q-tip Archives

A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders vs. Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

December 7, 2015 Finding the GOAT

A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory vs. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s Mecca And The Soul Brother. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

December 1, 2015 Finding the GOAT

These 1990s Hip-Hop Albums Reach Round 2, With Two Battles Left To Be Decided

Beginning in September, Ambrosia For Heads returned to “Finding The GOAT,” our annual voting series that polls readers and fans to determine the Greatest Of All-Time. Following 2014-2015’s quest to use votes to determine the GOAT MC, we are asking readers to determine the greatest of all-time Hip-Hop album. “Finding... Read more

November 22, 2015 Finding the GOAT

A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi Gives a Tour of the Group’s Historic Beginnings (Video)

It's been a big week for A Tribe Called Quest, whose 1990 debut album People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm turns 25 this year. In celebration, a special anniversary deluxe edition has been released, featuring remixes of classic Tribe records from Pharrell, Cee Lo Green, and J.Cole. Over... Read more

November 14, 2015 Video

Can He Kick It? J. Cole Does With A Soulful ATCQ Remix (Audio)

As the release date for the 25th anniversary deluxe edition of A Tribe Called Quest's People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths of Rhythm debut album fast approaches (11/13), they drop their third and final bonus track from the LP. Remixes of "Bonita Applebum" and "Footprints," by Pharrell and Cee Lo... Read more

November 10, 2015 Audio

A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory vs. The Roots’ Things Fall Apart. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

November 9, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Mobb Deep’s The Infamous vs. Big Pun’s Capital Punishment. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

November 4, 2015 Finding the GOAT

A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders vs. Gang Starr’s Hard To Earn. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

October 26, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Q-Tip, Dave Chappelle, Leo DiCaprio & Chris Rock Talk Beats, Rhymes & Life, Literally. (Audio)

That's right. An Oscar-nominated actor, two legendary comedic geniuses, and an integral architect of Hip-Hop in one place, at one time. For many, the combination of Dave Chappelle, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Rock, and Q-Tip sounds like the answer to "if you could sit four celebrities into a room to hear... Read more

October 21, 2015 Audio

A Tribe Called Quest Release a Groovy Remix to Bonita Applebum Produced By Pharrell (Audio)

Although "I Left My Wallet In El Segundo" was the first single from A Tribe Called Quest's seminal album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, for many, it was "Bonita Applebum," the second release from the LP, that announced Tribe's arrival. The lush RAMP (Roy Ayers Music Project)... Read more

October 13, 2015 Audio

A Tribe Called Quest Are Releasing a Special 25th Anniversary Edition of Their Debut Album

On April 17, 1990, A Tribe Called Quest released their debut album, Peoples' Instinctive Travels And The Paths of Rhythm and one of Hip-Hop's most beloved groups began one of the culture's most revered journeys. The group would go on to release several albums heralded as classics, including The Low... Read more

September 22, 2015 News

Imagine Pete Rock & Large Professor DJ’ing, While D’Angelo is on the Phone. Q-Tip Made It Happen. (Audio)

On the latest edition of Q-Tip's Abstract Radio show, he treats fans to a mind-blowing experience. He is joined by Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio, and the collective serves up a smorgasbord of classic break beats, anchored by a healthy dose of James Brown. Before that, Tip... Read more

September 10, 2015 Mixes

SKAM2? Made A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymes & Life Artwork. He Remixes It For Deadpool

Back in 1996, Miami, Florida native MC/illustrator SKAM2? made one of Hip-Hop's most iconic covers: A Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes & Life. A chance meeting with Q-Tip prompted SKAM to lace the artwork for the would-be platinum-certified album on Jive Records. At the time, as an MC living in... Read more

August 9, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Ali Shaheed Muhammad Details Native Tongues’ Split and Much More (Audio)

Ali Shaheed Muhammad is among the most high-profile artists-turned-music media host. The founding member of A Tribe Called Quest is part of NPR's Microphone Check. Along with Frannie Kelley, Ali asks the questions, drives the discussion, and presents the culture through national radio's far-reaching lens. In a strange turn of... Read more

June 2, 2015 Audio

Q-Tip & The Chemical Brothers Still Know How to Make the Party Get Up and GO (Video)

