Event Review: House of Vans Is Run By A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest has united with Vans to create a special line of sneakers that even made me buy a pair. Not only are they super cute, but they are emblematic of their legendary career. Thus, it was no surprise that they came out to sign memorabilia, give a show, and to prove that Kings are royal not because they rule over kingdoms, but they build them.
Going through the House of Vans, it was crazy to see this “pop-up shop” be a veiled museum to one of the most influential Hip Hop acts. Going through pictures, artwork, and their new line of sneakers, I got sentimental. I kept on imagining Jarobi, Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, on Linden Blvd, being teenagers with a lot of talent, a lot of dreams, and a determination to foster both. They were excited to be rappers, and scared that they will never be seen as such. No artist knows whether they will “make” it, but fast-forward to more than two decades later, and those teenagers have a warehouse, celebrating a fashion line, paying homage to their discography. You never know where life will take you, but that night was a celebration that it can take you to great heights.
A Tribe Called Quest – We The People….
Of course, I thought those deep thoughts while I was being nudged on a line to get my sneakers signed, of which I can officially say, “I walk with the tribe!” Q-Tip, Jarobi, Ali, and Consequence were all there, and were incredibly kind. They spoke to people; even asking me “How is your day?” I have NO IDEA WHAT I SAID BACK! I am pretty sure I just did a weird mumble, and went to the free alcohol section, which hailed the best of local breweries. In truth, I was shocked by their sweet openness. In an era where fame, money, and power are divided between the “haves and have nots”, it was nice to see a group of men that did not have grow up to have so much, but still be gracious and caring to those, like myself, trying to figure what “have” even means. The warehouse was PACKED with young people that understood true stars are timeless. A Tribe Called Quest defined the Hip Hop skyline, which is why when they came to perform PEOPLE LOST IT!
A Tribe Called Quest – Can I Kick It?
Throughout the day, ATCQ’s music, along with Hip Hop greats from Kendrick to Pac, blasted throughout the warehouse; making it immediately felt that this was a space solely for the Hip Hop Community. Thus, when they showed up to “show out”, the crowd could not HANDLE IT! It was the equivalent of “being lit”. While Q-Tip was not there to perform, Jarobi and Consequence free-style gave me so much life, I almost reincarnated. Both made continuous mentions to Phife Dawg, which, again, made my sensitivities rise up. His spirit was truly felt, and it was nice to see his music family summon his spirit as if they understood material things are only casings for spiritual ones. From their records to their sneakers, A Tribe Called Quest are not just musicians; they are a culture and an energy. To Buy VANS A Tribe Called Quest Line Click Here.
