Reviews (page 2 of 8)
90
Dope
Q-Tip is great. This album cover was a little offputting. Gives me Will.i.am vibes. There are many good tracks here - often the production has a slight aroma of 2000s glitz, but its not overpowering. Its a gentle cologne that is tolerable, makes the room smell nicer, though undoubtedly a little tacky. Still I find this whole album very listenable. Something about this album doesn't feel like a 5 star, doesnt feel essential to the 1001, but when I try to pick holes I don't really see them apart from that the production at times seems a little dated. Fave Tracks: Johnny is Dead, Gettin Up, Life is Better, Believe 4.5/5
I love this album so much. It is great start to finish with it continuously finding new ways to surprise and delight. There are back to back songs with Norah Jones and D’Angelo and they are both incredible and fit perfectly in sequence and it’s hard to imagine that working until you listen, but like this whole album, everything works
Another standout album in Q-Tip's discography. Even 20 years into his career, he continued to showcase the strength of both his lyrics and production skills. For being released in 2008, this project offered a refreshing old-school approach to rap during that era. Considering how many classics Q-Tip has contributed to, it's wild that he's still underrated.
Really enjoyed this, wanted to listen again!
Loved this one
Gut 10/10
First impressions is the amazing jazz sampling and rap flow. I can hear where his style has had a major influence in modern hip-hop/rap. Very easy to listen to with effortlessly smooth transitions between tracks. I love his enunciations.
I love q-tip 9.1/10
Nice album, enjoyed the rapping and beats. Easy to listen to Fav tracks - All
Q-Tip has one of my favorite flows ever. I don’t listen to him as much as I should and every time I listen to one of his songs, I always find myself asking why don’t I listen to him more often. He’s not just a rapper, he’s a curator like these are great songs not just good rapping. I’m a fan of this project for sure, now let’s just hope I listen to this & him more often now.
Thought this started really strong and then it just got even better. I don’t know much Q-Tip and definitely not anything outside Tribe, but this was so good. Dance on Glass is one of the best hip-hop songs I’ve heard this year. This is a 5/5 on all fronts. Production is so good, rapping is so good, features are perfect too. Not a dud on this thing.
Incredible album, supremely enjoyed listening
Amazing
Really fucked with this album. Very 2008 and just a generally fun and energizing listen
Do I hear Proto-Kendrick? I liked this a lot.
Really great stuff.
Great
걍 존내 클래식이구만?ㅋㅋ
Listened to before: No This is just wonderfully produced and who could ever resist Q-Tips rapping? I like how the album incorporates large portions of soul and jazz, without compromising on it's Hip-Hop roots. Rating: 4.5
This was an eye opener. Wow. This is a fantastic album. Lots of soul, organic funky beats and original hip hop. Man I’m impressed. Easy 5 stars. This is why I am listening to 1001 albums, otherwise I would never have heard this.
I thought it was a great hip hop album overall. Great songs like Wefight/Welove and life is better were stand outs to me. His flow is a little repetitive but has that 90s hip hop style that is enjoyable for a casual listen. 9/10
This is fantastic. It sounds like 80s hip hop all grown up. The cover image speaks volumes with Q-Tip sporting a silver suit and holding a sampler in front of his face. It's also a bit deceptive, as the sampler plays a diminished role here compared to previous efforts. Instead, Q-Tip brings hip hop back to its roots by forming a band to create a live sound. It owes tribute to 70s funk and soul but creates something new (though samples still feel at home here and there). But it still keeps the flow of classic hip hop. Lyrically progressive, he raps about love and positivity. This is definitely a refreshing album.
Nice vibes, I think some young rappers I’ve seen are emulating his style
This one was kinda awesome. Always liked tribe called quest Will I listen to again: 100%
Grooooove
Loved this!
New favorite hip-hop album
Even without the rest of his Tribe, Q-Tip can rap and produce with the best of 'em. Solid 5 Stars.
From Tribe to this... hell yeah.
Groovy, fascinating, wonky, melodious! As somebody who rarely find hiphop I enjoy, this album shows the vastness of opportunities that exist within this genre.
Love this album. Brilliant beats, great combos of other artists on tracks, usual smooth lyricist!
Q-Tip definitely has it going on. He’s one of those rappers who will always feel fresh and stand the test of time. His voice and flow are so unique that no one can come close to replicating him. His music production is equally one of a kind—laidback, jazzy, and soulful all at once. Every time I hear his music, I’m pulled into this peaceful, laidback vibe that’s impossible to resist.
Absolutely top-shelf (and non-toxic, non-misogynsitc) hip-hop, with half-dozen first-rate cuts – "Johny Is Dead," "Gettin' Up," "You," "We Fight/We Love," "ManWoman Boogie" (if that's not a perfect sequence of songs on gender relationships, one doesn't know what would be), "Life Is Better." Smooth, warm, accessible/approachable, jazzy, flowingly soulful – what's not to like? Indeed, this is a strong contender for one's all-time fave hip-hop record.
vibbinnnn yoooo
Never hear of him before, but this was great. Great beats with an old school feel, nice lyrics and flow.
Never heard of that record but wow, this was amazing! The beats and the lyrics were both great. But what else do you expect from Q-tip?
He's called Q-Tip because his songs get stuck in your ears. The more I listen to this the more I like it. Jazzy, funky, the mix of in-studio instruments and samples, lyrical and nimble rapping, what more could you want? Groovy bass playing? Check. Phat beats? Check. A good time from start to finish? Check.
I love this. Very good album. Great beats, steady progression, excellent raps. Should have realized the Tribe connection sooner. Bomb.
it really blows my mind that Q-Tip doesn't come up more in conversations about the greatest rappers of all time, not to mention how talented he is as a producer. this is so funky and groovy & lyrically dense and cool, especially when you put it up against almost all of its contemporaries
It's been one of my favorite albums since it came out.
Big fan of Q-Tip. Love his voice for rap.
“well what good is an ear if a q-tip isn’t in it?” used to bump gettin’ up at parties, fuckin love this album
Track and Flow, what more could you want?
Ayer miércoles dije que era hoy. ¿Hoy es hoy? Toca nuevamente hip-hop, género para seguir curioseando. Siento vibras de Kendrick Lamar, unos años antes que él. Me he dado cuenta que éste tipo de hip-hop, ése subgénero, me agrada más que otros más "gritados" o en los que los artistas se muestran como gángsters. Un gran trabajo con tremendo groove.
Q-Tip might be my favorite rapper. I can understand everything he says. His whole vibe has always been chill. This is really nice. Saving tracks left and right. This is exactly my speed rn. 5/5
Yo Tip, why'd you drive so far for? 5/5
My weekend my start late but it sure started in style!! Super solid album, detailed, creative and fun! Nothing like my usual tunes but I can't score it anything less than perfection tbh
Always a pleasure. Q is qing.
Oh my. A delightful treat for my tired ears. The music has texture and layers! It's playful. The rap is smooth and insightful. Will definitely listen to again.
90s hip hop with a little bit of soul. I should listen to the lyrics more
Outstanding. Catchy. Amazing album.
Great running album, will relisten at some point for the lyrics
I didn’t know Q tip had a solo album
I love Tribe Called Quest!
Honestly, loved this album. Not usually a fan of hip-hop but this album reminded me of driving around on a sunny day
Fun
Will be buying this one, never listened to any solo Q-Tip, ATCQ will forever be one of my favorites.
So smooth and chill. I love what Tribe records I've heard, but Q-Tip's solo work was new to me. Always fun to discover a new thread to follow from a familiar source.
The boost I needed on a crappy Monday. Prince-like funky soul with a shot of hip-hop and a slick electronica layer of polish.
funky fresh hip hop for funky fresh individuals. big beats, vinyl flips and luscious lines from q-tip all meld together to create nothing short of a hip-hop masterpiece. the album's title makes perfect sense, this album does feel like a renaissance period when it comes to this kind of material.
Oh man. This is really good. This generator has gotten me to listen to a lot of great hip hop records. God bless. Highlights: Johnny Is Dead, Gettin' Up, You, ManWomanBoogie, Life Is Better
I’ve always said that Q-Tip has one of my favorite voices in rap music. He also happens to be a fantastic producer. And the dynamic he had with the other members of A Tribe Called Quest was second to none. So I was intrigued to hear what he would be capable of by himself. Safe to say I was not expecting something to this level of quality. But why should I really be surprised? This man has been one of the most talented MCs since the groups inception. This was released in 2008, just about in the middle of Tribe’s extended hiatus period, and there is a clear evolution of his sound. Although he was 38 here, he somehow manages to sound younger than he did on his earlier work. Even ten years after The Love Movement, age has not affected this man. And with this semblance of youth comes a new kind of production style. A cleaner one. A kind that is more adjacent to soul than jazz. And while I love the jazz rap work they did with albums like The Low End Theory, I welcome this new sound. And it pays off. Because every beat is amazing. I’m really fond of the bass lines and synth patterns here. It definitely feels like it’s taking inspiration from newer modern pop rap beats. Almost all songs are produced by Fareed, and he even samples great artists like Can, Jackson 5, and Steve Howe from Yes. I do have to give a shoutout to the song Move, especially the first part, since it’s produced by the late but great J Dilla. Even with age, Fareed’s lyricism, writing capabilities, and wittiness hasn’t changed at all. And every feature is stellar, especially the ones from Raphael Saadiq and Norah Jones. They provide a beautifully melodic twist to the slick instrumentals. Fareed even provides some singing himself, like with his vocal harmonies on Gettin Up. I was really blown away by how good this is. There is not one bad song. And although it might be blasphemy that I like this more than something like The Low End Theory, doesn’t change that those are still amazing records. This just happened to go above and beyond for me. Rating: 10/10!
Makes me wish I listened to more Tribe Called Quest back in the day...
Really loved this album! A whole vibe. Classic feel...mmm.
Life Is Better, w Norah Jones! Can’t believe I’d never given this a full listen. Vibey rap
Awesome
Really liked this. It was fun and something I’d definitely put on in the car.
Went into this not expecting a ton but wow this was really great. Strong from start to finish. What makes it great: Q-Tip is the only artist on the large majority of the album (something I like seeing, particularly in hip hop, where artists feature other artists on the album so to help fill their album) and no interludes. 9/10.
This is good hip hop! It’s a solid album.
The production on this is so funky and cool. Reminded me of Nujabes at times. Loved it honestly, gonna be coming back to this one.
Bardzo przyjemny chill-hop.
Great surprise. Listened twice.
Fantastic, sexy, fun, interesting, a great listen and my first new discovery
8/10 - Big surprise
Great hip hop album by an artist ive never heard of. Kanye like
The fact that this is literally my 50th album and I am just now listening to a hip hop album is horrendous. Ironic but also shameful. However I’ll let that slide since THIS was the first rap album that was given. Q-Tip is already a legend and an icon within music culture due to his pivotal role as 1/3 of the ATCQ. And it was always a bummer that I didn’t get a chance to explore his artistry outside of that…… UNTIL NOW. This is a bonafide classic. Hip hop at its core is the epitome of spoken soul music and Tip took that fact to the absolute maximum with this one. As a rap fan, if you’re reading this and haven’t heard this then you, my friend, are doing yourself a disservice. NECESSARY HIP HOP LISTENING. 6 stars.
Lyrics, flow and beats all flawless. Everyone since he started has borrowed from him, some more heavily or obviously than others. Even the younger rappers who maybe aren't ripping him off directly, they are influenced by artists influenced by Tip. He is the Prince of hip hop for me - a genius who had success but has also inspired a generation (or two) of a movement.
Anyone who doesn't write this a five is an idiot
Used to own on cd. Very cool still
16th May 2023 Listened on the drive in to London. Stayed at Cox and Dan’s overnight on my own! I loved this. 90s rap and hip hop with a soulful, funky twist.
simply amazing. the fact that he can flow for an entire minute before the beat kicks in just shows how he works a mic. i love how he went back to boom bap roots all the way in the late 00’s, yet the production still completely holds up. also the funk and jazz fusion UGH
This my first time listening to any standalone Q-Tip tracks, my only knowledge of him being from his collabs with The Chemical Brothers on "Galvanize" and "Go". Wasn't really sure to what to expect from a full Hip-Hop album of his, but I ended up really enjoying it. Really smooth and quite chill but never boring. Amazing lyricism and flow throughout. Pure vibes. Favourite: Move
Thought this was absolutely excellent
My One Album A Day for today was Q-Tip's The Renaissance. The first couple of tracks didn't do much for me and was worried I wasn't going to love it but it really builds up and is a Good Album
The kind of hip-hop i really like
Loved loved loved this album! I thought I had combed over most of the highlights of Tribe and the individual members, but this one must have totally passed me by. This was pure quality. The Norah Jones record was amazing!! D’Angelo feature at the end was so up my alley, like right in the center of my zone. I love q-tip’s delivery, I love the funkiness of the record, I love the BASS PARTS. WHO IS PLAYING THESE BASS PARTS. The sample selection is amazing, harmonically in a totally different zone if it’s own. This is really really great. Sad to have missed this album for so long.