As an MC, a DJ, and as a producer, Q-Tip knows how to inject the rhythm into the people. The Abstract is quite concrete in his ability to exterminate wallflowers, making grooves, melodies, and choruses that send everybody to the dance-floor. Tip was called upon by The Chemical Brothers for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Celebrate 25 Years of A Tribe Called Quest With This Incredible Mix (Audio)

This has been a landmark year for A Tribe Called Quest. After celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Low End Theory album being certified platinum in February, yesterday (4/17) marked 25 years since the debut of their groundbreaking album, People’s Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm. To celebrate the... Read more

April 18, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Andre 3000 vs. Q-Tip…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 23, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Freestyle with Black Thought, Phife & Consequence From 1997 (Video)

Here's a look back at a cipher between Black Thought, Phife Dawg and Consequence. The three MCs flowed off the top (for the most part) over a vicious beatbox, courtesy of Rahzel, as Questlove, Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad looked on. Based on Consequence's verse, the moment took place in... Read more

February 22, 2015 Throwback

Raise It Up: Grasping The Entire Greatness Of J Dilla In Retrospect (Food For Thought)

On the heels of the first expanded Dilla Weekend, it is difficult to ignore the growth in posthumous fame that James Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee or J Dilla) has accrued since passing away on this date, nine years ago. Like Amadeus Mozart's and Vincent Van Gogh's before him, Dilla's legacy... Read more

February 10, 2015 Food for Thought

Celebrate J. Dilla’s Birthday with a Look Back at an Extended Interview of Him (Video)

Happy birthday to J. Dilla, who would have turned 41 years old today. As the world continues to be blessed with a seemingly bottomless treasure trove of Dilla's beats, posthumously, looks back at the the man, himself, are much more rare. So, to celebrate the life of one of Hip-Hop's... Read more

February 7, 2015 Throwback

A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory Was Certified Platinum 20 Years Ago Today

Twenty years ago today (February 1, 1995), the Recording Industry Association of America certified A Tribe Called Quest's sophomore album, The Low End Theory as having reached platinum status (shipping 1 million units). Originally released in 1991, the album continues to reverberate, landing on countless Best Albums lists and remains... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Q-Tip vs. Grand Puba…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback

The Beatles’ Paul McCartney To Co-Produce Kanye West’s Seventh LP? An Insider Says So…

Thirteen months since Q-Tip and Rick Rubin were slated to produce "the bulk" of Kanye West's seventh solo album, a follow-up to 2013's Yeezus, a new iconic name enters the fold. Paul McCartney, of The Beatles, Wings, and nothing short of a legendary solo career is the latest name attributed... Read more

January 25, 2015 Audio

Crooklyn Dodgers ’94 & Crooklyn Dodgers ’95 Trade Uniforms In This ILL Blend (Audio)

DJ Hellee Hooper (a play on famed Soul II Soul/Bjork/No Doubt producer Nellee Hooper), swapped the vocals of Special Ed, Masta Ace, and Buckshot from "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" with the instrumental to the 1995 original (Chubb Rock, O.C., Jeru The Damaja). The results (thus "94.5") trick your mind,... Read more

January 12, 2015 Throwback

Q-Tip Welcomes Lil Wayne To The Universal Zulu Nation

Throughout his lengthy career, Lil Wayne has claimed allegiance to the Hot Boys, the Cash Money Billionaires, and Rich Gang, but did you know that he is also down with the Universal Zulu Nation? According to Lil Wayne friend and collaborator Q-Tip, Weezy F. is down with the New York... Read more

November 29, 2014 Fresh

Q-Tip Walks the Walk in Protest for Michael Brown in New York (Video)

As protests break out across the nation in light of last night's decision by the grand jury in Ferguson, MO to not indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, prominent members of the Hip-Hop community continue to take a stand. Last night, Killer Mike spoke passionately... Read more

November 25, 2014 Video

DJ Vadim Lays Down That Supreme A Tribe Called Quest Megamix (Audio)

DJ Vadim and A Tribe Called Quest are contemporaries of one another. However, the London-raised DJ/producer (born in Russia) came into vogue in the mid-1990s, and 20 years later, his mixes are staples in highlighting the popular, under-the-surface, and downright rare moments from the culture, whether in the '80s or... Read more

October 21, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Q-Tip Laced The Track For AdAD, Who Urges Us To Get It Together (Video)

