"Back in the days when I was a teenager
Before I had status and before I had a pager
You could find the Abstract listening to hip hop
My pops used to say, it reminded him of be-bop
I said, well daddy don't you know that things go in cycles..."
Performed and later discussed briefly by Q-Tip on the A Tribe Called Quest documentary, Beats, Rhymes and Life, "Excursions" is arguably one of the greatest opening tracks to an album. In this case, "The Low End Theory," which is also undeniably one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time. Seeing it live adds a layer of build-up and excitement to the record that is incredible to see, and I've had the pleasure of seeing Q-Tip solo and with A Tribe Called Quest on multiple occasions over the years. From smaller stages to performing on an island, the energy is always insanity, especially if they add Busta Rhymes to the mix for Scenario. On top of "Scenario" and "Excursions," I think Tip takes it up a notch on "Award Tour," as well. To the Queens kid inside me, it's pure nostalgia.