The Renaissance

About

<i>The Renaissance</i> is just Q-Tip’s second album in the ten years since A Tribe Called Quest called it quits. Q-Tip handled the production duties himself, and this lean collection of tracks adheres to his old-school values but still sounds remarkably fresh, and even innovative. “Gettin’ Up” and “Won’t Trade” incorporate classic soul samples on songs that represent Q-Tip at his buttery best. Few rappers have a better ear, and it is to Tip’s credit that tracks like “ManWomanBoogie” and “Dance On Glass” work as well in a club setting as through the headphones of the young hip-hop faithful. Now pushing 40, Tip’s flow is as swift and charming as it was twenty years ago, and he easily sidesteps playing the grumpy old rapper, a trap that has befallen many of his golden-age peers. <i>The Renaissance</i> demonstrates that a lot of time and acumen can make an offering that adeptly blends the old with the new.

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

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