The word “honor” came up more than a few times in Kanye West’s speech about the life of Phife Dawg and influence of Tribe Called Quest at Tuesday night’s “Celebration of Phife.”

“Honor. Honor that work. That influence. That ability to chop that sample. That ability to put that rap together. Honor that,” he shared, while reflecting on Tribe.

As one of the many star-studded attendees at the memorial service, Mr. West, a longtime Tribe fan who had the group perform for their final run on his 2013 Yeezus Tour, reflected on the group and the late icon.

“One hundred years from now, we’re gonna all be with Phife and this country was built off of our back,” he said, later noting “Tribe made Kanye West.”

Before closing out, West pledged his longtime allegiance to Tribe and their impact on his own personality. “Anything I ever did wrong, blame Tip, Phife ’cause y’all raised me.”

“Rest in peace to Phife Dawg.”

Insider Access | Kanye West Pays Homage To Phife Dawg At The Apollo