Woowwwww!!!!!!
This was one of my favorites on this list in a long time. Excellent alternate hip hop.
Fantastic album by Q-Tip. I loved the melodies in the hooks, the laid back feel, and his flow is just so unique to him.
This just hit a perfect spot for me.
so cool
i felt things
Loved this album. Neo soul, hip hop, funk, experimental. Great lyrics.
Surprisingly refreshing
So good
Yes. More of this, please.
Very nice. Normally not a genre I listen to. Pleasantly surprised
:pepejam: My bose ad began with the words 'when the world gets in the way of your music.' I would like to unsubscribe from self aware ads. Fantastic production. I'm not done but i'm feelin a 5/5 today Favorite songs: Johnny Is Dead and ManWomanBoogie
I wasn’t excited to put this in at first but it was a banger front to back. Would listen again.
10/10 from the album cover, I was expecting something new-wave but was pleasantly surprised to hear a really awesome, progressive, electronic hip-hop album honestly, those beats slapped like a mother fucker all around fantastic
Fishy~
Really influential. 4.7⭐
АБСТРАКТ ЕДИНСТВЕННЫЙ МУЖЧИНА ЗАСЛУЖИВАЮЩИЙ ПРАВА
Приятный альбом Группу A tribe called quest я знаю, а вот сольник одного из их участников нет 🤓 Не знаю, насколько я права в своих ощущениях, но такой вот нью-йорк vibezzzzz Остается в моей медиатеке определенно 🏙
Fresh production, excellent lyrics, musically interesting samples. What's not to love. Favorites: Move, Believe, ManWomanBoogie. This one of the most fun albums suggested so far. A real pleasure to listen to.
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Johny is dead, Won’t trade, You, Manwomanboogie, Life is better, Believe
No dull songs in the whole album. Very consistent. The aesthetic throughout is amazing.
Would buy
Man, ya gotta love Q-Tip. A model of consistency.
Hip Hop ISN'T dead
Really solid hip hop.
this was great! really good production, really good lyrics, enjoyed it a lot.
Really like his slow punchy style of rap, especially over the jazz like backing tracks. Every track after and including "Move" is really good.
Already a fan !
I like Q-Tip. This is a slay
Excellent!
Really really liked this album. Felt like a 90s rap classic even tho it came out in 2008. Really liked the first track and move
Had this album as a 4* album, liked it at the time, but of course it was difficult not to compare to A Tribe Called Quest. Now after so many years it actually turned out to be much better than I remembered. It is just a very strong album and I can see why it was included on the list.
Wow, this was good. Best rap/hiphop album so far on the list. I only knew Q-Tip by way of A Tribe Called Quest, but having heard this, I should definitely check out his other solo albums as well.
Great stuff. Didn’t know it. Jived with the Tribe called Quest and Digable Planets stuff I enjoy.
1.Good intro 2.Super good song :) (ADD) this album is 5/5 im not doing more notes, this mans cadence is so good ok nvm the song you is bad imo dance on glass is FIRE
Favorite of the series so far. Fantastic album really loved track 2 “Won’t Trade”
yes yes
Loved it. I've listened to it like 4 times already. No time to dig into the history but that's coming for sure!
Fantastic mix of jazz, funk, soul, rock and hip hop. Q-Tip has a fantastic flow as well. The transitions are great and the use of samples is perfect
Great Classic
Really groovy and excellent.
Good sounding music with rap. Sometimes drive, sometimes chill, great for listening.
I adore Q-Tip... Another album I was already familiar with. That voice is like dripping honey...
Deliciously tasty and laid back hip hop. Surprised I haven't heard of this one before.
ipod worthy hip hop electro pop
The nice foundation of rhythm.
Excellent Rap Album. Great beats w Tip's flow is fantastic.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Unheralded classic.
Great hooks and beat.
Good chill album. Best song "We Fight/We Love"
This is a good album of music I typically do not listen to
hele goede hiphop album
Amazingly groovy and bouncy hip-hop. Love the production.
I hadn't hear this album before. It was good and some surprising tracks with D'Angelo and Nora Jones.
Was unfamiliar with Q-Tip’s work and read that he was part of a Tribe Called Quest. Beats were tightly mixed and rapping was impressive at times. This album was good beginning to end.
Loved this. I wish the Can-Aspectacle sample in ManWomanBoogie was more prominent. That melody would have been so good to hear throughout the song.
It's like Digable Planets meets Bruno Mars
360/1001 Q-Tip - The Renaissance Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ I love Q-Tip's flow on this, which seems very precise, yet a natural pace, which combines excellently with the jazz beats backing it. There's a lot more to this, which keeps it all interesting.
Not really what I was expecting going into this but I actually enjoyed it. Good beats/grooves that I was able to listen through without skipping. (4)
Not usually into hip hop but this was enjoyable.
The show I went to for The Renaissance tour was great.
Good album. Groovy
Other than tribe songs I thing I’ve only ever heard Q-Tip as a feature. This was an interesting blend of modern (for the time) production and nearly an old school style. I say heart because Q-Tip didn’t just rely on his old flow here; it’s distinctly up to date in his own way. I think I liked “You” and “ManWomanBoogie” the most out of it all. I never felt like it was dragging but there isn’t a ton of really catchy hooks to come back to. It’s still good and a real testament to his skills.
Really solid album. Hadn't heard it before. He's got a great flow and the production was good.
Hell yes. I love A Tribe Called Quest but never listened to Q-Tip as a solo artist. Here we go.. Ok definitely got some vibes and sounds I was expecting but it also much different that ATCQ. Love it regardless. Putting this qtip all the way down my ear.
