There's no doubt that A Tribe Called Quest helped shaped the sound of some of hip-hop's most endearing artists.
Q-Tip was at the forefront of the group proving that rappers can have a sense of humor, not be violent, talk about love and still rap over addictive beats that are bass-heavy and full of melodies.
His newest album "Renaissance" is appropriately titled as he continues a sound the Native Tongues were known for.
If Tribe put an album out today, I would hope that it would sound something like "Renaissance." Q-Tip, who is mostly known for his voice, never gets the credit he deserves behind the boards as he produces all but one song on the album.
Songs like "Johnny Is Dead," "WeFight/WeLove" and "Move" all continue where 'Amplified' left off; Ummah-ish production with honesty in the lyrics and soul by the pound.
Buy the Feb issue of HYPE to read more and find out what rating this CD received...
