"Scenario" is a song by American hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released in March 1992 by Jive Records as the third single from their second album, The Low End Theory (1991). The song features the rap group Leaders of the New School. Matt Cibula of PopMatters called the track hip-hop's greatest posse cut.Cibula, Matt. The Importance of Being Busta. PopMatters. Accessed December 29, 2008. The song is commonly considered a breakout moment for Leaders of the New School member Busta Rhymes, who was 19 when this song was released.Young, Kevin. Unwrapping the Message. Bookforum. Accessed November 16, 2010. Time included the song on its list of its All-TIME 100 Songs in 2017.
The song opens with the chorus, followed by verses from Phife Dawg, Charlie Brown, Dinco D, and Q-Tip, who hands the mic off to Busta Rhymes.Connor, Martin. Tribe Called Quest – Scenario. Rap Analysis. Accessed August 13, 2018.HipHopGoldenAge. 25 Best Guest Verses In Hip Hop History | #3 Busta Rhymes – Scenario. 25 Best Guest Verses In Hip Hop History. Accessed May 15th, 2019.
The accompanying music video, directed by Jim Swaffield, plays on an interactive desktop, and features cameo appearances by Spike Lee, De La Soul, Kid Capri, Brand Nubian, Fab Five Freddy, and Redman.
A remixed version of "Scenario" appeared on the B-side of the 12" single, the cassette single, and the limited edition release of the group's fifth album, The Love Movement (1998). The remix also features Leaders of the New School and newcomer Kid Hood, who was murdered two days after recording his verse. Blender magazine ranked the "Scenario" remix at number 216 in its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born".
Samples "Oblighetto" by Brother Jack McDuff "Little Miss Lover" by Jimi Hendrix "Soul Vibrations" and "Funky Granny" by Kool & the Gang [sample appears on remix only] "Ecstasy" by Ohio Players [sample appears on the remix only] "Blind Alley" by The Emotions [sample appears on the remix only]
Charts Chart (1992) PeakpositionUK Dance (Music Week) 38
Certifications
References
External links Video at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed) Lyrics and musical notation at www.rapanalysis.com