Latest Posts

The Renaissance - Q-Tip

November 15, 2008 | Author: Rhydian H.M.

Q-Tip finally gets to release a second album in “The Renaissance”, since his debut gold selling album “Amplified” in 1999. Although he recorded the 9 track LP “Kamaal the Abstract” due to be released in 2002, it never came out commercially, due to the record label deciding against its release. Despite his lack of solo releases, Q-Tip is hailed for his legacy with A Tribe Called Quest throughout the 90s.

“The Renaissance” features some star guests such as D’Angelo, Norah Jones and Raphael Saadiq. The album has a number of similar old school beats and easy listening sounds in keeping Q-Tip’s most productive years leading his former group.

Q-Tip is one of the few remaining established hip hop artists that produces a message and this album has several positive messages. Track “Believe”, featuring D’Angelo, spreads the vibe to believe in ourselves and each other. In “Life is Better”, which heavily features Norah Jones, Jones sings most of the track with the mantra that life is better and Q-Tip takes a verse to deliver an up tempo rap. Q-Tip also covers the subject of coming back from life’s difficulties in “Getting Up”, giving another upbeat vibe and positive story.

“Move”, his second release of the album, is a lengthily track that changes tune half way and could work as two separate tracks, gives a cool beat in each half, with Q-Tip starting off encouraging us to “move” and “get down” in the club.

The track “Shaka”, named after his brother, is a worthy listen of how his brother inspires him to fight to do things how he wants and interestingly has some lyrics supposedly influenced by a Barrack Obama campaign speech, so see if you can spot them.

“The Renaissance” was released on November 4 on iTunes (listen to it here) and after many years waiting, Q-Tip fans will be pleased to find him in great spirits on the album.

“The Renaissance” track listing: