A Tribe Called Quest & Anderson .Paak Deliver Politically Charged Performance at the Grammys [WATCH]
There were plenty of spectacular music collaborations at the 2017 Grammy Awards (Alicia Keys and Maren Morris’ dazzling duet of 'Once' for example), but whoever came up with the idea of pairing '90s iconic hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest with multifaceted singer-musician Anderson .Paak deserves applause. The dynamic pair delivered a politically charged performance at the awards ceremony on Sunday night (Feb. 12). And it was much needed.
Solange, who was a first-time Grammy winner tonight, introduced ATCQ and Anderson .Paak to the stage. Q-Tip and Jarobi White dedicated their performance to their beloved late member Phife Dawg who passed away in 2016. And they also had a message for the audience.
"We like to say to all of these people around the world... to all of these people who are pushing people who are in power to represent them, tonight, we represent you," said Q-Tip.
The duo then kicked off the set with a brief rendition of “Award Tour” and "Can I Kick It" with Anderson backing them up on drums. The group then segued into “Movin' Backwards,” a song from their latest album, We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service.
Afterward, Busta Rhymes charged the Grammy stage and slammed President Donald Trump -- or as he referred to him "Agent Orange" -- for his recent immigration ban that has caused havoc around the world. Then ATCQ performed their politically-charged track, “We the People," as immigrants were invited to stand onstage behind them as they raised their fists in solidarity.
“Resist! Resist! Resist! Resist!” yells Q-Tip at the end of their performance.
Oddly, the 2017 Grammy Awards was very apolitical until ATCQ hit the stage. We don't know if it was intentional or just an aberration. However, we are glad that ACTQ, Anderson .Paak and company used their voice to bring awareness to the bizarre political climate we are in right now.
We hope that Agent Orange was watching.