Quest. I still love it. I still listen to it all the time.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“I was the one out of the group that was the most animated, the most outspoken, the most energetic.”
– Phife Dawg, from NPR
“Q-Tip really is the leader of A Tribe Called Quest, so I was cool with that.”
– Phife Dawg, from NPR
“A Tribe Called Quest was all about being creative, being original and having fun.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“We all bring something different to the table and that’s why I think A Tribe Called Quest is still so relevant today.”
– Phife Dawg, from HuffPost
“A Tribe Called Quest was like the hip-hop Beatles, you know?”
– Phife Dawg, from VICE
“I feel like A Tribe Called Quest were the mediators between rap and jazz.”
– Phife Dawg, from Red Bull Music Academy
7 Inspirational Phife Dawg Quotes
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be able to put out a solo album and have people like it. I’m just ecstatic about it.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rolling Stone
“I want to show people that I’m an emcee, so I am not just a Tribe Called Quest emcee, I am an emcee emcee. That’s the way I look at it.”
– Phife Dawg, from Billboard
“I’d like to think that I have a style of my own, but if I had to compare it to anybody, I’d say Rakim.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Fader
“We want to make sure it’s done right, and not just say, ‘Oh, let’s do it and throw it out there and let them eat it’. We want to make sure it’s a hot album.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rolling Stone
“I’m trying to take my music to the next level and show people that I’m more than a Tribe Called Quest artist.”
– Phife Dawg, from Billboard
“I just want people to know that I’m a solo artist, and I’m dope on my own.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Fader
“I really want to put out a great product and make sure people know that I’m still in the game.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rolling Stone
8 Famous Phife Dawg Quotes
“It was a dream come true. It was a beautiful thing to witness.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rolling Stone
“You want to bring attention to yourself and your craft and your product, you gotta do something that’s gonna be remembered.”
– Phife Dawg, from The New York Times
“It had to be a funky beat. It had to be something that was gonna get the people up and moving.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“I’d rather be a starving artist, or whatever you want to call it, than be signed to a major and be a puppet on a string.”
– Phife Dawg, from Billboard
“That’s the message I’m trying to get across: Take pride in your craft, whatever it may be.”
– Phife Dawg, from Pitchfork
“People don’t understand the grind and the drive it takes to be an MC and a producer.”
– Phife Dawg, from Complex Music
“You have to be mentally strong and have a passion for the craft, because it’s not easy.”
– Phife Dawg, from Ebony
“Don’t be afraid to take chances, and don’t be afraid to fail.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Fader
8 Phife Dawg Quotes About Love
“Love is the ultimate thing that we should all strive for.”
– Phife Dawg, from Complex
“Love is the most important thing.”
– Phife Dawg, from The Guardian
“Love is the most powerful emotion.”
– Phife Dawg, from Vice
“Love is universal so it’s important to keep spreading it.”
– Phife Dawg, from StereoGum
“Love is like the strongest emotion you can have.”
– Phife Dawg, from MTV
“Love is a beautiful thing and it’s something that we all need to have in our lives.”
– Phife Dawg, from WBEZ
“Love is the most important emotion that you can have.”
– Phife Dawg, from HypeBeast
“Love is a very powerful emotion and it’s something we all need in our lives.”
– Phife Dawg, from Rolling Stone
5 Phife Dawg Quotes About Life
“Life is a learning experience, and it comes with a lot of highs and lows. But don’t be so hard on yourself. Take it easy.”
– Phife Dawg, from VICE
“Life is a roller coaster. You gotta learn to ride it.”
– Phife Dawg, from Billboard
“I think life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
– Phife Dawg, from Vibe
“I’m just trying to make a positive difference in somebody’s life because life is too short.”
– Phife Dawg, from MTV
“Life is too short to be mad at anyone.”
– Phife Dawg, from XXL
7 Quotes About Phife Dawg
“Phife Dawg was a master of the craft. He was a lyrical genius.”
– Q-Tip, from Vibe
“He was a pioneer. He was a lyrical genius, a master of the craft. He was a kind soul, a good friend.”
– Busta Rhymes, from MTV
“In the pantheon of hip-hop, Phife was a giant.”
– Nas, from Rolling Stone
“Phife was a master of the game and most of all a good friend.”
– Devin The Dude, from Complex
“It’s a hard day for music. We lost an icon. Rest in peace Phife.”
– Talib Kweli, from Time
“Phife was a brilliant lyricist, a master of rhythm and a pioneer of the hip-hop culture.”
– ?uestlove, from Billboard
“Phife was a real person, and his rhymes were true to his soul.”
– Common, from The New York Times
Interview with Phife Dawg
Frequently Asked Questions About Phife Dawg
1. What are some of Phife Dawg’s most iconic quotes?
Phife Dawg, also known as Malik Isaac Taylor, was a rapper and founder of the iconic hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. He was known for his witty punchlines and often humorous lyrics, and was considered a master of wordplay. Here are some of Phife Dawg’s most iconic quotes:
- “Yo, I’m the five-foot assassin with the roughneck business.” – “Check the Rhime”
- “It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from goin’ under.” – “Jazz (We’ve Got)”
- “I never let a statue tell me how nice I am.” – “Check the Rhime”
- “You can’t front on the Phifer, he’s too advanced.” – “Bonita Applebum”
- “I’m like a one-man army, ready to devour any obstacle in my way.” – “Vibes and Stuff”
- “I’m gonna stick to the script like glue.” – “Scenario”
- “I’m rocking down the avenue, with a pocket full of Trojans.” – “Check the Rhime”
In addition to his creative wordplay and rap lyrics, Phife Dawg also had a knack for writing inspirational verses. He was known for his positive messages of self-empowerment, such as “Be true to yourself and true to your art,” and “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” These quotes were popular amongst his fans, and remain relevant to this day.
