Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Big ATCQ fan, somehow never listened to a solo Q-Tip album. Fun listen
Groovy. Somehow the sound is both retro and timeless
Nice warm production and Q-Tip's enjoyingly laconic rapping
A solid, clean artsy and simple hip hop album. I feel like the super tight bass / snare / high hat drum beats carry you through the whole album. The whole thing feels tight and sophisticated, a style that seems to be hard to find. Tribe Called Quest we're probably the first group to get me into rap music. I do think Q-Tip is at his best alongside Ali and Pfife but this album still screems old school cool and was a great soundtrack to my drive home today.
I was kind of struggling to get into this album at first. Something about his voice was getting on my nerves; I think it's just a little too high pitched for my tastes. However, something clicked during the track 'You', I think it was the bassline specifically, and I started to really feel the jazz-y, soulful tracks and appreciating his smooth flow. By the end of the album I was totally invested and ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I went back for a second listen and thoroughly enjoyed the whole album. I guess it just took me a minute to get into it.
Underrated!
Solid rap album. I’m big on a Tribe Called Quest so Q-Tip’s right up my alley. I think Gettin Up and and Life is Better were my favorites. The rest had some solid samples and some of the songs were right up there with the rest of Quest’s music. Good stuff.
This list has taught me that I like rap/hip hop more than I thought. Loved every Tribe Called Quest album on the list, so it’s no surprise I like this too.
Muy bueno.
Really nice. Solid beats and storytelling without getting gimmicky.
8.5/10 great album!!! i know it was released in ‘08, but it felt really ahead of its time. i was shocked it wasn’t released after 2020 or something. just overall a great time, definitely would return to the album and the artist. also LOVE the whole persona of the album and the storytelling
Wow this is so good. Need to listen again and pay attention to the lyrics because the bits and pieces I got were so smart but I was working at the same time sadly.
The sampling on this record is absolutely insane. 4*
Immaculate beats, impeccable flow…and Norah Jones? I had a great time listening through this record, would have been completely off my radar otherwise. Best Track: Won’t Trade
I had heard of Q-Tip but had never heard his music before. Holy crap this was really good. It's funky it's got a great flow. This is like REALLY GOOD.
Vibing this on a monday morning
Godt selskap mens æ rydda, uten at æ hang mæ veldig opp i det på nokka vis. Inn det ene øret og ut det andre, men ikke fornærmanes underveis.
I really was disappointed when I saw this album. I’m looking to use this project to discover new and unusual works that I otherwise would never experience. So, in sum, this is a great hip hop album with excellent production and flow. I enjoyed it and will listen again
Zaskakująco skoczny i melodyjny album, jak na twórcę spod znaku hip-hopu. Nie jest to może coś wyjątkowo głębokiego, ale da się przy tym dobrze bawić. 7/10
This was pretty good. I listened to it a few times through. I'm not sure I would ever through it on just for the fun of it, but I'm not sure I wouldn't either.
Great beats, such a classic sound
I enjoyed this quite a bit, despite not usually preferring hip-hop music. The album has a relaxed feel to it in most places that really sets it apart. Favorite track: "Life is Better"
Really good
I've never heard this before actually!! Obvi doesn't live up to the best of Tribe but it's real good
really nice... really smooth ... qtip the goat
# Album Name: The Renaissance # Artist: Q-Tip # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: At first i thought, fuck me, not another rap album. But i was very surprised with this. I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was enjoyable for the most part and definitely one of the better albums in the genre ive had so far. Admittedly i was torn between a 3 and a 4. The album kinda blended into one, in a good way, but no track stuck out to me as a banger. Maybe in time. Ill give this a low 4. # Top Tunes: life is better / move / We love # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Very nice chill, will listen again
- Würde ich definitiv nochmal hören - Nicer chilliger Vibe mit Jazz Vibes - Damit kann man angeben, dass man guten Musikgeschmack hat 😂 Topsong: Believe aber ganz knapp dahinter WeFight/WeLove
Gostei. Sonzeira. Boom bap de qualidade.
beat vo johnny is dead isch de hammer. er rappt so geil, ultra gechillt aber de flow isch au mega gnau und d reim sind ussergwöhnlich guet. wont trade au hammer. gettin up mega gechillt aber was au immer s sample isch slappt uhuere. official bitz langsamer, sochli de neo-soul woni nöd merga gern han. wefight/welove goht au bitz i de type ine aber ich find s groovt huere. ischmer chli z weich. manwomanboogie suuuper geils intro mit de hihat. und uuh de bass und de Q tip isch sooo gechillt. dance on glass acappella und denn beaaaaaatt coool
es rap album wo chürzer als e stund isch???? johnny is dead isch na spannend, aber weiss nöd öbs mer würkli gfallt? sin flow isch kraaass hmm bin öppe ide hälfti und ich find d lieder kreativ und so aber nüt spricht mi megaa ah bis jz move isch ultraaa groovy, passende titel poahh und de zweiti teil isch haaard oh shit I forgor jo WEISS NÖD tribe called quest hani lieber. isch das album weg dem es 3? isch ja au chli blöd guets 3? knapps 4i?
'Can I kick it', was a theme tune to my youth, so I had higher hopes than usual for this rap album. How refreshing, an album whose topic isn't Lambo's & BM's, weed, guns, all night parties, ill gotten gains, crime and 'ho's on ma dick' or similar. Creative, nice variety of style, wholly enjoyable will likely listen again.
The last couple stinkers got redeemed by this guy.
Impeccable vibes on this one
Lots of great melodies and raps. Pleasantly surprised by how well it flowed, too.
Solid
4/5
3.9 liked it
I've said this a couple of times now about albums on this list. This is something I wouldn’t have listened to without this site, and I’m glad I did. it has a great vibe to it and it grew on me as the album progressed
Really cool, will definitely revisit
Really solid
4.4/5 solid all the way through
I like the flow of this one. Some of the repetitiveness was grating but overall I liked it.
Great lyrics, mellow vibe.
I really dug the beats and positive rhymes
Great listen. Very smooth and almost jazzy with some funk elements. The bassline on some tracks really enhanced the beat and flow. Overall, a masterclass on production and features.
