Q-Tip and the remaining surviving members of A Tribe Known as Quest not too long ago celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of their traditional third album, 1993’s Midnight Marauders. The album is extensively thought of the group’s biggest album, that includes a few of Q-Tip’s greatest verses. As rap followers look again at Tribe’s prolific historical past, additionally they hope for brand new music from The Summary.
Whereas Q-Tip has been comparatively quiet on the music entrance, he teased three entire albums price of fabric again in 2020. Whereas none of these releases have seen the sunshine of day, that has not stopped him from collaborating with others. Q-Tip typically brings one of the best out of the artists he works with, so we’re highlighting a few of his greatest collaborations. Listed here are 7 of Q-Tip’s hottest hip hop collabs. Check out the record under.
Busta Rhymes – “Unwell Vibe” (1996)
Busta Rhymes is one in every of Q-Tip’s closest and most frequent collaborators. The 2 have labored collectively all through their careers in several capacities. Early on, they appeared on posse cuts with A Tribe Known as Quest and Leaders of the New College collectively and later featured on one another’s solo albums. Certainly one of Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip’s earliest and hottest collabs is “Unwell Vibe” from Busta’s debut solo album, The Coming. The laidback increase bap traditional was produced by The Ummah, Tip’s manufacturing collective with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and J Dilla. “Unwell Vibe” accommodates Q-Tip’s easy stream and Busta’s animated supply, making for one in every of their most iconic collabs.
The Roots – “Ital (The Common Aspect)” (1996)
This spotlight from The Roots’ traditional Illadelph Halflife album sees Black Thought and Q-Tip buying and selling bars forwards and backwards. The funky instrumental lends itself to each of their rap types, in addition to their musical chemistry. The 2 every take their very own distinctive method to rapping, however they mix their types collectively on “Ital.” Black Thought is understood for outshining different rappers on most tracks, however he and Q-Tip work collectively for a skillful change of bars.
Missy Elliott – “Scorching Boyz (Remix)” (1999)
Certainly one of Q-Tip’s hottest collabs is the remix of Missy Elliott’s 1999 single, “Scorching Boyz.” The remix options an all-star lineup, together with Missy, Tip, Nas, Eve, and Lil Mo. An eclectic mixture of hip hop artists, every rapper will get their second to shine over the Timbaland-produced beat. The “Scorching Boyz” remix was massively profitable, spending 18 weeks atop the Scorching Rap Singles chart and breaking the document for many weeks at No. 1 on the R&B chart on the time. Whereas “Scorching Boyz” stands out as one in every of Missy’s biggest works, its remix is a standout collaboration between varied artists, together with Q-Tip.
Slum Village – “Maintain Tight” (2000)
Q-Tip and Slum Village had been an ideal match on “Maintain Tight.” He kicks off the relaxed track with a easy verse, commenting on the state of the rap sport. Tip raps, “N****s within the sport is getting too slimy / Liable to make this peace flip dirty,” passing the torch to Slum Village. In his verse, Q-Tip voices his frustrations with grasping business executives and locations his religion in his musical friends. He shouts out every member of Slum Village, together with D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, and his fellow members of A Tribe Known as Quest. He units the tone for J Dilla, T3, and Baatin to spit their verses, leading to a standout monitor from Incredible, Vol. 2.
Busta Rhymes feat. Q-Tip, Lil Wayne, & Kanye West – “Thank You” (2013)
Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes have remained shut all through their careers, ultimately teaming up for a collaborative mixtape, 2013’s The Summary & The Dragon. The challenge compiled previous classics from their group and solo careers, in addition to new materials like “Thank You.” The track samples Alicia Myers’s “I Wanna Thank You.” Lil Wayne and Kanye West briefly make appearances, symbolizing a truce between the Young Money and G.O.O.D. Music labels, to which Busta and Tip had been respectively signed. Over the groovy instrumental, Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip show their longtime chemistry, effortlessly flowing to match the quick guitar pattern. The 2 match one another’s abilities, standing out as one in every of each Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip’s greatest songs. It’s also one in every of Q-Tip’s largest hip hop collabs, going silver within the UK.
James BKS, Q-Tip, Idris Elba, & Little Simz – “New Breed” (2019)
In 2019, French musician James BKS recruited Q-Tip, Little Simz, and Idris Elba for “New Breed,” a standalone single that captured components of hip hop and dance music worldwide. Over a festive and joyous instrumental, Q-Tip slides throughout the beat, Idris Elba excites, and Simz dazzles along with her verse. The French, American, and British artists every rap about their African heritage and what it means to them. Every rapper supplies their very own distinctive model to the celebratory track, embracing Africa by the lens of their completely different nationalities.
Eminem, Royce Da 5’9”, Black Thought, Q-Tip, & Denaun – “Yah Yah” (2020)
“Yah Yah” is one in every of Q-Tip’s hottest collabs as his catchy hook serves because the centerpiece for an explosive banger. The track sees Eminem, Black Thought, and Royce Da 5’9” spit fast flows with advanced rhyme schemes at a excessive power. The track serves as an ode to the golden period of hip hop that impressed every artist, as emphasised by every verse and the hook from Q-Tip. The collaboration between Eminem, Royce, Black Thought, Q-Tip, and Denaun is a chief instance of top-tier lyricists spitting a excessive caliber, paying homage to their hip hop idols. “Yah Yah” is one in every of Q-Tip’s most memorable collabs in current reminiscence, leaving followers craving for extra music.
