After a night that was filled with subtle insults to President Donald Trump, rap legends A Tribe Called Quest came out to deliver a performance that made their opinions of the president clear.
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Amazing performance in here by @BustaRhymes #tribecalledquest! Bravo #Resist #ripPhifeDawg #grammys pic.twitter.com/28AaPJNVOw
— Jon Pierre (@Mr_Repertoire) February 13, 2017
The beginning of their medley started off innocent enough, as they called back to some of their hit songs from the 1990s and turned more aggressive once their guests arrived.
Before a blistering performance of “We the People” off their latest record, Tribe was joined by rappers Busta Rhymes and Consequence.
“I just want to thank President Agent Orange for perpetuating all of the evil that you been perpetuating throughout the United States,” Rhymes barked into the microphone.
“I want to thank President Agent Orange over your unsuccessful attempt at the Muslim ban.”
#tribecalledquest. 🎶🎸💥💕That's what's happening. #resist #grammys #tribe #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/RGXfN9vj69
— Goodnite Neverland (@GdniteNeverland) February 13, 2017
As the song progressed, the group brought people of different races, genders and creeds onstage, while guards stood at the end of the stage. The refrain of “We the People” instructs different cultures that “they must go.” The imagery associated with President Trump’s recent executive order regarding immigration was palpable.
As the song came to an end, Tribe leader Q-Tip screamed “resist, resist, resist” into his microphone. Q-Tip’s message called to mind the digital #Resist movement, which rejects Trump’s presidency.
A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and Anderson .Paak deliver politically charged performance at the #GRAMMYs https://t.co/NrDeSEvovh pic.twitter.com/hsEUCKRwF8
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 13, 2017