2. How did Phife Dawg’s Music Influence Hip Hop Culture?
Phife Dawg was a legendary hip hop artist who left an indelible mark on the culture. His music was a powerful force that helped shape hip hop culture and its sound. Here are some of the ways he influenced hip hop culture:
- Phife Dawg was part of the legendary rap group A Tribe Called Quest, which helped popularize a jazz-infused hip hop sound. His intricate and clever rhymes were a key part of the group’s sound and helped define their style.
- He also helped popularize the “conscious” rap style, which focused on uplifting messages and social commentary. His songs often had positive messages and were a breath of fresh air in an industry that was often dominated by violent and misogynistic themes.
- He was a pioneer in rap battle culture. His playful, witty rhymes were well-known to rap fans and he was often cited as one of the best battle rappers of his era.
- He was also a pioneer in sampling. He used samples of jazz, funk, and soul music to create unique beats and sounds. His production style was influential and helped define the sound of hip hop.
Phife Dawg’s influence on hip hop culture was immense. His music was innovative, thoughtful, and full of positive messages. He was a true pioneer and his music will continue to influence generations to come.
3. How did Phife Dawg’s style of rap differ from other artists?
Phife Dawg, a member of the legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, had an unmistakable style of rap. His approach was unique and often included witty references to everyday life in his lyrics. Phife Dawg’s style of rap was different from other artists in several ways:
- Phife Dawg’s delivery had a conversational, almost spoken-word style, which was much different from the more aggressive approach of some other rappers.
- He often referred to himself as “The Five Foot Assassin,” and his lyrics tended to focus on topics that weren’t typical of other rappers, such as sports and relationships.
- He was known for his clever use of wordplay and metaphors, which made his lyrics stand out from other artists.
- Phife Dawg was unafraid to express his own personal views, which often gave his songs a unique perspective and made them stand out from the rest.
Phife Dawg’s style of rap was truly one of a kind, and it helped to set him apart from the crowd. His unique approach to rap has left an everlasting legacy that will continue to influence today’s artists.
4. What were the messages behind Phife Dawg’s lyrics?
Phife Dawg’s lyrics were often infused with social and political commentary. He used his platform to spread awareness on a variety of topics, including racism, police brutality, and poverty. He also touched on universal themes such as self-empowerment and the importance of staying true to oneself. Here are some of the messages behind his lyrics:
- Racism: Phife Dawg spoke out against racism and discrimination in multiple songs. In “Check the Rhime”, he raps “Racism’s still alive, they just be concealin’ it”. In “Buggin’ Out”, he raps “I’m buggin’ out, I’m buggin’ out, I don’t know what the world’s comin’ to / Black versus blue and who’s the winner, no one knows.”
- Police Brutality: Phife Dawg was vocal about police brutality in his lyrics. In “Check the Rhime”, he raps “The number one rule, is never to trust the police”. He also called out the police in “Buggin’ Out”, rapping “The Brothers try to stick together and the cops ain’t havin’ it”.
- Poverty: Phife Dawg addressed the issue of poverty in his lyrics. In “Buggin’ Out”, he rapped “The poverty guidelines got most of us pushin’ broom”. In “If the Papes Come”, he rapped “The neighborhood’s crazy, livin’ in poverty”.
- Self-Empowerment: Phife Dawg used his lyrics to encourage self-empowerment. In “Find a Way”, he raps “Find a way, don’t let ’em say that you won’t last / Take a stand, and show the world that you can pass the test.” He also spoke about the importance of staying true to oneself in “Buggin’ Out”, rapping “Stay true to the game, you know what I’m sayin’? / Don’t let ’em change you, rearrange you, or derange you.”
Through his lyrics, Phife Dawg was able to spread awareness of social and political issues, while also promoting self-empowerment. His words still resonate with listeners to this day, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
5. What impact did Phife Dawg have on the hip hop industry?
Phife Dawg was one of the most influential figures in hip hop and his legacy continues to live on. He was part of the legendary rap group A Tribe Called Quest, who is often credited with pioneering jazz-influenced hip hop. Phife was known for his lyrical skill, witty wordplay, and his unique delivery. He was a major influence on hip hop during the golden age and beyond.
- He helped to popularize jazz-based hip hop, which resulted in a more experimental and eclectic sound.
- Phife was a major influence on lyricism and wordplay and was an early innovator of the “call and response” style of rapping.
- He was a powerful voice for the African American community, using his music to express his views on race and politics.
- His positive and uplifting lyrics helped to inspire and empower others.
- He helped to bridge the gap between the east and west coasts of hip hop, appearing on records with artists from both coasts.
Phife Dawg is remembered as a true pioneer of hip hop and his impact on the industry is still felt today. His influence can be heard in the work of modern hip hop artists and his words continue to inspire people around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Phife Dawg’s words have had a major impact on the hip-hop community. His rhymes, both the clever and the profound, have resonated with generations of fans. His ability to craft powerful verses that spoke to the heart of what it means to be a hip-hop artist was unparalleled. We can only hope that his legacy will keep inspiring future generations of artists.
