A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
“Can I Kick It?” was the third single from A Tribe Called Quest’s debut album People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.
The original version contains samples from Lou Reed’s 1972 classic “Walk on the Wild Side,” “Spinning Wheel” by Dr. Lonnie Smith and “Sunshower" by ‘70s pop group Dr....
[Chorus: Q-Tip]
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Well, I'm gone (Go on then!)
[Verse 1: Q-Tip]
Can I kick it? To all the people who can Quest like A Tribe does
Before this, did you really know what live was?
Comprehend to the track, for it's why cuz
Gettin measures on the tip of the vibers
Rock and roll to the beat of the funk fuzz
Wipe your feet really good on the rhythm rug
If you feel the urge to freak, do the jitterbug
Come and spread your arms if you really need a hug
Afrocentric living is a big shrug
A life filled with fun that's what I love
A lower plateau is what we're above
If you diss us, we won't even think of
Will Nipper the doggy give a big shove?
This rhythm really fits like a snug glove
Like a box of positives it's a plus, love
As the Tribe flies high like a dove
(Can I kick it?)
[Chorus: Phife Dawg]
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Can I kick it? (Yes, you can!)
Well, I'm gone (Go on then!)
[Verse 2: Phife Dawg]
Can I kick it? To my Tribe that flows in layers
Right now, Phife is a poem sayer
At times, I'm a studio conveyor
Mr. Dinkins, would you please be my mayor?
You'll be doing us a really big favor
Boy this track really has a lot of flavor
When it comes to rhythms, Quest is your savior
Follow us for the funky behavior
Make a note on the rhythm we gave ya
Feel free, drop your pants, check your ha-ir
Do you like the garments that we wear?
I instruct you to be the obeyer
A rhythm recipe that you'll savor
Doesn't matter if you're minor or major
Yes, the Tribe of the game we're the player
As you inhale like a breath of fresh air
(Can I kick it?)
Can I Kick It? was written by Q-Tip & Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Lou Reed.
Can I Kick It? was produced by A Tribe Called Quest.
A Tribe Called Quest released Can I Kick It? on Tue Apr 17 1990.
The single (which featured the b-side “If The Papes Come”) received 4 out of 5 “records” from The Source Magazine in their January 1991 issue. A 4 record rating is defined as: “Slammin'! definite satisfaction.”
Source Editor Rob “Reef” Tewlow wrote:
For those who sleep on the Tribe—get with the pr...
It was my idea to use ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ for ‘Can I Kick It?’ The shit that made it fly to me was the fact that hip-hop artists weren’t using Lou Reed [laughs]. But I didn’t really care. I never cared to fit into anyone’s box for what is popular.
— Q-Tip, Vibe, 2011