Never listened to Q-Tip before. Knew I recognised his voice but didn't know why. A tribe called quest, that's why! This was largely really good. Not totally convinced on the more jazz or soul sounding elements, but lyrically really good 3.5
Great easy hip hop sound. A true find!
It's flowy but also feels a bit lo-fi in a way
From the moment I pressed play I thought this guy's name and voice sound familiar and it wasn't until I did more research that I found out he was in A Tribe Called Quest and now I feel dumb. That aside I did enjoy this album. I've never been the biggest fan of A Tribe Called Quest but this album clicked more than they did. Maybe this will change how I feel when I eventually get assigned a Tribe Called Quest album to listen to. 4/5
Det här är bra
Mycket svag för q-tip. Pangskiva! D’angelos medverkan drar upp den till en stark 4a.
Amazing, especially the bass lines, props to Antuan Barrett, Kamaal Fareed, and Derrick Hodge. People actually playing instruments? Bueno. If I were a rap fan, this probably would be 5 diamonds. But I am not, even this obviously talented group. 4 "diamonds in the sky like" stars.
Whether this is your style or not, you can't argue how amazing the production is. Q-Tip was able to create such a soothing project. Something about his music is always so effortless and cool. In this project, he evolves his jazzy boom-bap sound from ATCQ into something that sounds modern, clean, and crisp. RIP to J Dilla and D'Angelo as both their contributions helped elevate the project, especially to the former as you can hear his signature sampling style throughout the project.
This one's all about the production for me. The hooks aren't super memorable for the most part, and it's not as fun lyrically as a Tribe album, but Q-Tip is a man of impeccable taste and that shines through on pretty much every track. Ironically, the one song that the late great J Dilla produced, Move, might be my favorite here. Believe with D'Angelo is great too. Love some jazzy rap, excellent vibes on this one
A wonderful discovery for me!
3.7 Pretty decent hip hop which is a rarity. Enjoyed the style, the flow, the beats. Not all tracks I loved, bonus track was a waste of time, but pretty good album from someone I've never come across. Fair play
Interesting album and enjoyed the listen. Rating: 7/10 Favorite Song: Wefight/Welove
Fun rap/synth, highly enjoyed
Delightful
love !!!!
Pretty good. Should put it on rotation.
I found it to be constantly interesting. I was pulled by every song and I enjoyed the transitions from one song to the next, but they didn't make the album blend together, which, as heard in previously albums, is hard to do. I was never bored, both in the positive and negative. I enjoyed most tracks, but when I didn't I wasn't due to boredom, but something within the track that irked me. This is most clearly seen in "Life is Better" where Norah Jones might receive most of the blame because I've never been a fan of her voice, but the general repetition in the song of the title was always going to bother me, even if it was the most beautiful voice in the world. Other than Jones, I was a fan of all the collaborations, and even in the case of Norah I felt her voice went with Q-Tip, and never seemed like an awkward fit. D'Angelo was by far the best, where he not only fit the song, but brought himself to the song, and maybe D'Angelo does have the previously mentioned "most beautiful voice in the world." My favorite song was definitely "Move" where Q-Tip shows how you do a 5-minute song and not make a single second drag or bore me. No tune runs too long or too short on this album and overall, roughly 40 minutes is the length most albums should be. Like an episode of a good show, just enough flavor and information to get me to next week. Q-Tip, I will be tuning in next week.
somehow I like this even more than a tribe called quest
It was fine
Definitely Q-Tip. Smooth like butter.
This was pretty good. I enjoyed it while I mowed my lawn. I felt pretty hard. Not really though, not what this was about at all!
Nice in an Organized Konfusion, Tribe Called Quest kind of way.
This album was a great return to form for Q-Tip after Amplified, which was mostly just a couple good songs with a bunch of filler and the overly experimental Kamaal the Abstract, which I'd first heard leaked in the early 2000s. The Renaissance has some great production, though the echo effect he often uses is a little jarring for me still. A couple of great editions from Dilla. Renaissance Rap is my overall highlight for production on this disc. Overall, this is really the Q-Tip solo album the Tribe fans wanted, a return to Tribe-style production and tracks. Especially in the oughts, which was otherwise a terrible time for rap music. I like the album as I'm definitely a Tribe fan. Because of that, I wonder why this album was on this list when only two other Tribe albums are there. I don't think Renaissance is better than any of the Tribe albums, including the more recent one. Though I could respect the opinion that this is better than Love Movement or the We Got it From Here. Maybe Dimery's thinking is that this album kind of paved the way for some of Kanye's subsequent albums? That would be something, I guess. But then again, I doubt Dimery put that much thought into rap overall. 4/5
Funny thing is I turned on this album and the first thing I thought was "that's actually pretty good, it's pretty jazzy and sounds a lot like A Tribe Called Quest". Yeah, imagine the look on my face when I realized that OF COURSE it sounds a lot like A Tribe Called Quest, as he was the main creative force behind them. So yeah, I enjoyed it very much.
Another pleasant surprise. I don't always love rap and hip hop, but I enjoyed this album. The music played a big part in that, as the tracks all had engaging arrangements beyond the words. I thought the vocals themselves were strong, too. A few songs stood out as better than others, though I wouldn't say any of it was bad. Importantly for me, it stayed interesting the whole time (even if some parts were more low key/subdued than others). It's not something I'd call great, but it was still pretty good. I'd listen again. Overall: 3.6/5
totally passable as a pharrel tape, but unique enough to be its own mastapeece
I listened to this a few times, and enjoyed it more with each listen. It’s smooth, easy to settle into, and consistently solid throughout. Definitely an album I’d come back to again.
I enjoyed this
Q-Tip is rap's Billy Pilgrim, the Man Unstuck in Time. He croaks out his first verse on "Johnny Is Dead" and it's gasp-worthy, simply because he sounds so *old*, and wunderkinds aren't supposed to ever get old or sound old. And he knows it, and leans into it, with a clever aging-veteran sports metaphor ("Won't Trade") and beats and rhymes that wouldn't have been out of place on *Midnight Marauders*. It's like he went to space for a decade and then came back like nothing happened, only *everything* happened, including the rise and fall of the neo-soul movement he helped will into existence. And yet he's still here, older and just as wise as ever, soothing and emoting and wearing his heart on his sleeve like he's never worried about being hurt for it ("WeFight/WeLove"). So it goes.