MC AdAD is making moves. The budding talent gets a look from Q-Tip, who makes a cameo in the video. "Get It Together" may remind some Abstract fans of the Ill Communication-era track with the Beastie Boys. However, this appears to have a similar pastiche. AdAD tells the Heads to... Read more

August 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of July 2014 (Audio)

July brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music from Jeezy & Jay Z, Black Thought, Raekwon, G-Unit, Rah Digga, Q-Tip, Cormega, Wale, "Your Old Droog," Elzhi, Chubb Rock, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., Wiz Khalifa, Common, Dilated Peoples, Souls of Mischief, Scarface and more. Check out a playlist of the Best... Read more

August 2, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

The Party Continues Late Into The Night For Tittsworth, Q-Tip & Theophilus London (Audio)

Bouncing, feet shuffling instrumentals from Tittsworth set the stage for his latest single, "After The Dance." Reminiscent of another feel good, Q-Tip assisted dance cut, "Thank You," Q and Theophilus London hit the dance floor to spit about late night escapades with the ladies and get propped up by Alison... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear The Story Of Q-Tip, With Some A Tribe Called Quest & Last Zulu News (Audio)

The BBC keeps covering Hip-Hop with an elite edge. Benji B of the 1Xtra platform curated an extensive narrative audio mix, telling the Abstract story that is Q-Tip. With the playlist on display for "The Story Of Q-Tip," Benji cues records from the 1980s to set the stage for what... Read more

June 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

14 Years Ago Today, Slum Village Released Their Defining, Fantastic, Volume 2. AFH Took A Trip Down Memory Lane With The Remaining Founding Member, T3 (Food For Thought Interview)

Fourteen years ago today, the sentinels of Hip-Hop history were forced to chisel out a fraction of its foundation and infinitely reserve the section for a budding, yet unconventional trio's 68-minute audible depiction of the essence of life in Detroit, Michigan. Whether the culture of Hip-Hop comprehended the significance of... Read more

June 13, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Kanye West Is Recording, But Who Is Involved & What Does It Sound Like?

All Heads know right now is that Kanye West is recording his seventh solo album, and it's allegedly going down in Florence, Italy. Early on, reports stated that Q-Tip and Rick Rubin were sitting in the executive producer's chairs, following Rubin's role in Yeezus, and G.O.O.D. Music inking The Abstract... Read more

May 22, 2014 Fresh

Look Back To An Ill 1998 Future Flavas Freestyle From The Last Days Of A Tribe Called Quest (Audio)

Heads may remember the late '90s, early 2000s HOT 97 "Future Flavas" radio show hosted by Marley Marl and Pete Rock. In the glory days of underground Hip-Hop, this show bridged the gap between old school and emerging greats, with two legends on the boards, transmitting to the tri-state. This... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Mind-Blowingly Comprehensive Oral History of Rawkus Records

Here's a mind-blowingly comprehensive oral history of Rawkus Records, one of the last great Hip-Hop record labels, put together by MySpace. The piece features contributions from DJ Premier, DJ Spinna, El-P, Evil Dee, Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip and many, many more. Check out an excerpt and link to... Read more

April 30, 2014 Throwback

Close Out The Nas’ Illmatic Celebrations With DJ Moneyshot’s Amazing Sample-Sourced Mega Mix (Mixtape)

In one week, it'll be May, and much of the April coverage celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Hip-Hop's hallmarks, Nas' Illmatic, will seem out of vogue, or passé, while other things are highlighted. Before the calendars change, Solid Steel's DJ Moneyshot, who has previously re-considered and extensively examined... Read more

April 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Watch FUSE’s Making Of Nas’ Illmatic 3-Part Special, With Interviews With Large Professor, Pete Rock & DJ Premier (Video)

Has any Hip-Hop album gotten as much attention at the 20-year mark as Nas' Illmatic has this month? The Columbia/Sony Records debut, the subject of Illmatic XX, a reissue with a plethora of dope bonus material (freestyles, demo recordings, remixes, photos, liner notes), is just in everybody's spotlight. One such... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Memory Lane: Noah Uman & Making Nas’ Illmatic XX & The Hip-Hop Reissue (Food For Thought Interview)

With some competition, in the 12 month radius of its release alone, Nas' Illmatic is commonly argued as Hip-Hop's greatest album. The debut from the Queensbridge MC was made in a place and time where the genre of Rap and the album format was changing shape. Surrounded by a council... Read more