I first knew Q-Tip from 'Chapelle Show' then realized he was part of the amazeballs group Tribe Called Quest. Anyway, this album was fun. I'll definitely revisit. Top Tracks: "Life is Better," "ManWomanBoogie," "Move," "Johnny is Dead"
--Johnny is Dead...oh snap, this might be a great experience --Won't Trade...the beat! the samples! --Gettin Up...funky and smooth --Official...first one I didn't love. Still interesting --You...not impressive lyrically but the production remains fantastic --WeFight/WeLove...Q smartly adds a new singer to help change things up. The smoothness continues --ManWomanBoogie...now we get smoothness with a kick. Very nice --Move...first half is great then we switch gears. It's still good, I'm just not sure why it wasn't listed as two separate songs --Dance on Glass...opens with a cappella (spoken word?) then drops a decent beat. Not bad but not as lush as other tracks (I like lush) --Life is Better...Norah Jones is a great addition --Believe...keeps the groove going but things are starting to sound samey. We're almost done anyway --Shaka...good closer. This was a very pleasurable listen
Can’t believe i didn’t know about this banger
Hip hop high class, diferente y muy bien producido. No es mi línea, pero, me impresionó gratamente.
nice - like that there's music and actual musicians behind the rap
Smooth, laid back grooves with a touch of 70s vibe.
This was enjoyable fun hip hop, not loads to say.
So sick, Q-Tip bangs for sure.
Never listened to his solo stuff but had some really good songs on this. Will check out more for sure
I really enjoyed this one. It felt super flowy and groovy. I really enjoyed the production on it too. It was easy listening but still interesting.
This one surprised me - liked more than I expected. Maybe I should have been surprised... I like ATCQ a lot, but beat here feel harder in a way, less smooth.
This was surprisingly good for a guy that goes by Q-Tip. There weren't any really weaknesses. I thought the production and sampling were good, the rapping was good, and the album dynamics were good. This probably won't fall into a regular rotation, but I was impressed. Decent 4
Q-tip did great here :]
Quite good, actually
Easy listening. Basically every song would work well during a night talking with friends. The guy was in A Tribe Called Quest apparently.
Surprised at how much I liked this. Kept me engaged throughout. Smooth and hard at the same time. A solid album.
Some decent songs on there. And surprisingly good features. The Can sample was kind of mind blowing
A sleeper. Enjoyed very much and will be back.
A Q-Tip solo album, huh? I'm down. I do love A Tribe Called Quest after all. How bad can Q-Tip's 2008 solo album The Renaissance really be? Well, as it turns out, not bad at all! This album's pretty cool! Not quite as good as something like The Low End Theory, but very few hip-hop albums are, so I'm fine with getting something that I consider pretty solid. This album does feel different from the Tribe albums I've heard for a few reasons. The first one that I noticed was that Tip sounds a bit different here. What happened? Uh... he aged. That's it. Of course his voice is going to have changed 17 years after The Low End Theory. It feels natural though. I think his voice aged pretty well, and his flow is still great. He's a strong rapper. He worked well as the de-facto leader of Tribe and he works well on his own. He's also a respectable producer. It's not all great on the production side. I think the first song had a beat that was way too loud in comparison to the vocals, but the instrumentation was generally good. The writing's solid as well. There's definitely some overlap in vibes between this and Tribe, with neither really going for the "gangsta rap" angle in the slightest. This album has songs about things like love and such. That's nice. The features are good. Anything with D'Angelo on it is bound to at least be solid. It's good to know that Q-Tip kept doing his own thing even while Tribe was on hiatus. He deserves it. The man is a legend and rightfully so. Good stuff. 4/5.
Ah the sweet 2000s
GOOD
Nothing special
super solid. albums like this really emphasize how much less i think of 90s rap because i’d but this (generally unremarkable) album above maybe any of them from the decade prior. a little gambino-y at times
This is fun hip hop. Didn't pay that much attention to the lyrics, but there were a couple songs that had much better than average content. I'd only heard him in a Beastie Boys song. Now I know what he's on the mic for!
Over a decade after the demise of A Tribe Called Quest, Q-Tip crafted his solo magnum opus in the form of The Renaissance, a title befitting the music contained in it. As always, Q-Tip remains collaborative and open to all forms of sound, willingly uplifting and bending himself to fit into the sonic pleasures, to satisfactory results. Whether or not this measures up to his Tribe records is up to the listener, but The Renaissance captures Q at his very best. Favorites: Johnny is Dead, Won't Trade, Gettin' Up, Official, You, We Fight/We Love, Dance on Glass, Life is Better.
I don’t generally like this genre, but this was really quite good. High production values, and I found myself toe tapping along.
3.5 stars. Smooth hip-hop. Raps over some light jazz and finds steady beats throughout album. No big standouts, but no dud tracks either. Favorite was "ManWomanBoogie".
This album is pretty awesome. It took a couple of listens but eventually I spotify-liked maybe half the album (mostly the first half, but also the track with Norah Jones: Life is Better). What a great find. I didn't know Q-Tip was connected to Tribe Called Quest, but that makes perfect sense.
Had a blast walking the dog to this music.
Jesus Christ, Norah Jones really was *everywhere* at one point, wasn't she?
I just love Q-Tip. I think for the Tribe review someone here said you could listen to Q-Tip read a phonebook and I co-sign that. I've had "Won't Trade" and "Move" on the rotation for a while and the rest of these aren't as good but not offensive at all. For the X time in a row I'm going 4 for a rap album. The floor is high and the ceiling is low for classic rap.
8/10
no skips, the whole album is a vibe
very fun, but kinda bummed a couple of the songs were unavailable on streaming in the us and I think those were the most-hyped singles releases? More nerdy-rap than the machismo rap I thought it would be
Great progressive hip hop album by Q-Tip. It does suffer a bit from the unmistakeable sound of 00s hip hop production, which is also evident by the small collection of prominent 00s features.
Few hip hop artists are as effortlessly cool and intelligent as Q-Tip. The Renaissance might not be an actual renaissance for hip hop, but I would spin this over most rap albums on this list any day.
Won’t Trade
Not my favorite thing qtips done but its still qtip
Q Tip - The Renaissance This is such an easy listen. I worry with an album like this that sometimes they go 65 mins+ and lose a bit of momentum and end up becoming a chore, but every time this album has ended today I've clicked on the play button straight away. I think I'm going just about a 4. Really enjoyed it
Rating: 7.5/10 A very good album with great beats and a great performance by Q-Tip. The album picks up after the first few songs and maintains this momentum, making this quite enjoyable from start to finish.