Fun hip hop
First time listening and was pleasantly surprised, although anything would sound good after the previous Tom Waits crapfest
My first listen to a Q-Tip solo project and it was just as good as I expected considering how strong every Tribe record is.
Yeas
Q-Tip sounds great in the 2000's. He's picked up a few new tricks, now influenced by neo-soul, utilizing more electronics, and features from Nora Jones, as well as original 'Soulquarian' D'Angelo. I'm always hesitant when it comes to solo albums, but Tip hasn't missed a step and remains as vital as ever.
I enjoyed (most of) that. There are some very smooth sounds and it was a good listen - there were a couple of exceptions but, as a genre and period that totally don't usually have a positive effect on me, this album was fun. 4/5
I can’t believe I’m just learning about this album. Criminally underrated record. I’ve only known Q-Tip as a legendary producer but this album truly shows his talent as a producer AND rapper. The overall vibe of this album reflects the best of 90s/early 2000s hip hop. Q-Tip’s beats and samples are sharp as hell. I love the way he blends hip-hop and R&B. It comes out to be a smooth but punchy listen. His flow is very chill but calculated. It’s clear where artists I listen to today (Logic, MF Doom, etc.) got their inspiration for their sound. I have limited knowledge about hip-hop but it’s a pleasure to listen to masterclass albums like this and finally develop an appreciation for this era of the genre.
I love how cool and chill this is. His raps are silky smooth and flows so naturally. Great stuff!
Really good flow. Some really good lyricism as well. I got pretty into this one. It made me wanna dance! Wow. I liked it a lot more than I was expecting.
This one started off really strong, the first three tracks are absolute bangers. For the most part the rest of the album was really good but it did run outta stream a wee but towards the end. Top Track - Won’t Trade
Might be the first rap album that I like. Sound is not repetitive and there are quite some interesting songs.
An upbeat album full of great flow and sick rhymes. But it's a bit too... overproduced. I missed some of the rawness of hip hop on this album, but for my first introduction to Q-Tip and a Tribe Called Quest, it's quite good!
This was a very pleasant listen. I liked the soul influences throughout.
-half the songs were a tiny bit boring/underwhelming for me -other half was lowkey fireee -not my style -good vibes/groovy -my favs are probably "you", "life is better" and "official" 7,5/10
4/5
No. 389/1001 Johnny Is Dead 4/5 Won't Trade 5/5 Gettin Up 5/5 Official 4/5 You 4/5 We Fight/We Love 4/5 ManWomanBoogie 4/5 Move 4/5 Dance On Glass 4/5 Life Is Better 4/5 Believe 4/5 Shaka 4/5 Average: 4,17 Just a great album. Really liked the flow of the songs.
Q-Tip's flow is one of the best. He just has what it takes to make you want to bob your head. 4/5
Big fan of A Tribe Called Quest. Exactly the kind of rap/hip-hop I like. Smooth, windows down on a summer day in LA type vibe.
Have I listened to this album before? No How familiar am I with this album? Unfamiliar How do I feel about this artist? Tribe is fun but I’ve never listened to his solo work Favorite song(s)? WeFight/WeLove, Manwomanboogie Overall Thoughts: I’m gonna have to try to listen to this one again. I really enjoyed it but people kept calling me into work meetings while I was trying to listen. The rating probably won’t change, but I do think he deserves 48 uninterrupted minutes of my time.
Mostly good, but not 5/5
I always thought Q-Tip was mid-90's, so I was confused in Life Is Better when he started name dropping contemporary rappers. So that kinda changed how I saw this album because the sound of this album is very old school and doesn't match the "Cash Money" era of rap. Q is right when he said he wanted an album that was "sonic rap" because this is it. Every song and beat is so progressive and unique from rap at the time, and still has a great "old school" flow. It's Jazzy and funky and is balanced so well. He also produced and wrote almost every track. I mean this is just a great album. Great sound, great beats, great flow.
Tight and funky
I started playing the album while I was doing stuff around the house and before I know it the songs were over and I had been bopping my head throughout. The vibes, the flow, the beat, the guest artists. Its just so well produced and implemented. While all songs are good some definitely sound less good than others. Some have a bit to much scratching for my taste but that was the standard at the time.
Hverken hoved eller fod formåede at være stille på noget tidspunkt.
hvordan har jeg aldrig hørt det q-tip i fuldkommen topform det er så godt og med kanon features 4.4
Yes det er fedt!
Det er jo bestemt stadig lige i min boldgade men jeg synes det er et super lækkert album. Når dog ikke op på højde med The low end theory eller Jazzmatazz så kan ikke blive til mere end 4 stjerner
This was a favorite of mine from a few years ago. Since then I've gotten a bit tired of it, but upon revisiting it I find it still holds up pretty well. Obviously doesn't beat the classic ATCQ albums, but still worth the listen. Favorite track: Gettin Up 4.5/5
Hard to review a Q-Tip solo project without comparing it to his work with Tribe. Overall I think he comes off very well, it's chock-full of his signature sound and style. It does miss a little something without the chemistry between him and Phife etc, but on the other hand, there are fun, melodic, funky, and more fully produced touches that are really nice. Definitely a must-listen, #316.
Yeah, I like the mellow jazzy feel to this. Some great samples and cracking bass lines. I like his voice and he actually seems to view women as more than sex objects. Refreshing. I’ll take this over gangsta rap idiocy any day of the week
This was good. A lot more r&b feel than hip hop.
Dug it
Great beats, great samples, great rhymes, thoughtful and intelligent songs.
🎧Tip is one of the best ever to do it
Great album, huge fan of Tribe
I can’t wait to listen to this one again! What a great album!
So cool.
Nice beats. Would be good background music for an event
This was great, not usually a fan of jazzy hip hop but really enjoyed this
Yeah
Smooth like butter and the kind of funky that heals the soul
I'm not normally a hip hop lover but, and I can't believe I'm writing this, it's a banger. Maybe not much that's groundbreaking but it's bad ass from start to finish, some different musical approaches that are totally worth hearing again.
