The rap group known as A Tribe Called Quest probably had no idea that its single “Scenario,” featuring Dinco D and Busta Rhymes (then of the group Leaders of the New School), would eventually become the super anthem of the hip-hop universe.

The song represents the epitome of crowd control and the methods of call response, as the song is orchestrated perfectly to entice the listener to sing along and fill in the blanks.

“Yes yes y’all!/Who got the vibe? /It’s the Tribe y’all!/Gettin’ live y’all!/Inside outside come around /(Who’s that?!)...”

Here, the best is definitely saved for last, as the always-abstract Q-Tip comes in with, “It’s the Leader-Quest mission, and we got the goods here / Never on the left ‘cause my right’s my good ear/I could give a damn about a ill subliminal / Stay away from crime, so I ain’t no criminal.”
If the “word is the herb”, these cats are “deep like Bob Marley.”

Of course, this song would be nothing without the barbaric antics of a very hyper Busta Rhymes, who ordains us with a precursor to his future legacy as the wildest man on the planet. One line can easily sum up his contribution to this classic party starter. It’s the one where he literally goes “ROAW! ROAW!” - like a dungeon dragon.

Anyone who hears “Scenario” at a party should be overwhelmed with ease and comfort. At the same time, be anxious and ready to holler those lyrics out like it’s your last day on Earth, because hearing this anywhere is a surefire sign that you’re liable to have a good time with good people and good music.

So, as Phife Dawg explains in the conclusion of his opening verse, “Sit back relax and let yourself go/Don’t sweat what you heard/But act like you know.”

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