April 12, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Nas Strolls Down Memory Lane, Talking The Legendary Producers Who Backed Him Early, With Zane Lowe

Illmatic XX has Nas really looking in his rearview. The sometimes reclusive Queensbridge MC is completely open in looking at the formation of his most celebrated album. Zane Lowe, who is getting unrivaled access to guys like Eminem, Jay Z, and Kanye West, sits down with Nasir on his audio... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Truly Amazing VIDEO Mix of A Tribe Called Quest Music (Video)

DJ Cable has put together an amazing mix of A Tribe Called Quest VIDEOS. ATCQ's music catalog stands among the elite in Hip-Hop but their visuals were also groundbreaking. Here's an incredible reminder of the artful contribution they've made to the culture on all levels. Check out the video mix.... Read more

March 22, 2014 Throwback

Rakim, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu & Brian Eno Are Among Those Who Discuss Creativity In This Red Bull Music Academy Documentary (Video)

The Red Bull Music Academy may be one of the all-time best examples of arts and entertainment sponsorships. The energy drink's dedication to music education far surpasses most of what Heads see, but simply treating people like Rakim, Mannie Fresh, and El-P as the artistic luminaries they are on video,... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, TV/Film, Video

Nas’ 20th Anniversary Edition Of Illmatic, Includes Rare Q-Tip Remix, Freestyles & More

In April of 2014, one of Hip-Hop's true classics turns 20 years old. Nas' 1994 debut Illmatic will blow out its candles in style, as the Columbia/Ruffhouse Records release gets an expanded edition, confirmed today via iTunes, courtesy of 2DopeBoyz. Like the 10th anniversary version (which felt like it came... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Q-Tip, Leonardo Dicaprio & Jonah Hill Are Creating a Native Tongues-Inspired TV Show

Q-Tip has many friends in high places. The longtime front-man MC/producer for A Tribe Called Quest has starred in films with Nicole Kidman, rolled with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, and kicks it with Leonardo Dicaprio. Leo and Tip have been friends for years, and even had a lively 2008... Read more

January 10, 2014 Fresh

Wale Addresses Complex Threat, Says Jay Z & Q-Tip Reacted To The News (Video)

After being silent since Friday (December 13), Wale finally addressed his taped phone-call with Complex magazine Associate Editor Insanul Ahmed. The Maybach Music Group verbally threatened the staff of the site and magazine, urging them to notify security in advance. The dispute stemmed from Wale's The Gifted being omitted from... Read more

December 17, 2013 Fresh, Video

Native Tongues Fans Rejoice As Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Release Their Collabo (Mixtape)

In the Wilson Pickett midnight hour, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes released—as promised—The Abstract And The Dragon. The collaborative free mixtape with the catchy artwork included some material, as previewed in yesterday's "Butch & Sundance." However, the project also catches up the G.O.O.D. Music artist and the Cash Money Records artist's... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Are Wild Cowboys As Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid (Audio)

Hours away from The Abstract And The Dragon, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes take on other personas as "Butch & Sundance." Playing off of Robert Redford and Paul Newman's Western flick, the chemistry is evident. This isn't throwback Rap at all, but finds both MC/producers exactly where they are now. Notice... Read more

December 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

When Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Get Together Magic Happens. Here’s Why They’re Still Leaders of the True School (Video)

Tomorrow (12/12), Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes will be releasing their joint mixtape, The Abstract & The Dragon. Busta Rhymes has put together an amazing montage of concert and interview footage of some of the best moments he, Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest and Leaders of the New School have had... Read more

December 11, 2013 Video

Q-Tip & Rick Rubin Will Reportedly Produce Bulk Of Kanye West’s Yeezus Follow-Up

Kanye West has said next to nothing about the specifics regarding his seventh album, and will-be follow-up to Yeezus. There's been talk of Cruel Winter from G.O.O.D. Music's clique, as well as a possible Watch The Throne 2 as well, given Jay Z's propensity for series. Q-Tip dropped a bit... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Bonita. Bonita. Bonita. Stephanie Santiago As A Tribe Called Quest’s Real Bonita Applebum (Video)

Decades before Sherane, there was Bonita. The apple of A Tribe Called Quest's eye had a suggestive name of more produce, and Heads fell in love the minute Q-Tip compared the buxom beauty to "a Hip-Hop song." The fictional character has become a lasting reference in Hip-Hop, and for a... Read more

December 2, 2013 Throwback