Du boom-bap jazzy en 2008, ca peut être chiant mais je sais pas comment mais Q-Tip fait en sorte qu'on s'ennuie pas en écoutant l'album et même qu'on s'amuse, donc bravo pour ca
I really liked this album! It’s the best modern hip hop album I’ve heard so far. I really liked the R&B and Soul influenced sound, and the production was really good. I didn’t realize until halfway through that Q Tip is a member of A Tribe Called Quest. I may have to give The Low End Theory another listen and see if my experience is any different! Favorite Track: WeFight/WeLove
Immediately put it back on after it ended. To be totally frank, I'm really unfamiliar with Tribe Called Quest and Q-Tip. This is definitely sending me down a rabbit hole. Awesome album.
Unique and fresh production for the time period, not my favorite work from Q-Tip but it’s a lovely listen. If I recall correctly this album was in essentially development hell for years and was like a weight off Q-Tip’s shoulders when it was released, something he addresses in one of the songs. Loved to have a chance to go back and listen to it again!
A really fun album that proves why hip hop doesn’t have an age limit.
90s hip hop vibes, pretty good for not so popular album
Solid album. Great vibe and lyrics Standout songs: Gettin Up We fight/We love Shaka
I had heard some ATCQ before but never knew Q-Tip had some solo album, which made it more interesting to see what he had going on, especially when looking at some of the features here (I mean, D'Angelo and Norah Jones is interesting). On the whole? This was pretty great, I guess mainly because the beats were so smooth but still interesting enough to keep me engaged, plus his rapping is so distinct. Really, the most negative things I can say is that I wish it was a little more consistent and even that feels like nitpicking.
Y'know, I don't really have an intro to start this review/babble off with, so allow me to just cut straight to the chase and say that this album's fine. I mean, speaking as someone who usually isn't easily able to catch on to and understand lyrics, the instrumentals on this thing are so enjoyably smooth. These are some chill-ass, vibe-y beats. I can totally see throwing this thing on as something to mellow out to. Particularly with how Tip flows over these beats. He's just got such a good voice for this sort of thing, goodness me. And because I don't really have much to say about the lyrical content on this thing, as a result of my dang AuDHD brain... Yeah, that's really about the size of it. Now, I don't know if I'd go on record and say that this is something I absolutely think people should listen to before they die, and I don't know if this is gonna join my regular rotation of "mellow" albums... But yeah. Good show from Q-Tip. Kinda crazy my group got this before another proper Tribe Called Quest, but that's the Randomizer for you, I guess. (Also n' also, I wanna admit, too, that it actually took me a second to remember who Q-Tip was? Legit, for hours there I thought he was Questlove, no foolin'. I'unno, I guess I just thought the album cover fit his aesthetic? Whatever it is? I'm dumb sometimes and don't think about Quest often is the point — A Tribe Called Quest **and** Questlove.)
I’m at a 4. Been a while since we got anything from a member of A Tribe Called Quest, but Q-Tip delivers pretty damn well here. So much so that I’m really not sure I have that much to say; it’s a pretty solid 44 minutes, with some great production work, some great verses, some eclectic flow, & it’s just a really smooth listen with transitions that keep the album experience on its toes. I enjoyed a lot of this. So, why a 4 then? Realistically, some of my gripes with this album just boil down to “my brain got a little bored sometimes”. Just because I enjoyed a lot of this doesn’t mean I enjoyed every aspect of every track, and there’s just a lot of aspects that pile up over time that keep this from feeling like a totally clean album experience – some beats get stale after enough time, some of the lines on some of the verses are a little awkward, there’s an occasional repetition in the flow that isn’t as compelling to listen to the second time around, & the big one for me is that Q-Tip’s voice feels just a little too sterile at points here. His rapping voice stays around the same register on a number of tracks, and once the ear picks up on that, it sort of creates the perception that each track feels too similar, even if that’s not necessarily true. If the brain is sort of popping in and out like that, then you’ve made a pretty good rap album, but not a classic rap album. If there was just one or two more knockout tracks here, I might be compelled to go up to a 5, but I just think there’s too many little micro-issues that pile up to get there. Still, though, even if it’s not a classic, it’s a pretty good one. As a solo artist, Q-Tip retains a lot of the shine that makes A Tribe Called Quest incredibly compelling to listen to. It’s just not all there, but for 2008, enough of it is there to give this a pretty good 4.
Hip hop but a little more laid back, almost with some pop elements? I liked it.
A solid rap album with hip hop and jazz influences! I’ve never heard of Q-Tip or this album so it was fun to expose myself to something new! I would definitely recommend this to others!
Whether with Tribe Called Quest, Native Tongues, great features like with Beastie Boys, and in his own right here - Q-Tip can put a tune together. Champagne music with a tasty intellectual edge. Funky. Favourite tunes: Gettin Up, Official, ManWomanBoogie, Life Is Better
I just love this album sonically, the mix of acoustic instruments and electronic programming, sampling, scratching. Such great vibes. The rapping is really good too, I'm not sure why he's not more popular.
7/10
I also enjoyed this. It hit its groove around the middle (manwomanboogie, move). Didn't mind the norah jones track either. Solid album for me
Good, liked the flow feels like the begining of hip hop flow with electric beats
Pretty solid. Not a tribe record but way better than expected.
Another pleasant surprise. Tribe have been 1 of the best gains from doing this for me. Wasn't expecting much from this, another solo album from the 2000s, will get through it all throughout the day - but blew through it 1st time in 1 go. Always grabbing your interest always engaging. Definitely will be coming back to, 4 Stars but could rise as get to know the album.
Che buenísimo, 4.5
Favorite Track: Getting Up
I really like the sound of this album. The collaborations are fantastic. The beats are next level. I've said before that I tend not to pay attention to lyrics, and that pretty much held here. The vocals had a cool flow, but beyond that I didn't notice much about them. 4 stars.
Solid sound. Really like the beginnjng but started to tap out towards the end
i love some freaky r and b but it’s also quite inspiring and uplifting with amazing music and beautiful beats as well as possible samples (?)
Looking for your soul and WMD’s You find nothing cause it’s empty 4/5
Nice discovery here. Never heard it before. A Tribe Called Quest is a fine hip-hop act and I like Phyfe Dawg but Q-Tip brings it here solo style. Solid stuff.
Amazing album. Definitely added some songs to playlists and will listen again!
I loved it. I'm normally a rock and electronic guy, so I'm shocked that my two favorites from this list so far have been this and "good kid, m.A.A.d city"
Smooth and groovy hip-hop that you inadvertently bop your head to. Stand-outs: You, WeFight/WeLove
This really impressed me. Cool from start to finish.
I had a feeling I’d enjoy this album more than typical 2000s-era hip-hop, and I was right. The 70s jazz, soul, and funk influences really stood out, complemented by the smooth, liquid flow of the vocals. I’m giving it an extra star for the Manwomanboogie track—sampling the Krautrock band Can was a brilliant touch... that bassline from Holger is absolutely sick
This was such a catchy album. I enjoyed it! Slightly repetitive towards the end but if you like one song, then you like them all 4 ⭐️
Really good album. More of a fun/party tone compared to a lot of Tribe albums. Q-Tip is a genius. 4.5/5 Will definitely listen again
The fact that this came out 10 years after Tribe and it still sounds as fresh as it did back in the day is a testament to Q-Tips genius. Vastly underrated album.
Man, if you want me to get hyped up about an album, have the artist hold up an MPC on the cover. This is a solid Q-tip album. It's not at the level of the Tribe albums, but it's still really solid all the way through. Not a huge amount to say about it, the samples are really mellow 4/5
Not a hip-hop fan but this was pretty cool. Definitely a pleasant surprise. Q-Tip has great flow and a very diverse range of abilities.
I'm old, so the Native Tongues-style hip hop resonates with me. After that heyday, I sort of wandered off from hip hop. Q-Tip has also moved on from that old style a bit, but the leanings are still there, and it's still quite welcome.
This was actually quite good. I knew nothing about it and I quite enjoyed it. Well done Q-Tip.
Enjoyed
A jazz-influenced hip hop records that just oozes cool. Q-Tip produced some of the best sounding material of the 90s, so it's no surprise that he delivers on a solo effort. The result here manages to encapsulate what made groups like Tribe so good while still adding a modern sound (for the time) without relying on nostalgia.
Conscious, crafty, and effortlessly cool, Q-Tip combines his signature smooth delivery with rich, jazz-infused production to craft a compelling vision of mature hip-hop.
I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe. Full disclosure, I did not listen to the words. But I’m on my second lesson now and I dig it. 4
This 1001 Album Generator thing has exposed me to so much rap/hip hop, and Q-Tip becomes one more person added to my favorites list. I enjoyed him.
Uh, I like this one! It has the chillin' vibe that I love on hip-rop/rap music... I'm gonna give it 4 stars today.
The opening track hooked me, the whole album was just joyfully smooth flows, samples, and production.
Solid hip hop album. You can definitely feel the 90s influence on this. It flows well and has a great feel to it. I was pleasantly surprised on this one. The album reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas album Behind the Front (1998 - pre Fergie).
Incredibly solid record, loving the sample work and flows. Some songs aren't clicking for me as much as others, but I enjoy the vibe overall.
Had no idea this existed, what a treat. Really smooth, without being too obvious. Funky and warm. Move and Manwomanboogie are bangers. Good shit
Not a big rap guy but this was a fun listen
This is a decent album. Its lyrics were good but were kind of simple. Its music was good though. Overall a decent album.
Do you like hip-hop/rap music? If so, this album is for you! I really like this album. I love the smoothness of the singer's voice and the background music. I highly recommend this album.
One of the best rappers and producers there is.
A very very easy listen! Good flowing and nice sound.
I first got into A Tribe Called Quest earlier this year while going through Apple’s Top 10 Albums countdown, and I was hooked. Naturally, I had high hopes for The Renaissance, and Q-Tip definitely delivered. You can really hear his influence as the main producer — the beats are smooth, jazzy, and laid-back, just like you’d expect from him. The whole album has a great vibe. It’s polished but never overdone, and Q-Tip’s flow is as smooth and effortless as ever. He doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel — just gives us smart, feel-good hip-hop with a ton of soul. Also, gotta give him some bonus points for his cameo in one of the best Chappelle’s Show skits of all time: Knee High Park Favorite Song: Will Trade
Not as silly as his Tribe Called Quest stuff, but it was a fun album
Pretty decent actually, with some nice, laid back hip-hop. The sort of thing I'd be able to listen to multiple times.
First listen. Familier with some of A Tribe Called Quests work, but not with Q-Tip's catalogue. It was pretty good.
4-
This album was truly a pleasant surprise. I liked it way more than I thought I would.
11/7/24. Q-Tip the legend! Loved the beats and sampling here, very jazzy. And just overall well crafted songs. Enjoyed this one.
Okay so I was gonna go on a rant on how the a tribe called quest albums were enough and q tip didn’t need a solo album but I liked it. It’s first listen so later on I may change my mind and think it’s too generous but 4/5 for now
Just a cool sounding modern rap feel with enough added production and creativity to keep it engaging
pretty solid, a few bangers but all dope Tribe-esque lounge hip hop
Enjoyable voice
"The Renaissance" is the second studio album by American hip-hop artist and A Tribe Called Quest MC Q-Tip. Progressive hip hop. I'll agree. The album was the first album after an eight-year hiatus. It was primarily produced by Q-Tip. The album reached #11 on the US charts and had universal acclaim. A soulful synth, slow beat and Q-Tip rapping fast start "Johnny is Dead." Nice background female singers. This has a more soulful/R&B feel than hip hop. It's tough figuring things out for a young man. Johnny is Q-Tip's real name. The first single "Gettin' Up" continues the R&B vibe. A piano, soft rapping. A catchy melody and chorus in a love song. Scratching begins "Official." A mid-tempo beat. Q-Tip singing more than rapping in this soulful song. "Manwomanboogie" gets the groove and funk going with a deep bass. Great rapping by guest Amanda Davis. He samples the drums in Can's "Aspectacle." Unique song. Nora Jones guests in "Life is Better." She sounds different but very good in this R&B style. Q-Tip eventually joins in. The last song "Shaka" is loud with a hip hop beat. There's swirling/scratching synth sounds. Very Mac Miller. There's also echoing and eerie sounds.. very trippy and pyschedelic. The song is a salute to all the people that have helped Q-Tip out especially producer J Dilla. This album has just as much an soulful/R&B sound as it does hop hop. There's also elements of psychedelia and jazz. Q-Tip covers a variety of subjects not always heard in hip hop...romance, tributes, philosophy of life and a young man struggles. It's an easy and smooth listen. The songs are solid and really no fillers. It's another hip hop album that uses (not overuses) guest appearances appropriately. This is a strong album. Strong recommendation too.
Caught off guard by how good this was! I don't listen to a lot of rap, and I wasn't familiar with Q-Tip. I know A Tribe Called Quest but I don't know any of the members by name. The first song kind of felt a little off-kilter and I was pretty sure that this album was going to be sitting in 2 star territory, but the second song immediately turned things around, and it stayed that way!
Fluffy grooves and bombing samples. Reminds me a bit of Mos Def‘s Ecstatic.
Classic production on this made for a very funky album. Something of an old-school style with tight rhymes.
good lyrical wordplay, great beats. just all around great stuff from Q-Tip who I admittedly know very little of, I'd like to hear more.
Immaculate production! I love Q Tip but in general I think he’s stronger with other people. This album is good but I wouldn’t say great. “Life is better”, “Gettin up”, “We Fight/We Love” are all great tracks! Also this is probably not anything but 808s and Heartbreaks released the same month as this and changed music forever. It’s weird that both albums were essentially showcases for drum machines (it’s literally on the cover of this one) and both artists rocked a similar asthetic (seriously look at the cover of this album then go look at how Kanye dressed at the time) but Kanye’s is the one people connected with more. Imagine a world where this album ACTUALLY caused a musical renaissance the way “808s” did?
Boom bap at its finest. The Renaissance has a great mix of sample based and live instrumentation. Q-Tip’s lush production yields some melodic and funky head-nodders with additional production on “Move” provided by the late great J.Dilla serving as a cherry on top. As time has gone on I have grown to love this album more than Amplified, which still holds a lot of nostalgic value for me. “Life Is Better” makes me wish there was a Q-Tip produced Norah Jones album. D’Angelo sounds silky smooth as usual on “Believe” and blends in beautifully with the Rhodes. Top to bottom this is a hip hop classic worthy of its praise.
Huh... As much as I like Tribe, I have never listened to Q-Tip's solo stuff. I have news for him, Johnny 5 is Alive! I like this, right of the rip. Should be a fun one. The music doesn't disappoint. It sounds like an alternate universe version of Tribe. I will need to listen to the rest of his solo albums. This one gets a 4.1.
The Renaissance feels and sounds both like the past and present. It has late 80's, early 90's feel and samples, with more sophisticated lyrics and chords for that time. It's not pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop can do for the future, but it has fine-tuned the genre into much of the best it has to offer. "You" isn't bad, but the rest of the album maintains a groove that is interrupted only by this slower track. "ManWomanBoogie" is my favorite here. This is an easy album to like.
I love Q-Tip's voice--it's so distinctive...brainy and chill--as well as his signature flow. It has such a quirky yet calming, hypnotic quality, and so it went with this album. Sort of an updated old school vibe.
It's just tough to go wrong with Q Tip man. The guy seems to always give you a solid performance and raps as though he is a fan of hip hop and wants other people to enjoy hip hop and not just trying to pick up a pay check.
I really liked this. Q-Tip is one of the most unique voices in hip hop. He's a legend for a reason.
okaaayyyy q-tip i see you
Can I Kick It? (My own ass.) Weird to come across so much good hip hop in my sixth decade, but here we are. When this came out, I was firmly a Rock Guy -- aside from the occasional video on MTV or some such, I was completely oblivious to how good so much of this stuff is. No exception here. I'm in awe of the bars Q-tip has. And just the whole mellow flow that he perfected with the Tribe. Just a whole genre that I stupidly missed out on.
Enjoyed this album, saved most to a playlist. Enjoyed You, Offical, we fight we love and Norah Jones is on here! Also heard a ref to Britney and Federline(sp?)
This album is great! Q-Tip’s lyricism and production is fantastic. A hip hop album I missed when it released but love that found on this list. 4/5!
Tranquille, assuré, sans fla-fla, groove minimaliste
A very enjoyable mellow vibe
I've always liked Q-Tip. His performances always seem smooth and effortless. I liked this album, but I was hoping for a bit more. Liked Songs Added: - Official - You - Life Is Better - Believe
Mellow jazz infused hip hop I would call this. I really got into it. I was constantly engaged. It's a really interesting album
Fun rap, really liked it
I adore won't trade the rest is pretty good aswell
Excellent
Heurlijk
85% Best: Gettin Up; WeFight/WeLove; ManWomanBoogie; Move/Rap Renaissance; Believe Must-Hear? Sure
Lowkey like this more than Low End Theory (am I allowed to say that)
Never realized Q-Tip had a solo career. And this one is produced with some support of J-Dilla -- ought to be interesting. Opens on a sort of weird note with Johnny Is Dead. Classic Q-Tip flow, but the instrumental leans electronic with a pop-like sung chorus. I actually really dig the instrumental, but something about the combination doesn't work for me. Won't Trade on the other-hand flips a soul sample and Tip's quintessential buttery flow to a greater success. I love "You." The instrumental is so lush with fat 808s, layered keys and sounds, and snares that remind me of early Kid Cudi (for all I know Plain Pat sampled them). WeFight/WeLove keeps the 808s running forward in a bit more of an up-beat soul track (complete with skittering guitar harmonics and sung chorus). This one weaves a poetry about relationship conflicts and military conflicts and beyond. Move absolutely shines here for its J-Dilla instrumental and flip half-way through. Opens with a propulsive soulful beat that is dense and groovy and flips halfway into a more somber "scratched" track rooted around a whistled melody. The a Capella intro of Dance On Glass is a hell of a juxtaposition to the production work on Move. Impressive and really slick production in its own right. This was a remarkably solid album with beautiful production. I never tire of how effortless Q-Tip sounds weaving words around different instrumentals. His delivery is so clear and nimble. The opener was the weak point in my eyes. Otherwise, I found this highly enjoyable and worth coming back for another listen. High 4.
Like the funky beats and flow in this one. The first half of "Move" was pissing me off with that vocal sample. Lost me a bit in the middle-end, but came through strong to finish with Believe and Shaka.
I have never heard of Q-Tip before, but my goodness that was some incredible flow. After reading it looks like he was part of Tribe Called Quest which makes sense now. That was a completely unexpected awesome album which absolutely flew by and I wish kept going. Each song had such incredibly unique beats. And I love when hip-hop has live drums and guitar built into the songs. Especially ManWomanBoogie which was such a dope funky track. This was an extremely solid and high 4
Q-Tip's delivery is so effortless and fun with his voice. Can't wait for some tribe on here. This was a real easy listen I really enjoyed it.
Smooth. 4/5
If your hip hop album isn't groovy to the point where my left buttcheek is subconsciously vibrating like I'm driving through the most well-kept road in Poland, I don't want it. Q-Tip delivers like always. Silly man. Never look up the lyrics for "Georgie Porgie" though.
I like this, it sounds like it came from the early to mid 90's, instead of 2008. I'm glad he stuck with that sound instead of trying to modernize it.
Awfully close to "as good as it gets" territory, a near-ideal for hip-hot. It keeps it real with its focus on real playing, warm and accessible flows and a bare minimum of tired hip-hop tropes and posturing. It grooves easily and jazzily and soulfully, the tracks coalesce smoothly and cohere meaningfully, fine complements each to each. "Better" might now be one's top NJ song. Though one barely knew this record, it seems destined to become one of one's hip-hop faves.
- sounds similar to anderson .paak!
Great hip hop album with a jazzy sound
Favourite tracks: life is better; we fight we love; shaka
One of the best. I have always loved Q-Tip as a lyricist and his delivery is just so smooth. This is a great record.
Not bad
This was really strong. Transports you to NY.
Smooth as butter
Awesome flow
Something about melding jazz and rap music just sends the white people crazy. Don't get me wrong this is great. Q is on fire with a lot of these bars. Tapping into the golden age of hip hop. Nice, safe, digestible. Hi hop. 8/10
It's a pretty solid album from one of my favourite rappers. Q-Tip's production is at its finest. The album tracks are on par with the singles which is a good sign. I think the guest stars also did a great job. I'm surprised this album took 5 years to record. 4 stars for "The Renaissance".
4.5
++: We Fight/We Love, Manwomanboogie, Move +: Johnny Is Dead, Won't Trade, Gettin' Up, Official, Dance On Glass, Life Is Better, Believe, Shaka +-: You 8,5/10
I would have never even considered listening to this artist but I glad I did because I loved it!
Really enjoyed this one. This is what I've been looking for in these 1001 albums. Something that I wouldn't seek out, but given a chance to listen, I'm really impressed. I love Tribe, but I don't usually go for "solo" rap albums. Really looking forward to going back for another listen.
Amazing. So so close to 5 stars
Q-Tip was no stranger to solo endeavors at this point in his career, although "The Renaissance" came after a nine year hiatus since Q-Tip's first solo album. Q-Tip doesn't really miss a beat here and while I was not really familiar with this album prior to listening, I was/am very familiar with Q-Tip as a lyricist in a group many know as A Tribe Called Quest. There's honestly nothing super groundbreaking going on here, but the album is still pretty engaging as a whole whilst being a mellow listen thanks to Q-Tip's usual clever lyricism and smooth production. It just goes to show that the jazz-rap, progressive hip-hop sound is pretty timeless. Is this 2008 or 1991? 3.5/5
June 9, 2024 HL: "Life Is Better” (featuring Norah Jones), "Shaka", "We Fight/We Love" (featuring Raphael Saadiq), "Official", "Move" Smooth I wouldn't say it's a giant step forward from ATCQ, but Q-Tip's jazz-rap styling updated for the sounds of 2000s hip-hop isn't as dated as I figured it would be. The inclusion of old-school-sounding soul works for me, and the guests (Jones, D'Angelo) are pretty well pitch-perfect for the album's stylings. Today my heightened interest in the Soulquarians (sparked by listening to Common & D'Angelo last week), meant I paired this album with J Dilla's kaleidoscopic album Donuts (J Dilla produced "Move” on this album according to Wiki). And that was a good move- both that and The Renaissance further prove that there is a lot more to modern hiphop than I assumed at the start of this journey.
Q-Tip is one of my favorite MCs of all time. Never got into his solo stuff before other than songs on mixtapes.
Wat krijg je als je het brein achter A tribe called quest een solo album laat maken? Degene die voor een groot deel verantwoordelijk is voor de beats en een groot deel van mn favoriete verses? Dan krijg je The Renaissance. Fantastisch, dit is echt een hiphop album dat vibet. De bass is vaak moddervet, de lyrics van Q-tip zijn heerlijk, zijn stem is sowieso echt geweldig en de features zijn echt perfect hierop aansluitend. Het beste voorbeeld hiervan is naar mijn mening Life is better met de Norah Jones feature. Dat is echt hiphop in optima forma. De productie van Q-tip laat de vocals echt shinen, zijn verse is een soort positieve opsomming van alle collabs door de jaren heen. Het laat dit album bijna perfect zien wat het is: Een soort positief laid back hiphop album. Is het perfect? Nee, sommige nummers zijn een beetje saai en daarom krijgt het niet de perfecte score, maar god je maakt sowieso geen slechte keuze als je dit album aanzet als de zon schijnt of gewoon als je wat relaxte hiphop wilt horen. FAVO: Won't trade, Gettin up, We Fight/we Love, Move, Life is better, Believe
Love Q-Tip!
Such a pleasant surprise!
really liked this one! good flow, i was bopping my head without even realizing it.
3.5/5. Really enjoyed this. Very easy to listen to. I still like Tribe's projects more, though.
Very good
Loving that classic Q-Tip delivery and he always sounds so fresh and light on wax. And lest we forget, we are blessed with production from J Dilla and Tip himself - massively underrated in terms of both quality and influence. It doesn't quite rank up there with the best of ATCQ - but then what does? - and is this or Amplified the essential Q-Tip solo album? Let's not worry about that and enjoy the bopping, playful sound of a talented hip hopper.
very pleasantly surprised, lyrics and beats were solid throughout with great transitions. some songs didn't click but altogether smooth listening
Good album but if the last Tribe album is not on this list, then the listmaker missed out and I am disappointed in them
Real nice production overall and real good rapping. It's somewhere between 3 and 4 for me but definitely closer to 4.
Q-tip is always a good listen.
Really enjoyed this! Love the groove! 4.1
4.0
Great sample based hip hop and rap. Pretty awesome stuff. Feels like nineties hip hop in the aughts.
East coast hip hop. Very fun soulful production, with some beats that feel a little safe or goofy but overall very clean. Flow and vocal delivery all pretty tight but I wanted maybe a little more edge to the whole thing. Maybe just a bit too poppy in that regard. Kind of out of place in the 2000s, especially 2008, but I think it has plenty of moments to enjoy, I was just hoping to be challenged a little bit more from one of the great minds of A Tribe Called Quest. Really good but I'd have to be in the right mood to revisit. 4/5
did not know what to expect... but this was a pleasant surprise. super groovy progressive hip-hop.
Great album. Q-tip has a unique and likeable cadence. I know him from his work with the chemical Brothers. I wonder if his name is reference to q-tips not being allowed in your ears, but still feeling so damn good.
This is a great album and what I admire most about it is the aesthetic. Tip clearly had a sound in mind when he crafted it and it's executed well. You get the jazziness that you would expect of Tribe's frontman, but there's also plenty of soul that makes for a smooth and effortless listen. You can lounge to this, dance at times, relax. The guest appearances all work toward this end. It's easy listening but Q-Tip is focused. There's a broad and thorough exploration of love, from heartbreak to romance and everything in the middle. But Tip weaves in his thoughts on the military, gender, the current state of hip hop, and what it means to stay authentic in an industry (and world) that doesn't necessarily embrace the quality. Plus, that braggadocio we expect of the best emcees shines through on the opener "Johnny is Dead": what good is a ear if a Q-Tip isn't in it?
Not what I consider typical hip-hop/rap. Pretty smooth listen-melodic and flowing nice. Would listen to it again.
It was fun, I could listen to it again sometime
Intelligent, softer, kind of old school hip hop/r&b. Q-Tip is a good rapper (and I liked his tracks. Not my usual vibe but I do need to learn to chill. Listens: 1 Fave Track: You Rating: 4
Musically better than most rap albums. 3.51*
very nice flow great album - very unexpected - Anderson paak style
Never heard of this before, but I liked it a lot! I usually have trouble connecting with new hip-hop artists and albums, and even though this can't be regarded as "new", I still think it keeps one foot in the older sound of 90s rap somehow and sounds less like hip-hop after 2010. All songs kept a really high bar, and the formula kept changing throughout the album. Some of the songs in the beginning are good, but so is the one with Norah Jones as well. Solid 4 star, might potentially be a strong 4 even. Will definitely come back to this!
I had forgotten about this album and especially I have forgotten how much I like "Won't Trade" which must be one of the best rap songs of the decade. Great samples and nice smooth flow. He really has a good voice too. Maybe a bit too low-key in the latter half to be a 5 but a solid 4.
A very different flow to the voice. Long sinuous phrases. Also a different way of incorporating samples, loops, and scratches and longer musical phrases from recordings. Strongly syncopated but melodic breaks. Wider range of sampling. Smooth. Lyrically, I like this quite a bit for how the voice parts are created.
4+4.5+3+4+3+4+4+4+3+4+4.5+4+3 3.76 4/5 Lots of cool ideas, loved most of this.
i love q tip
Give me q-tip or tribe any day!!
Great
I enjoyed the album. I was not really familiar with any of the songs previously but the beats and the rapping itself were solid. It is not quite a 4, but I will round up.
Cool production and flow.
The beats are great, cohesive sound. Reminds me of the Ventura album
I really liked this. Listened to it twice in the end. I’m still not quite sure how I’m judging 5*, so the 4 here could ultimately be harsh.
Never heard of him before, big fan of this. Will check out more Q-Tip. Gives me Dough and Oil background music vibes.
Fresh and energetic.
Not a huge fan of a Tribe Called Quest, but I did enjoy this. Good surprising listen.
Just consistently good all the way through.
Really smooth
Q
Enjoyed it.
Delicious album. Great beats, awesome samples, funky bass, flawless delivery. Q tip is a master. Love it!
Nytt fynd!
Legend from a tribe called quest
Life is Better
Really liked this. The antithesis of the day before’s Kanye fiasco
I like the sound to this- not suprised to see J Dilla as co-producer. I like the mixing, sampling and beat- really interesting to listen to.
Fun collection of background music
Nice listen. I remember hearing Q-Tip back in the late 80s along with De La Soul and loving the vibe. He’s not changed that much but still sounds up to date somehow…? Good.
bars, old school, vibey
Doesn’t quite hit the same highs as the best Tribe albums, but the beats on this are still phenomenal and Q-Tip still carries a lot of the charisma and rapping talent from that era Favourite tracks: Johnny is Dead, Gettin Up, Move, Believe
Bueno
Góð grúv, mjög áheyrilegt, og Raphael Saadiq gestur í ofanálag. Mæli með.
Kult! Nesten litt rart at jeg ikke har hørt på dette før, elsker jo Tribe Called Quest.
Wow nice! I really wish I hadn’t been so turned off by early aughts pop b/c I’ve deffos missed some gems!
Really liked this album! Smooth, catchy hip hop, singer was easy to understand, underlying music was groovy.
I listened. I liked, I went back to listen again.
mad vibe med fluid
Smooth as hell and one of the best flows in hip hop. Not to mention his production. I could use a whole Q-Tip & D’Angelo project
3,5
Quite a contrast from MBV, where the lyrics were incidental. In this rap album the lyrics are essential. Great stuff!
Listening to the first song, I didn't think I was going to like this album as I didn't really care of his voice. However, I was very pleasantly surprised as the rest of the album had great flow and variety and I ended up really enjoying it!
