Lyrics and Life Lessons from A Tribe Called Quest
Contributed by Karie
A few months ago, director Michael Rapaport captured the history of legendary rap group A Tribe Called Quest in the indie documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest. (Click here for showings near you. UPDATE: You can now find a copy through Redbox).
The history of rap pioneers Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White is colorful. Tribe’s rhymes are creative and conscious and are almost guaranteed to have you on your feet or grooving in your chair. See this film if you’re a fan of art or hip hop; appreciate this film for the rich messages that come cascading across the screen.
Here are a few lessons I picked up from arguably the most creative hip hop group:
- Art and talent are both God-given. They are a combination of awareness, creativity and curiosity. Their fusion and fervor may have an expiration date, but the treasures can live on forever – if captured, cherished and shared.
- People come in your life for reasons and seasons. The most important factor in a relationship is friendship. When friendship is dishonored, the relationship is destroyed. Cherish the time spent, but continue to seek God’s purpose for you and your life.
- Seek out your passion and push it further than you ever imagined.
- You have to work for success. When you’re on your divine path the stars will align, but it still requires you to put forth the effort.
- You can’t expect someone to walk with you and hold your hand every step of your journey. For your own longevity, it’s important to educate yourself and nurture your passion. That’s your responsibility.
- Take care of your body. Your health is everything.
- Friendships require work. Do your part! And require your friends to do the same.
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