Grammys: A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes Diss 'President Agent Orange' in Tribute to Refugees

Rap legends A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes rescued the Grammy Awards from descent into unwatchable boredom with a devastating performance of Tribe’s “We The People” from the group’s new album “We Got It From Here… Thank You For Your Service.”

But the stand out moment wasn’t the (excellent) song — it was the passionate intro by Busta calling out Donald Trump’s travel ban targeting Muslim immigrants.

Also Read: Grammys: Who Is Gavin Grimm? Laverne Cox Shouts Out #StandWithGavin

“I’m not doing the political clamor right now. I just want to thank president agent orange for perpetuating all of the evil that you’ve been perpetuating throughout the United States,” said Rhymes. “I want to thank president agent orange for your unsuccessful attempt at the Muslim ban. When we come together, we the people! We the people! We the people! We the people!”

This was followed by the song itself, which features the chorus “All you Black folks, you must go/All you Mexicans, you must go/And all you poor folks, you must go/Muslims and gays, boy, we hate your ways.” The song was written in 2016 but it feels especially timely in the era of Trump and his administration’s nakedly nationalist and xenophobic policies.

Accompanied by dancers in military garb and a backing crowd representing a cross-section of Americans, the performance was already a Grammys all-timer. But the coup de grace occurred near the end of the song, when a group of women in hijabs symbolizing refugees the Trump administration tried and failed to ban from the United States marched onstage.

Also Read: Grammys: Who Is Gavin Grimm? Laverne Cox Shouts Out #StandWithGavin

As the song ended, Tribe lead rapper Q-Tip chanted “Resist, resist, resist, resist,” one of the evening’s more successful injections of politics.

Among other highlights, the performance opened with brief references to classic Tribe tracks “Can I Kick It” and “Award Tour.” Later on during “We The People,” the Tribe and guest Busta Rhymes went silent and raised their fists in pride as banners fell with the face of deceased group member Phife Dog, who died last year of complications from diabetes. All remained silent as his recorded verse played.

23 Grammys Red Carpet Looks Ranked, From Lady Gaga to Katy Perry (Photos)

See TheWrap's ranking of best to worst dressed, from Carrie Underwood to Laverne Cox.
Getty Images
Chrissy Teigen stunned in her black number as she accompanied her husband John Legend to the award show.
Getty Images
Carrie Underwood gets major props for her red gown with bell sleeves and a plunging neckline.
Getty Images
The neck bundle is a little much, but Jennifer Lopez slays in this pink frock with a slit.
Getty Images
Maren Morris did not take Best New Artist, but she certainly made an impression in this subtly sexy purple number.
Getty Images
Despite some problems with a certain airline, it's clear that Jason Derulo's baggage made it through: The singer looks like a true showman in this three-piece and overcoat.
Getty Images
This is an example of when a little bit goes a long way. Her outfit is very simple, but Kristin Cavallari looks stunning in a plunging neckline and high slit.
Getty Images
"E!" host Giuliana Rancic looked cute in her white lace dress, although we could've done without the white belt.
Getty Images
The dress itself is okay, but overall, Celine Dion looks gorgeous.
Getty Images
Adele looks good in this dress, but we aren't wowed by the way the look was put together.
Getty Images
Lea Michele's outfit is cool and her body looks amazing in it, but her eye makeup makes her look like a corpse.
Getty Images
CeeLo Green looks silly, but you've gotta give him props for doing something this crazy.
Ryan Seacrest looks like a used car salesman in his velour brown jacket.
Heidi Klum is beautiful in this metallic dress, but it's way too casual for the Grammys.
Getty Images
Nick Jonas may be a budding sex symbol, but this jacket looks more Dolly Parton than debonair.
Getty Images
It's clear that the car ride to the Staples Center wasn't that forgiving on Taraji P. Henson's mini -- but the woman can wear anything.
Getty Images
We're not really sure what Katy Perry was thinking in this metallic Tom Ford number.
Getty Images
Sorry, Solange -- we tried taking a cue from your sister, but we can't seem to make lemonade out of this choice of yours.
Getty Images
Dressed for his Sunday errands, Skrillex makes a pit stop at the Grammys.
Getty Images
She's a beautiful girl with a crazy-good voice, but this convergence of trends -- cutouts, quilted, Balmain reminiscent nightmare -- just looks vulgar on Demi Lovato.
Getty Images
When we tried to pinpoint what Santigold's outfit reminds us of, we came up with "going to church," "kinky '70s secretary" and "girls scout troop leader." There's a lot going on here and none of it is good.
Getty Images
Of course, Lady Gaga marches to the beat of her own drum when it comes to fashion, but this is barely a look.

Also Read: Lady Gaga Silences Fat-Shaming Trolls With Smokin’ Look at Grammys
Getty Images
"Orange is the New Black" star Laverne Cox is wearing a leather dress that looks like it's bearing staples to keep it together. Cox is usually dead-on trend, but this punk-inspired gown feels dated.
Getty Images
Why, Girl Crush?
Getty Images