Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest turns 47 today. Born on April 10th, 1970, the celebrated artist has topped out many lists of best MCs and producers, solidifying him as a tour de force in the hip-hop world. Q-Tip both as a solo artist and during his time with Tribe has continued to innovate and push boundaries. Most recently, he was appointed in March as the Kennedy Center’s first artistic director for hip-hop culture, where he is responsible for curating hip-hop related programming for the arts center.

You can check out a handful of performances by the MC below, to honor this legendary lyricist on his birthday.

A Tribe Called Quest, “Can I Kick It?” 1998

With Busta Rhymes, “Scenario,” 2008

A Tribe Called Quest Medley, 2008

“Bonita Applebum,” 2013


With Jack White at MSG, “Excursions,” 2015