Disco de Q-Tip: “Amplified [Clean]”

As a devout fan of Tribe, I was very sad to here about the break-up, but was somewhat excited to see what solo projects would become of this separation. So, naturally when Qtips album dropped I bought it, hands down. But what I heard from Qtip was somewhat disappointing. I mean the album is pretty good, but I think Tip could have come off alot better. Yes, most of the album is cool, but it seems as if it (the album) has no soul, but just another one for the shelve to push off on so-called hip-hop fans. I say this b/c, if you listen to Tip on everything in the past (from the Tribe albums to guest appearances) you can always "feel" that hes coming from the heart and soul, thats what made him rise above the other MCs. I wasnt expecting the old Tip from ATCQ, but I wasnt expecting a T & A obsessed MC (see recent videos). I guess hes just going through periods of difficulty, in that "relationship" aspect of life b/c you are what you rhyme. (Maybe it has something to do with him and Janet? )

First time i spun this album, I was quite disappointed. The lyrics seemed a bit banal and unimaginative (especially for Tip), the content (misogynist? possibly...) was a bit alarming, and the beats, while certainly funky, didn't knock me off my feet. After a few more listens, I've been enjoying it a bit more, especially 'Breathe and Stop,' 'Wait Up,' and 'All In.' And has anybody dug the loop from John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" on 'Let's Ride'? My final verdict, however, is still mixed. This isn't the kind of album that one listens to all the way through without skipping any tracks. Rather, it seems like a semblage of a few hot singles and some other so-so material. And what's up with Tip's videos? I mean, the booty shots in 'Vivrant Thing,' and especially 'Breathe and Stop.' If I wanted to see butts in a video, I'd watch Master P, or Juvenile, not Tip! Honestly, I expect more creativity out of Q-Tip. This album delivers decent creativity, but nothing like Tip did with Tribe. Remember "I learned how to build mics in my workshop class?" Gimme 'Midnight Marauders' anyday.

What happened to Q-Tip? This thing's got about 6 sweet beats (1,2,5,6,11,hidden track) and a few choice rhymes. Problem is...it ain't Tip. He's rappin about sex, sex, sex, his truck, the end of the world, and what a good MC he is. Excuse me, he WAS. Obviously, he's still got the lyrical smoothness and cool allusions that made him in the first place. But I can't help remembering what he said in like '91 with "When The Papes Come In," - "This ain't on the pop tip, yo."

Eight years later, apparently, it is on the pop tip - and pretty hardcore on it, if I do suggest. No social issues, almost nothing positive, and a totally demeaning attitude towards women...this from the MC that basically kept positivity alive during the Rap Dark Ages of the early-mid/late 90's. And besides all that, he changed his flow! He screws around with his line-ending syllables now in a really annoying way, and he speeds and slows his delivery to keep up with the beat, almost like he can't find it!

I think sellout is an appropriate term, even though I hate to admit it. I'm all for giving him one more chance, but if the follow-up doesn't improve on this club sh**t, I'm sticking with the MC's I can trust - De La, The Roots, Common, Black Star (and Mos and Kweli), Outkast, etc. Tip-what happened?

I am so disappointed in Q-Tip's new CD. I LOVED ATCQ and how different they were from other mainstream hip-hop groups because of their powerful and uplifting messages and lyrics. But Q-TIP's new CD is so misogynistic! The lyrics are so disrespectful to women it is unbelievable! I mean he is talking about 'hitting the bush' and 'let your p---y drip down on the dance floor'! Where did all of that 'hate' come from! And the profanity is out of control! He uses the 'F' word so much, I felt like I was being cursed out! I mean this was the brotha who used to rap about being a '100% INTELLIGENT BLACK CHILD...' I feel so hurt and betrayed by his commercialism! He is no different than anybody else as far as his lyrics are concerned. The ONLY positive things that I can say about this CD are that the beats to the cuts are slammin' and of course VIVRANT THING can't be touched. But I'm going to try to take my copy of this CD back to the store and pick up the TCQ anthology instead.....

Throughout my whole life my name has been synonymous with Q-Tip. No one will understand how much Q-Tip, Phife, Ali have musically inspired me, and enlightened me on aspects of life. But I have to say Q-tip has changed. I am going to be even brutal and speculate he is making music JUST for the money now, and trying to produce the next new "party" song. His lyrics are now strongly directed to "sex" and toward the "stereo typical" black community, which is fine for his new fans, but don't buy to this album if you're a true quester.