Check the Rhime - Industry Rule 4080 & Other Truths

“Check the Rhime” by A Tribe Called Quest is a quintessential track that embodies the essence of early 1990s Native Tongues hip-hop—lyrically witty, culturally grounded, and unshakably authentic. Released in 1991 on The Low End Theory, this song bridges nostalgia and social critique while showcasing the dynamic synergy between Q-Tip (The Abstract) and Phife Dawg (The Five-Footer). Below is an in-depth analysis of five key lyrical phrases, including their meaning, historical context, and impact within the song's overall message and Tribe’s broader legacy.