Q-Tip – The Renaissance – review

Q-Tip
Artist: Q-Tip
Title: The Renaissance
Label: Universal
Rating: 7.5/10

Corporate line:
Modern hip-hop and R&B music can both arguably be divided into pre- and post-A Tribe Called Quest for the artist known as Q-Tip. Consider the jazzy sampling, laid-back tempos and boho-chic vibe he introduced, then mull over the bohemian posturing and sounds of the neo-soul movement, plus any rap music that shies away from hardcore posturing. All roads lead back to ATCQ and the beats, rhymes and life of one man: Q-Tip. And now the time is ripe for “The Renaissance,” the Abstract MC’s first solo album in nine years.

Back when rap production was all about James Brown samples and dense, agitated sonic collages, Q-Tip was digging deeper into the record crates for snatches of stand-up bass and obscure jazz. The influence of that first sonic renaissance is still being heard. “I see the Tribe legacy as one of the strongest in modern music,” Q-Tip admits. “From us came so many artists, like Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, the Fugees and Kanye West. I feel very honored to have been able to contribute in such a way that, 20 years later, it still is a reference point.” Produced primarily by Q-Tip with plenty of live instrumentation and a love fixation, The Renaissance is a stark portrait of the artist as an elder statesman. One listen to the frenetic drumming and strutting live bassline of a track like “ManWomanBoogie” reveals that Q-Tip is on a mission to create original music as timeless as the tracks he used to sample once upon a time. It’s also obvious that the title of his latest album is no accident. “The Renaissance is significant because for some time now people have questioned the integrity of hip-hop,” he reveals. “I feel like the time is ideal for something that has a revisionist spirit to it.”

The good:
“Won’t Trade” – Easily the album’s best moment. Q-Tip sounds strong as ever.

“Official” – Either Q-Tip is sucking down helium or he’s grabbed a b-side from his younger Tribe days.

“Move” – Hot beat borrowed from the Jackson 5 made all the better by Q-Tip’s slick rhyme style. So what do you got Kanye?

“Dance On Glass” – Another helium track where Q-Tip rips it freestyle. Q hasn’t been this tight since the Tribe was pounding woofers and flicking tweeters.

“Life Is Better” f/Norah Jones – Norah Jones sings the same thing over and over–which means she was wasted. Luckily Q-Tip doesn’t waste any time. Does he take a breath?

“Believe” f/D’Angelo – Q-Tip does his best Outkast impersonation. And I’ll be damned if it isn’t good.

The rest:

“Gettin’ Up” – Has its moments of quality Tribe-like lyrics and other moments of being average.

“Johnny Is Dead” – I love Q-Tip but this is boring.

“We fight/we love” – Sappy and weak chorus. Whoever provides the female vocals better go back to the drawing board.

Finally:
Q-Tip is back and we won’t go as far as saying he’s better than ever, however this is his best release since “The Low End Theory.” Q-tip is on his game. There are a few tracks that don’t hold up and its easy to forgive him. Rarely does an album title nail it, but this is a renaissance.


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4 responses to “Q-Tip – The Renaissance – review”

  1. .maxiM Avatar
    .maxiM

    Excuse me dude but this review is trash. This album is a classic!!!!!! You ain’t knowin’ Raphael Saadiq on “We fight/love” is not a woman, plus the song is great. Your helium comparison on “Official” is just bullshit. Plus Norah Jones rocks on one of the best song from the album. “I believe” ain’t sounding like OutKast at all, but like a dope “Beats, rhymes and life” song. You heard the album once and you made a weak review. While the album is an instant classic. Your review is really trash, so people buy the album and don’t believe no BS from no average critics!!!!!!!!!!!

    Peace from France, The Renaissance!!!!!

  2. jesse Avatar

    agreed about won’t trade – great song. however you are mistaken in thinking that a female sang the chorus on “we fight/we love”. that was the one and only Raphael Saadiq! and getting up has been the song of the summer for me, easily one of the albums highlights.

  3. Julian Avatar

    The other 2 reviews say it all. Remember that group Tony Toni Tone? The old lead singer, Rapheal Saadiq, is the man on We Fight/We Love.

    If you think The Low End Theory was his last great release you obviously never listened to Midnight Marauders, or Beats, Rhymes, and Life.

    This album is strong – You should try and dig up Q-Tip’s unreleased “Kamaal the Abstract.” It was “The Love Below” 3 years earlier and unreleased. Hit me up on my website if you want a copy.

    http://www.julianivey.com

  4. Pop Culture Blog Avatar

    I enjoyed reading your review – but I think 7.5 is on the low side. Amazing record and nearly comprehensively brilliant. Here’s my own take on it if anyone cares: http://www.davepye.com/2008/11/wednesday-wadio-q-tips-wont-trade.htm

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