Why “Can I Kick It?” By A Tribe Called Quest Is So Damn Likable
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why “Can I Kick It?” By A Tribe Called Quest Is So Damn Likable

A classic since 1990, here's a closer look into the song's components.

35
Why “Can I Kick It?” By A Tribe Called Quest Is So Damn Likable

Few songs have the inarguable calming and joyful energy claimed in "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest. Creating a home for kickbacks and house parties everywhere, the science behind the song can easily be explored.

Possibly most important is the call and answer response that makes up the main chorus of the song. When rapper Q-Tip rhythmically asks "Can I Kick It?," the listener feels as though they are a part of something special when they get to answer along later with Phife Dawg's "Yes, you can!" Along with pulling the listener into a scenario they admire, the call and answer response satisfies the mind by creating a question, which by design requires an answer. With a quick reply to fill the space (after a beat for emphasis), the brain releases endorphins, similar to how it does upon hearing "satisfying" ASMR sound clips. Finally, a call and answer response implies the roles of different people speaking, generating the idea of characters. Singing along to these lines instigates the listener to feel like they are acting as a role in a skit, stimulating their childlike sense of play.

Secondly, the song was recorded when the band members were 19. Being young, hopeful, and a feeling of being experienced are conveyed in the rappers' voices. Singing to an audience of primarily younger people, the high schoolers who listen to the song feel drawn to it because they can sense the slightly older voice and are put at ease by a laid back cool kid, and it makes them excited for the future and therefore dance to the song. Teenagers of about the same age listen to it and are submerged in a wonderful version of the world they already know. People older than 19-20 hear the coming-of-age voices and rejoice because it makes them feel that young again when the world seems all your own, you feel you know everything, and anything is possible.

Although the recognizable sliding twang heard at the beginning of the song and throughout is a sample from Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side," it might subconsciously be why the song resonates so strongly with people. Lou Reed's song was released in 1972 and was listed as one of Rolling Stone magazine's top 500 songs of all time, making it a song most people either grew up listening to or have heard from their parents. Upon their first listen, and catching that descending twang, their minds are jolted by a distant yet familiar memory from childhood. This familiar sound comforts them, being reminded of safe and simple times as a kid.

Finally, conveying comfort is inviting and personal lyrics. Most of the verses in the song speak about making someone comfortable. In the lines, "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," all statements are geared toward ensuring a friend feels as secure as possible. Wiping one's feet on a rug generally indicates entering as a guest into someone's home, generating the image that the listener is stepping into Tribe's house. Following walking into the home, they are then told that whatever they need to feel safe, they may do. These welcoming lyrics create soft and happy energy in the listener because they feel wanted.

Through the versatile call and response chorus, youthful voices of the rappers, recognizable sample, and soothing lyrics, A Tribe Called Quest creates a safe haven for music lovers of all ages.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46555
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29519
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953773
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

164492
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments