On the Q-Tip

Last night I was talking with some friends and one of them brought up The Renaissance, the latest release from Q-Tip, and suggested that it was the best hip hop release of the year. If his name sounds familiar but not immediately recognizable, it might be because this is his first solo release in nine years. Or, it might be that you remember him as a member of A Tribe Called Quest, probably the most intellectual alternative to the posturing of gangta rap in the 90's. Either way, he's back after rumors of numerous albums over the years have proved false.

The album is pretty damn good, too. While I'm not entirely convinced it's the best hip hop album of the year (The Roots and Madlib come to mind off the top of my head as contenders), it certainly is neck and neck in the race. I'll drop Won't Trade, the second track from the line-up below, a soulful number that samples the classic grooves of Ruby Andrews and her song You Made a Believer Out Of Me as exhibit a in the argument.

the sampler:

Q-Tip - Won't Trade : The Renaissance

the sampled:

Ruby Andrews - You Made a Believer Out of Me : Soul Masters: Ruby Andrews

Visit his website, his label Universal Motown Records, and become his friend on MySpace.