Très sympa
great beats and samples are fire. There's a ton of great head bop grooves and overall a really good listen. I liked the mixture of genres where there were songs that had things from R&B, pop, rap, and more. 8/10
q-tip a legend for a reason. so chill and dope, loved this
Wasn't familiar with the Tip's solo works. Typical world class shit
This one caught me by surprise, really enjoyed it and would prob listen again
Mr. Tip always hits me right in the vibes. Original and very listenable. I like. 3.75/5
old school hiphop. great discography. i did enjoy a lot
This was a very very good album, and an enjoyable listen. My gripe with this though? Q-TIp's solo stuff is insanely overshadowed by A Tribe Called Quest. It's not even close to me, Q-Tip's flow in Tribe is so unique and cool, and it's almost funny. On here it feels a LOT more generic and, while talented, it doesn't apply as much appeal. This isn't a negative review though, I still had a great time listening to this. Very groovy and great production, just not as good as Quest. Life Is Better was a banger tho.
lots of upbeat hip hop songs that i rlly enjoyed
You have to Move to this. Believe me, this is a Good Thing.
I've not listened to this album for well over a decade and I should have. I'm not the biggest hip-hop fan in the world, but this laid back, smooth album is good, relaxing, fun.
the beat from "Johnny is dead" materialises and I'm nodding instictively, the chorus comes and goes and the groove returns. A full-on head-nodder leaving me excited about the rest of the album. "no trades" keeps the nodding and drops in some awesome samples over a hypnotically chopped beat with q-tip's clipped and rapid delivery slotting in mechanically behind the beat and i'm off to my music library to add this album immediately a little distant hint of g-funk in "gettin up" and a very smooth jam indeed with a surprisingly harmonised chorus and I reckon people are likely getting jiggy to this one from time to time, that beat thumping away right on time... oh and those flute-type sounds in the choruses are cool as hell that scratching outro and matching intro to to "official" are pretty neat but mildly offensive to the ear and the song itself came into my ears a little confused although the lyrics grew on me as we went along "you" didn't do much for me "wefight / welove" is a stone cold groove and the chorus vocal is just lovely. Fantastically bouncy bassline and cool minimalism throughout. "ilove" this one "manwomanboogie" was just a bit meh really the setup for "move" produced a pretty cool drop into a a propulsive groove that kicked me repeatedly in the rear and the filtered samples through the later verses are neat as the song builds and builds, fantastic track and probably my fave so far "dance on glass" wandered around a bit but the flow is neat and the production tricks are certainly interesting I nearly fell asleep through "life is better" but it itself got better as it went along and I didn't dislike it by the end despite the slightly irritating nasal vocal but then Norah came back and I nearly fell asleep again and wanted very much to skip but held on "believe" was pretty neat but nothing too much to say "shaka" is a lovely closer with a very retro-sounding set of chords over the verses, I liked it. Overall I'd give it a 7 - strong songs, some less interesting but the really good ones were very listenable. I will play this one quite a bit!
As a non rap/hip-hop person, I actually really enjoyed this. Music was far better than most rap albums
Wasn't expecting anything heading into it, but it turned out to be a tight hip-hop album. Sometimes they're way too long, but this one was the right length, had some good beats, and impressed a bit.
Very unique, not what I was expecting.
The first 3 ATCQ albums are some of my absolute favourites, I listen to them regularly. I don't know why but I didn't really follow any of the collective did outside of quest. In respect of Q-Tip I was aware of Breathe & Stop, but that's about it. This was a really strong album, you could heard the quest influences, but it was also sufficiently different that I didn't think it was an extension of their style. Any way, I enjoyed, plenty of good tracks, nothing that jarred with me. I will be listening again. It wasn't 5 stars level, but still very good.
It’s Q Tip without tribe. Not bad, but sometimes overproduced
Fun and groovy, an unassuming album that brings some smooth and playful tracks for the listening
A very nice homage to earlier hip hop. Good samples like the Jackson 5s dance machine in "move". Really good flow and just satisfying hooks. Standout tracks personally were "gettin up", "dance on glass" and "move". Overall I think a very well done return to original hip hop whilst still keeping modern elements creating a really smooth, clean, sonically soothing album
If it’s Q Tip, it’s gonna be worth it and this definitely is. Didn’t know this one and I am glad I now do.
hmm
Great instrumental, lyrics l, and a slick down home vocals.
Hip Hop you say? Ok. I did the full listen with an open mind. Honestly can't hate the rhymes, and the sections of singing are good. Do I understand all of the inner meanings? No. Can I appreciate the delivery? Yep. 'You' was sad. Listened before? N Saved tracks? Y Favorite tracks? Getting Up, You, ManWomanBoogie, Life Is Better, Believe ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Liked a lot. Who knew.
One thing I really appreciate about doing this project is the opportunity to discover good hip-hop. That's one genre I'm woefully lacking in. I grooved and thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end.
Was always told never to put Q-tips in my ear, but this was a blast. What else have I been "protected" from? I think I'll stare at the sun next. A high 4 from me.
Sonically good again couldn’t finish
It’s good! But it also feels really out of place in hip hop. Here’s this legacy act making REAL hip hop! None of this…Lil Wayne shit
Q-tip це персонаж, якого поважаю буквально всі. Я якось сольне його не слухав, але мені зайшов альбом, все як я люблю у "позитивному" хіп-хопі. Залишу в себе в бібліотеці.
Chad-Tip
Q-Tip is a good one. Several certified bangers on this album. And if you’re on Spotify, let it play on after the album is done and it’ll take you on a journey.
I really liked this album! It was just a smooth listen.
The production style on this is, frankly, incredible. I guess Q-Tip picked up a trick or two being in one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time. Not every track is an all-timer, but plenty to enjoy.
This album is so warm and lovely. It’s hot cocoa on a rainy day, a throwback to the ‘90s jazz-inflected stylings of cool-cat hiphop, with Q’s delightful wordplay. I didn’t hear it at the time and am now richer for knowing this album. 4 big stars!
That was cool. I've always enjoyed Q Tips rhymes.
Sick Power Man reference, bro.
Another banger album I’d never heard before. I can’t quite give it 5 stars because there weren’t any standout mind-blowing tracks, but everything was at a consistently high level and I’m definitely going back to this one in the future
I'm not the most versed in rap/hip hop, but this was alright and easy to listen to. The beats/music tracks bump this up to a 4* for me.
