Kamaal the Abstract is an intensely idiosyncratic and revealing record. To that end, Q-Tip produced the entire album himself, even playing several instruments. What comes from Kamaal is a daring mélange of soul, supa-cool jazz, headnodding hip-hop, and organic pop magic in the vein of Stevie Wonder or Prince. Check for the superlative figures of saxophonist Kenny Garrett, a one-time member of Miles Davis’ ensemble, on the breathy “Abstractionisms.” Or the fluid flute lines of Gary Thomas, another Davis sideman, on “Do U Dig U.” Elsewhere, note Tip’s ambitious production, arrangements, and even sung stylings.

But make no mistake: Kamaal the Abstract still boasts all the earmarks of Q-Tip’s inimitable mic control. Listen to him blaze through a spiced narrative on “Even If It Is So.” Or paint vivid images on “Blue Girl.” The album has been re-mixed and re-mastered for sonic impact, though it retains the original album artwork. Neil Levine SVP/GM of Battery Records is proud to release this buried treasure from Q-Tip: “Kamaal the Abstract/Q-Tip is a true visionary and ahead of his time. These songs sound more contemporary now than when they were first recorded”. Kamaal the Abstract drops September 15th. Better late than never.

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.

2K Sports, announced today details for the 4th annual Bounce Tour, the latest addition to 2K Sports’ series of live events celebrating the convergence of music, sports and video game culture. The tour lineup consists of Q-Tip (from A Tribe Called Quest), who will be supported by his live band, DJ Scratch (from EPMD) and the popular duo The Cool Kids, who will also be performing new material and other banging hits. The Bounce Tour is scheduled to appear in 20 different cities across the country from Nov.5 – Dec.3.

“Q-Tip killed it last year on the 2K8 Bounce Tour and we’re honored to have him back on tour with us. He’s a legend in the game, and one of the most influential artists in hip-hop culture,” said Tim Rosa, director of brand and lifestyle marketing at 2K Sports. “We’re also excited to have The Cool Kids performing new material on the tour. Their music is unique and positive, their vibe is independent and authentic, and they roll with their own signature style, all of which reflect the same attributes we strive for with our games.”

After the Bounce Tour in 2006,Q-Tip returns with another hip-hop pioneer, EPMD’s DJ Scratch, to perform new tracks from his upcoming solo album, The Renaissance, along with other classics. The Cool Kids, who have already partnered with 2K Sports on a variety of efforts including recording an exclusive track titled “2K Pennies” and having playable in-game characters, will perform as the opening act on the tour. Fans can also now download the 2K Pennies track for free, at the 2K Sports website, http://www.2ksports.com/coolkids.

In addition to the live music performances, the Bounce Tour will provide fans with an exciting opportunity to play the latest games by 2K Sports, check out different visual vignettes of games displayed throughout the show, and receive exclusive gear and other exciting giveaways. To find out more information about the 4th annual Bounce Tour, and to find the nearest stop, please visit http://www.2ksports.com/bouncetour . The full schedule for the 4th annual Bounce Tour is below:

Wednesday, Nov. 5 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Friday, Nov. 7 Aspen, CO Belly Up
Saturday, Nov. 8 Denver, CO Cervantes Ballroom
Monday, Nov.10 Portland, OR Roseland
Tuesday, Nov. 11 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
Thursday, Nov. 13 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine
Saturday, Nov. 15 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
Sunday, Nov. 16 Las Vegas, CA House of Blues
Monday, Nov. 17 Phoenix, AZ Marquee
Wednesday, Nov. 19 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Thursday, Nov. 20 Austin, TX Stubb’s
Friday, Nov. 21 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
Saturday, Nov. 22 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Monday, Nov. 24 Atlanta, GA Centerstage
Wednesday, Nov. 26 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
Friday, Nov. 28 Orlando, FL House of Blues
Saturday, Nov. 29 Charlotte, NC Amos Southend
Sunday, Nov. 30 Washington D.C. 930 Club
Tuesday, Dec. 2 New York, NY Nokia
Wednesday, Dec. 3 Philadelphia, PA Trocodero