Meaning of "Give Me" by A Tribe Called Quest

The lyrics of "Give Me" delve into various themes, including growth, nostalgia, and the importance of representing one's roots. The song begins by recounting the group's early days in Queens, where they had dreams of becoming emcees. At that time, they were focused solely on their craft and had no concerns about record companies or the music industry. However, as they grew older, they witnessed the changes in the industry and how it affected artists. They acknowledge the success of Boyz II Men, ABC, and BBD but make it clear that they are not like them. They want to be recognized for their own unique style and work.

The repetition of "Give me" throughout the song emphasizes the desire for recognition and support. The group, consisting of Nore, Phife Dawg, and Abstract, wants to be acknowledged and appreciated by their audience and the world. They mention their respective names several times, signifying their individual contributions to the music scene. They take pride in their identity as emcees from Queens and want their hometown to be recognized for producing talented artists.

The verses contain specific references to locations in Queens, such as Far Rock and Flushing. These references serve to reinforce their connection to their hometown and their experiences growing up there. The lyrics also touch on the themes of money, cheba (slang for marijuana), and sex, indicating their focus on the street life and the pursuit of pleasure. However, they also mention their dedication to their art, with Q-Tip mentioning the party or the "precent" (present/movement) and the Love Movement (referring to their own musical style).

Overall, "Give Me" is a song that reflects on the growth and evolution of A Tribe Called Quest as artists and individuals. It highlights their loyalty to their hometown of Queens and their desire to be recognized for their own unique style. The song captures a sense of nostalgia for their early dreams of becoming emcees and represents their journey and experiences in the music industry.