Q-Tip-Renaissance

Universal Motown Records

Rating: 4 of 4

By: Preach Jacobs

 

There’s no doubt that A Tribe Called Quest helped shaped the sound of some of hip-hop’s most endearing artists. Q-Tip was at the forefront of the group proving that rappers can have a sense of humor, not be violent, talk about love and still rap over addictive beats that are bass-heavy and full of melodies. Q-Tip’s newest album “Renaissance” is appropriately titled as he continues a sound the Native Tongues were known for.

 

If Tribe put an album out today, I would hope that it would sound something like “Renaissance.” Q-Tip, who is mostly known for his voice, never gets the credit he deserves behind the boards as he produces all but one song on the album. Songs like “Johnny Is Dead,” “WeFight/WeLove” and “Move” all continue where ‘Amplified’ left off; Ummah-ish production with honesty in the lyrics and soul by the pound.

 

Anything that brings D’Angelo out of hiatus is a plus as his hook on “Believe” gives the feeling that it’s the late nineties, and hip-hop is still in its growing stage. Fortunately the entire album gives the feeling of greater things to come, as well as a vintage beauty that very few artists can pull off in hip-hop, especially artists that’s been out of the spotlight for a while. Q-Tip picks up like no time has passed from his last solo offering, sounding as comfortable as ever. There’s no identity crisis in the music, no experimentation, only evidence of an artist that truly is comfortable in his own skin. The only regret about the album is when the last song has finished. Damn, have to press repeat.