I enjoyed many of the melodies on this album. And adding singers like Nora Jones worked out well.
**The Renaissance** – Q-Tip Released: 2008 | Label: Universal Motown Genre: Neo-soul / Jazz-rap / Progressive hip-hop --- ### 🔍 **In-Depth Review** #### 1. **Lyrics** Q-Tip’s pen is in elder-statesman mode: reflective, relationship-focused, and deliberately hopeful. - **“You”** dissects the minute cracks in a dying romance without misogyny or self-pity, achieving a complexity rarely heard in rap love songs . - **“We Fight / We Love”** uses a call-and-response structure to contrast conflict and affection in one breath, mirroring real-life volatility. - **“Believe”** packages self-help maxims (“Believe in your friends, don’t believe in your enemies”) inside internal rhymes that avoid preachiness because they’re grounded in lived experience . - **“Move”** (the J Dilla tribute) hides double-entendres about hip-hop’s heartbeat inside workout metaphors, keeping tribute and braggadocio in balance. **Overall tone**: optimistic, but never naïve; every positive line is earned by admitting past mistakes. #### 2. **Music & Production** - **Live-band core**: Tip formed a small ensemble (bass, keys, guitar, horns) and built grooves from human feel first, samples second. This gives the record a 1970s-soul warmth that 2008’s Fruity-Loop era lacked . - **Sampling still matters**: Can’s “Vitamin C” bass-line powers **“ManWomanBoogie”**; Steely-Dan-style chord voicings float through **“We Fight / We Love”**; dusty snares on **“Dance on Glass”** nod to Tribe’s MPC past. - **Layering**: Strings, Fender Rhodes, analog synths and stacked background vocals are arranged so that nothing crowds Tip’s voice—every element breathes. - **Sonic palette**: mid-tempo swing (90-100 BPM), rounded low-end, crisp but unobtrusive hi-hats, and lots of Rhodes sparkle. It’s “coffee-table hip-hop” that still knocks in headphones. #### 3. **Themes** - **Mature love**: romantic commitment, break-ups, make-ups, and self-work. - **Spiritual renewal**: constant references to belief, destiny, and cleansing. - **Generational bridge**: proudly 38 in “hip-hop dog years,” Tip positions himself as a mentor, not a relic—praising new energy while modeling grown-man grace . - **Post-Obama euphoria**: the album bottles 2008’s optimism; even the minor keys feel hopeful. #### 4. **Influence & Legacy** - **Blueprint for “adult” rap**: Jay-Z’s *4:44*, Common’s *Black America Again*, and Rapsody’s *Eve* all borrow the template—jazz-soul loops + vulnerable storytelling—popularized here . - **Neo-soul crossover**: helped re-legitimize live instrumentation for rappers after the late-90s shiny-suit era. - **Critical sleeper**: landed on decade-end lists (*Pitchfork*, *The Guardian*) and is now routinely cited by younger artists (Anderson .Paak, Smino, Kota the Friend) as a sonic reference. --- ### ✅ **Pros** 1. **Cohesive maturity** – no forced club single or radio bait; every track serves the narrative arc. 2. **Top-tier musicianship** – real-time bass, guitar and horn overdubs create a tactile richness. 3. **Positive without corniness** – optimism rooted in self-critique, not slogans. 4. **Feature curation** – Norah Jones, D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq blend in organically rather than stunt-cast. 5. **Vocal delivery** – Tip’s nasal tenor has aged into a smoother baritone-tenor hybrid; enunciation remains razor sharp. --- ### ❌ **Cons** 1. **Low dynamic range** – the album hovers in the same 80-90 BPM pocket; some listeners find it “too cozy.” 2. **Repetitive cadence** – Tip’s double-time-then-slow-down flow recurs song after song; a few more rhythmic switch-ups would help. 3. **Lyrically narrow** – once the love/life-lesson theme is set, there’s little socio-political edge (compare to *The Low End Theory*’s industry critiques). 4. **Second-half lag** – tracks 9-11 (**“Life Is Better,” “Believe,” “Shaka”**) are strong individually, but sequence back-to-back ballads that can blur together on casual listens. 5. **Under-promoted singles** – radio-friendly cuts like **“Gettin’ Up”** lacked video budgets; consequently the album never reached the cultural saturation it deserved. --- ### ⚖️ **Verdict** **The Renaissance** is Q-Tip’s **“grown, sexy, and self-aware”** masterpiece. It sacrifices the youthful urgency of *The Low End Theory* for lush sophistication, and in doing so charts a viable path for hip-hop aging gracefully. Flaws are minor and mostly cosmetic; the album’s consistency of vision, musical warmth, and lyrical honesty make it essential listening for anyone who believes rap can evolve without losing its soul. **Stand-out tracks**: - “Johnny Is Dead” – gateway opener with Stevie-Wonder clavinet stabs. - “Gettin’ Up” – feel-good lead single; perfect Rhodes loop. - “ManWomanBoogie” – Can-sample boogie that still rattles trunks. - “You” – arguably the most nuanced break-up song in rap. - “Move” – J Dilla tribute; drums chop like *Donuts* dipped in cocoa butter.
Gillar't!
2008 feels like a long time ago but it’s still refreshing to hear hip hop that is connected to the history and tradition of the genre while simultaneously sounding fresh. Q-Tip’s voice is maybe my favorite in hip hop and it never wears out its welcome.
