The seminal New York rapper and former A Tribe Called Quest members new album is everything old school heads and new school players have been asking for, excellent production, excellent beats, lyrical poetry and the journey the way only Q-Tip delivers.

 

Q-Tip is a Hip-Hop pioneer and in many ways his return is timely as Hip Hop has taken a downward spiral with only few holding the candle. The Renaissance is exactly that the revival of the classical cultural movement of Hip Hop, it takes you back and Q-Tip brings all skills to the fore and demonstrates once again his genius.

 

There are several collaborations on the album with artists whom are leading a Renaissance of sorts with their respective styles; Norah Jones who brought about a Jazz Re-birth, Raphael Saadiq who is bringing back the Motown sounds, Neo-Soul pioneer D'Angelo and finally Amanda Diva whom is bringing about her own Renaissance for female Hip Hop artists. All contribute solidly to the album.

 

A measure of any Hip Hop album is its playability from start to finish and this is one of them, Q-Tip brings upon us a sense of something familiar yet new, freshness, yet classicly driven. Play this album from start to finish, enjoy the lyrics, enjoy the themes and especially enjoy Hip Hop music again.

 

Initial stand outs for me are Gettin Up, We Fight/We Love and Move but the beauty of any Hip Hop album is its ability to alter the listeners favourite given the mood, this album definitely has this ability.

 

Finally I had the privilege of watching Q-Tip on the David Letterman Show perform Move which gave me goose bumps, He is classic Hip Hop at its best and what we have sorely been missing for some time. - Peter