I’m not sure I’d listen to this again, BUT it is a very good, cohesive record. Loved the flow and groove, was impressed with the melodic sound that I don’t always get enough of in this genre.
catchy, has content idk something is just really chill about it
Q-Tip is just so damn good. Really interesting to hear him over some more digital beats than the more natural jazz instrumentation or sampling-based approach of Tribe, but he just has such a calm and enjoyable flow over anything. Some great features as well
Tribe to Proto-Paak
Hadn't listened to this one before, but I knew the singles and am a fan of TCQ. This is a good album with some memorable songs and thoughtful lyrics. Q-Tip maybe isn't the best rapper out there, but he's likeable and is a good lyricist. I thought that the production and instrumentals on here were decent, but sound a bit dated in places. I'd say about a 7/10.
Some biig bangers on this one and you can really hear the J Dilla influence (he literally mentions him). Nice sounds, cool samples.
I love Tribe so I’m not surprised that I also enjoyed Tip’s solo work as well. Great production and a fun flow to listen to.
Didn't think I was going to like this but it was really good. Pretty amazing job of managing to sound unique but still sound like Q-Tip.
Super vibey production, really neat and tight delivery across the project. Really enjoyable listen throughout. Some of the basslines and use of scratching, matching the percussions were so cool, not to mention the sample chops.
nice bouncy head bopping hip hop
Dope
It’s Q-Tip
Not my fav Q-Tip but still decent.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Cool and clever uses of sampling, and great musicianship throughout. Rap delivery was engaging. Standouts: ManWomanBoogie, Move 3.75
Like, 4.5. Will definitely listen to again.
Begint erg goed, jazzy, wat Jamiroquai-achtig. Wordt vanaf ongeveer het midden naar het einde toe iets te monotoon voor me. Track 11 en 12 breken dit weer een beetje. Prima album.
Groovy and very toe-tappable, I found my head bobbing the whole way through this one
Irregular time signatures and uplifting themes in a rap album. Had my number from the jump!
Enjoy his rapping style and unique beats I haven't heard in other hip-hop. Enjoyed this more than I thought I would strong 4
decent.
Good fun!
Q-Tip is just as talented as he was with Tribe Called Quest, with smooth vocals and lyrical flow. With catchy choruses and pop hooks, it's a very accessible album for both fans and new listeners. Tracks are very modern with production, incorporating 2000s neo soul and pop rap while still staying true to 90s sampling and jazz rap. No filler here, with surprises on every track. Seamless transitions from one to next, making it a coherent listen to the finish. Nothing blew me away the way his ATCQ work did, but I did have a great time with this one and will revisit it.
Great hip-hop which keeps your interest by throwing in some memorable backing riffs. Songs feel distinct which I like. Much hip-hop have a way of blending together, but not this.
Bij Q-Tip had ik wat verwachtingen. Een cd waarop ongeforceerde rap met een goed ritme de stevige basis biedt. Op Renaissance wordt veelvuldig samengewerkt met andere artiesten. Verscheidene dames zingen het refrein in. Helemaal prima. Maar ik moest wel even mijn verwachting doorbreken. De eerste keer vond ik het eigenlijk matig. De tweede keer kon ik mijzelf wat meer openstellen voor verandering en vond ik het veel beter. Dus tja...wat of wie is nu het onderwerp van een recensie? Een album of de recensent?
Decent!
The smoothest
I had not heard this album and it was really great. An incredibly engaging album that gets better with repeat listens.
Some annoying bits (start of Official, ManWomanBoogie abrupt ending). Beat switch on Move is mental. D'Angelo <3
Q-Tip's second solo album, The Renaissance, is a hip-hop classic that was released in 2008. The album features Q-Tip's signature smooth flow and soulful production, with a focus on positive, uplifting themes. The opening track, "Johnny Is Dead," sets the tone for the rest of the album with its infectious beat and catchy chorus. Other standout tracks include "Gettin' Up," "ManWomanBoogie," and "Life Is Better," which showcase Q-Tip's ability to create soulful, groove-driven hip-hop. One of the album's strengths is Q-Tip's production, which blends classic hip-hop samples with live instrumentation and modern production techniques. The result is a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh, paying tribute to the golden age of hip-hop while pushing the genre forward. Lyrically, the album deals with themes of love, positivity, and self-improvement. Q-Tip's lyrics are often introspective and personal, reflecting on his own experiences and emotions. In conclusion, The Renaissance is a classic hip-hop album that still sounds fresh and relevant today. Its influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary hip-hop artists. If you're a fan of soulful, positive hip-hop, this album is a must-listen.
Best Song: ManWomanBoogie. That bassline is killer. Worst Song: You. A bit too corny compared to the rest of the album. Also, the transition between this song and the next one is so severe it will give you whiplash. Overall: Goddamn this is good. So chill, Q-Tip has an unreal flow, amazing production. Great variability of beats. This is my first time hearing any solo stuff from the Tribe Called Quest gang, and it really demonstrates why that group is so successful.
Very close to giving this a five, great grooves, great production and a good list of colabs. Glad this one got to see the light of day.
V good
Side one is pitch-perfect, and side two is still very good, even though I had high hopes Q-Tip would preserve the momentum until the end, (which is not exactly what happened here). Overall, *The Renaissance* doesn't exactly have that insanely *high* level of quality the first three A Tribe Called Quest albums had. But it's still often brilliant and groovy. I should have listened to that one earlier. Thanks to this app, I just did. 3,5/5, rounded up to 4 here. Because this thing deserves to have a higher score. And also, I'm pushing for the maximum grade because I'm sick and tired of weirdoes in here who go to the bottom of the reviews, where the 1/5 assessments are, so as to select unoriginal ones, going "It looks OK for fans of the genre, but I don't like rap" (a perfectly valid opinion per se), and then "like" those short uninteresting assessments so as to put them in the forefront of the review section. Tell me you have a problem with rap merely *existing* without telling me you have a problem with rap existing. Jeeze, I wonder why you can't see that happening with other genres like country or rock, huh? 🤔 Number of albums left to review: 643 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 179 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 84 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 100
Anderson .Paak vibes This is great 4
Although there wasn't a specific track that really grabbed me here, I really enjoyed what felt like a fresh take on hip hop with a funky and jazzy feel and interesting lyrics.
I found this to be a hip-hop album that was very easy to listen to. The more I listened, the more enjoyment I found.