The Native Tongues, a revered collective of progressive rap acts that includes A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, the Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Brand Nubian and more, receives a special tribute this weekend at Lola. Nappy DJ Needles talked about "Can I Kick It: A Tribute (Jam) to Native Tongues."

• Where did the idea come from to do a Native Tongues tribute?

It came from the mind of Rhashad Whittier. He knew me and Reminisce and Cuzzin B could definitely pull off something like this. On any given night either of us will break off into some kind of unofficial Native Tongues tribute anyway. So it just made sense. He presented it and he didn't need too many words. It's a no brainer.

What's the significance of the Native Tongues? It's just necessary. They provide a much needed balance. There's a lot of complaints from guys like me in the nation of hip-hop that there isn't enough balance. People can like whatever they like but the main thing is they have a choice. Native Tongues provide authenticity and love all types of music.

Have you ever done a whole night of Native Tongues music? No, but it won't be hard. We're talking about not only the core members but second and third generation. Honestly, there won't be enough time to cover it. And you won't hear two of the same records, not from me anyway.

• How much Native Tongues would one hear in a normal hip-hop set (that's not one of your sets)? Not much. They have to be DJs in the same class as me or Reminisce and a few others. You have to be fearless. You can't be scared to play what you like and what you believe should be played. Unfortunately for a lot of DJs, even if they like Native Tongues, are scared to venture off and challenge their crowd by playing that stuff. They're afraid they'll get stares and looks and disappointment. They can't handle that. Troublemakers like myself could care less.

Who's your favorite Native Tongues act? I would have to say the two core members, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. But for a long time if I ever had to chose I'd say De La Soul just because they were able to stay together and are still together.

-- By Kevin C. Johnson

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"Can I Kick It: A Tribute (Jam) to Native Tongues" with Nappy DJ Needles, DJ Reminisce and Cuzzin B

When 9 p.m. Saturday • Where Lola, 500 North 14th Street • How much $10 • More info welovelola.com and ghettoblastic.com