7 maybe 8/10
Lots of variety, good lyrics, great production, and a focus on the music/melodies. It does get a tad boring towards the end, but mostly this is great. 4.0/5.0: Great
This was great, completely passed me by at the time this was released
I've never listened to any of Q-Tip's solo work before, but I remember a friend of mine in college saying that she could listen to Q-Tip read the phone book, so I have reasonably high expectations for this album. The renaissance will be my last album from 2008 to review, and I'm hoping it can send that year out with a bang! I thought The Renaissance was very good, and I really enjoyed listening to it. The production, beats, samples, and live instruments all sounded great, and I loved how each song flowed seamlessly into the next. Q-Tip’s rapping was great too, and I really enjoyed the way that his flow and rhyme schemes felt so deliberately constructed around the musical elements. This was one of those albums that was simply a treat for my ears, and I found the beats to most of these songs really infectious. My only critiques of this album is that some of my least favorite songs on it felt really drawn out, and I think that’s just because some of these songs (“Official,” “You,” and “Believe”) just weren’t my taste musically. Even though I enjoyed Q-Tip’s flow and rhyme schemes, I wasn’t that drawn into the lyrics on this album. It’s not that they were bad, they just weren’t my jam. Some notes on my favorite songs on the album: I loved the bass and programmed loops on “Johnny Is Dead.” I noticed right off the bat that the beats and Q-Tip’s flow meshed together really well, and it was incredibly pleasing to listen to something so melodic and precise. “Gettin Up” was my favorite song on the album. The beat was awesome, and I loved the overall punchy sound. The keyboards and bass were excellent together, and I liked the sample usage too. I loved the soulful sound of “We Fight/We Love.” The sample usage was great, and the guest vocals from Raphael Saadiq are awesome. Another great beat, and just an overall beautiful sounding song. “Move/Renaissance Rap” was absolutely infectious. The beat was great, and Q-Tip’s flow was awesome once again. The Renaissance was a solid album, and a great example of Q-Tip’s talents as a rapper, producer, and musician.
chill vibes
Q-Tip von A Tribe Called Quest. cooler sound, vielschichtig, auch wenn (teilweise) wenig eingängig. vielleicht nochmals hören?
Great grooves chill flow
A Tribe Called Quest is on of my all-time favorite hip hop acts, but I've never really sat down and listened to a Q-Tip record. I guess I've feared that the magic wouldn't be there without Phife (RIP) and Ali Shaheed Mohammed. And truly, Q-Tip solo isn't quite the same; I do miss the chemistry that Tribe had. But Q-Tip solo is still pretty enjoyable, and I still love his whole vibe. The Renaissance has a lot of that classic Tip flow that I love so much. It's a bit more mellow across the board than I might prefer, but I'm enjoying the record a lot more than I thought. If I had my way, Q-Tip, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli would release a whole album together. One can dream, I guess. Anyway, this is a solid record, and I'll be inclined to check out solo Q-Tip in the future. 4/5
This was a solid album from one of the co-founders of A Tribe Called Quest.
Favorite Track: ManWomanBoogie
87/100. Q-Tip’s flow is one of the most enjoyable in the business, and paired with jazzy boom bap production, it makes for a truly enjoyable listen. Great lyrics, clean beats.
Pleasantly surprised. Not a huge fan of Q-Tip's voice but his flow is pretty great and the music is top notch. Favorites: Gettin' Up, ManWomanBoogie Would I listen to it again: Yes
GREAT ALBUM. Always love soulful samples like this. Songs do kinda get worse in quality after move :( pros: great instrumentals, good flow, polished and innovative production cons: the second half of the album is bad (womp)
chill, güzel
2000s hip hop. Jazzy, soulful rap. Very melodic.
I can't speak strongly to Q-Tip - I just know he's damn talented.
4 stars
I’m not a massive fan of rap, but I like Q-Tip. His lyricism is beyond most other rappers. The variation was good. I didn’t find myself getting board or annoyed with listening to the same old tropes from lazy rappers.
Вайбики ATCQ присутствуют
The abstract returns to my awareness Like 2 decades after! He's still got it, this is pretty good.
Exactly what I needed today. Great rhymes, strong beats and a mood that made the day go by a lot more quickly.
Strong album, full of heart and things to say with an intersting blend of genres. It is sometimes going down a treacherous path, (man and women are different species) or quite simplistic (at the end of the day, it is you) but I can give that grace easily.
Dope album. Love his flow. Track with Norah Jones was great. Her voice is perfect for hip hop.
This put a smile on my face.
What good is an ear if a Q-Tip isn’t in it?
Good
Listens: 2.5 Standout Tracks: Won't Trade, Life Is Better I had no idea Q-Tip put out solo albums, and comparatively recently to when Tribe produced Low End Theory and People's Instinctive Travels. I like it. It has the same themes and approaches to hip hop that Tribe had. It's definitively not gangsta rap, still, which continues to be refreshing.
Great record wow!!! He is so fucking good he is def in my Mount Rushmore of rappers. The production was so good too and shoutout Norah Jones and dangelo for two great Dion waiters. Also this was def a tribute to j dilla which was beautiful.
More from a period of hip hop that I was not familiar with at all, other than the names and general gists of who was doing what. I am very thankful for this project, as I missed a ton of really good stuff while I was busy raising kids and not as focused on music as I was before and after that time in my life. I've said it before about a few other hip hop artists, but this is the stuff that's exactly in my wheelhouse. Really good R&B with some excellent rapping and singing and sampling. And bonus points for making Norah Jones way more tolerable. Looking forward to discovering more music that went below my radar, especially when I was focused on life and not nearly as much of the arts (aside from what my kids were watching and listening to of course).
I fell 4 days further behind because I have just been listening to this album whenever I have had the opportunity
Ok, this was really a pleasant surprise. I love tribe, but have never bothered to check Q-Tip's solo discography. Oh boy was I wrong! Super good mix, relaxing, interesting hip-hop. Love it. probably even go for 4 stars.
Great album. Soulful hip hop style, a little funk, lots of R&B. Smooth. Liked almost every track. Favorite tracks include Johnny is Dead, Gettin Up, We Fight/We Love, ManWomanBoogie, Believe, Shaka.
Those opening min7 chords of 'Johnny is Dead' are some sweet jazz funking. It's undoubtedly influenced by throwback pop-funk - it sounds like a more adult Justin Timberlake. The album provides classic Q-Tip melody and flow, but put through a 2000s production filter. Superb lyrically and melodically, but with a pop-sheen that dates it a little. The Timbaland/Timberlake aesthetic of synthetic hyper-clean production is an annoyance - but it's a small distraction to what is a great collection of tracks. The lyrics are on a different plain to contemporary hip hop. The melodies are superior. It works as an album.
Очередной, довольно типичный и не очень примечательный хип-хоп. Не хорошо, не плохо. Нормально. Есть пара четких треков, биты очень даже ничего, но, откровенно говоря, ничего особенно выдающегося. Хороший такой, крепкий рэпчик своего времени.
Well varied hip hop album. Stayed interesting the whole way through, with a handful of standouts.