The Best Rap Verse of the Month

A monthly series where we pick the best bars.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

Have you heard that new A Tribe Called Quest album yet? If not, you should really handle that. Everybody from Phife to Q-Tip to Consequence to Busta Rhymes are rapping on an elite level on that joint, and the production is some of the best of the year. Genius never takes a break.

Originally, Phife Dawg and his patois raps on "Black Spasmodic" looked like it was going to take the crown this month, but Q-Tip's verse on "Lost Somebody" makes us tear up with every single listen. Kamaal touches on Phife's birth, their rocky relationship, and his brother's untimely demise in a expertly delivered tribute.

The imagery is vivid, and the sentiment is heartfelt. If you really feel like crying, watch Jarobi and Tip's SNL performance. Those allergies are going to start acting up once Phife's banner drops as his verse on "We the People" comes on. Shouts to Q-Tip for earning November's Best Rap Verse of the Month.

"Now, in the time when niggas wasn’t supposed to be born
Best of us are left for dead in cities that look war-torn
Vietnam going wrong, heroin going strong
Neighbors would whoop that bad ass
Just for running through their lawn
Walt met Cheryl, Cheryl met Walt
Trinidadian love sprouting through the asphalt
Love was consummated and the angels registrated
Two were to be born but only one of 'em made it
Inside a cloud of sorrow, a silver lining and joy
It’s a bouncing baby boy, a king’s name they would employ
And before he even squeaks, it’s decided it’s Malik
Now give him hope, give him care
Raise him while his grandma there
Watch out momma, if you stare
Light brown eyes'll keep you there
Let’s progress the story just a little bit
Malik, I would treat you like little brother that would give you fits
Sometimes overbearing though I thought it was for your benefit
Despite all the spats and shits cinematically documented
The one thing I appreciate, you and I, we never pretended
Rhymes we would write it out, hard times fight it out
Gave grace face to face, made it right
And now you riding out, out, out, out, damn"
embed.spotify.com

Rest in power, Phife.

Latest in Music