Get To Know H.E.R.

It’s about fucking time. That was the single thought running through my head when Election Day came and this album was actually dropped on the world. It’s been a while since Tip had released his last solo album, and with his last two efforts forever shelved and made available only through bootlegging, I’m surprised to say the least. Because to be honest, I figured a new Q-Tip album was destined to be simply one of those things talked about but never come to fruition. Another Detox, another Cuban Linx II. And yet, here it is. All I can say is, I hope that the quality of the music can match the excitement of hearing an entire album full of new material from one of my favorites of all time.

Hits aka Why You Should Care

1. The Abstract Rapper is back. Most of us would probably agree that Tip was much less than par on Amplified, so I had to say that I was a bit worried coming into this one. However, those fears were quickly laid to rest as dude is on point all throughout.

2. Some people have complained about the organic production of the whole album. I would say that this makes the album great. The production on this is upbeat, jazzy, soulful and a huge breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the garbage being released these days. Make sure to listen to Dance On Glass, on which the beat just kicks in out of nowhere. Overall, beautifully produced.

3. Great tracks: Johnny Is Dead, Gettin Up, Official, You, We Fight/Love (ft Raphael Saadiq), Move, Dance On Glass, Life Is Better (ft Norah Jones), I Believe (ft D’Angelo), Shaka,

Strikes aka WTF

The only track that really got to me was ManWomanBoogie (ft Amanda Diva). Just too strange and experimental for my tastes.

Balls aka Whatever Floats Your Boat

1. If you’re an avid Q-Tip fan and had downloaded his past couple of scrapped efforts, some of the songs here will already be familiar material to you. Still, it’s a great feeling to see some of those songs get a proper release, especially Johnny Is Dead.

2. There’s no guest rapper on this. Take that as you will, but as for myself, I wouldn’t have minded seeing a Phife/Tip reunion track. Even Busta and Tip would’ve been nice although to be fair, Busta really wouldn’t have fit in with the groove of the whole thing.

3. The one solid track: Won’t Trade

Final Thoughts:

I love this. So far, the fall quarter of 2008 is shaping up to be the best quarter of this year with quality releases dropping left and right. And even within the storm of unusually good hip hop at this time of year, I feel that Tip’s Renaissance really stands out. Tip fans, don’t be worried, it’s much much better than Amplified was. And for those who aren’t Tip fans, get into this man’s music as soon as you can, starting with his Tribe Called Quest material and working your way to this one.