THROWBACK THURSDAYS.

Damn, I've been doing Throwback Thursdays for about 3 months now, and I've NEVER used a Tribe Called Quest video...WTF is wrong with me? Their probably my favorite rap group of all time (along with Outkast and the Wu) and I've negelected them for this long? I feel like a horrible parent. But in all seriousness, I could probably just use a different Tribe video ever week for this segment. Their catalog is that extensive. But I won't.

We'll set it off with the classic "Bonita Applebum" from their debut album, Peoples Instinctive Travels. It's a bonafida hip-hop sing-along song - in fact, if I ever went to a hip-hop karaoke bar, I'd probably perform this joint first. It's timeless. And every time you hear it, it's like hearing it for the first time.

"38-24-37,
You and me, hun, we're a match made in heaven,
I like to kiss you places some brotha's won't,
I like to tell you things some brotha's don't."

Shout out to Jabori for his cameo in the video!

Noisemakers w/ Q-Tip.

HOT 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg sits down with A Tribe Called Quest frontman, Q-Tip, in his latest installment of the Noisemakers Series. Tip talks about some of influences and cats like Stevie Wonder, Quincy, and Miles Davis as inspirations. He give a play by play of his first phone call with Miles Davis. Hilarious. Tip also mentions his love for Thom Yorke and Radiohead. Tip knows his music.

Below, Kamaal talks about his first meeting with the late great J Dilla, and his first impressions of the iconic producer. Legendary stuff. Basically Tip felt the same way we all felt when we were first introduced to a Dilla beat.

The History of Q-Tip.

The Abstract Poetic breaks down how his career started back in 1985 with the Jungle Brothers, and then gives you a rundown of his history from then until now. If you're a Tribe fan in the slightest, then this is a must watch. And of all the 4,876,284 million people that I've met in my lifetime, only 6 of them weren't fans of A Tribe Called Quest. So I'm pretty convinced you'll be watching this joint.

[VIDEO] Consequence & Kid CuDi- "Buggin Out '09"

Cons and CuDi revisit a classic Tribe Called Quest joint. Directed by Rik Cordero.

I had a chance to chop it up with CuDi at SXSW, and honestly, I was impressed with the dude's demeanor and genuineness. At first he seemed like he didn't want to talk, but he really opened and gave a really dope in depth interview. You get a sense that he's really passionate about his music and loves his fans. That's a good formula for success in music.

Q-Tip & J.Period - "The [Abstract] Best" (Mixtape)

J. Period presents the Best of Q-Tip album featuring remixes and fresh renditions of some of your favorite songs. It's essentially hip hop classic after hip hop classic. Did I mention it's 49 tracks? I've been bumping this all day, now it's your turn.

[DOWNLOAD HERE. ]

[NEW] De La Soul & J. Period - "Excursions 2009"

"Back in the day when I was a teenager/
Before I had status, and before I had a pager/
You could find the Abstract listening to Hip-Hop/
Pops used to say it reminded him of be-bop."

J. Period links up with De La remake a classic Tribe song. One of my favorite groups remixing another one of my favorite group's favorite songs? How can that be even remotely bad? It can't, that's how. It's better than free pancakes. (Sorry Denny's)

DOWNLOAD: De La Soul & J. Period - "Excursions 2009"

From Radio, To The Video, To Arsenio.

Here's A Tribe Called Quest performing "Scenario" live with the LOTS on the Arsenio Hall show back in 199something. This is one of the most classic of classic TV performances in hip-hop history. I remember watching this shit live and jumping around and doing that "high knee stepping" dance that they're doing. (Sidebar: This move was all the rage in the early 90's and would be ultimately perfected by Treach). This performance was pretty much ahead of it's time, and Arsenio was the shit because he let hip-hop acts perform on his show when nobody else would give them the time of day...

Also, Check out Busta Rhymes doing his best Where's Waldo impersonation.

Q-Tip + Prince.

I heard about this near-miracle a few weeks ago. I'm so glad footage surfaced. This was immediately added to my Favorites. It might just be the illest thing ever.

For those who don't know the back story, Prince was chilling at the Q-Tip show at the HOB in Las Vegas. Maybe he was bored, maybe he was inspired, but for whatever reason he decided he wanted to be part of the performance. He proceeded to jump on stage, take the guitar from the guitar player and start rocking. Why? Because he's Prince and because he can. Nothing he does will ever surprise me. Here's the quote from DJ Scratch who was DJing for Tip during the performance:

“Yo, while me and Q-tip were performing “Vivrant Thing” in Vegas last night….this n—a Prince walked out on the stage, took the guitar from our guitar player and just started rocking! None of us knew he was there until he popped up on the stage….then the n—a vanished like Batman, LOL!

The sound crew said Prince was in the balcony watching the show from the very beginning (The balcony was closed off). Then when “Vivrant Thing” came out, he just came backstage and walked out on stage.

None of us knew what was happening, then when we finished the show he was gone LOL!”

I wonder if Q-Tip went back to Prince's crib for homemade pancakes after the show. God, I love hip-hop.

Best of 2008: Part 1

In Part 1 of a 2 part series, ee dig back into the vaults to bring you the highlights of the year that was 2008. Interviews include Tribe, De La, Raekwon, Ghostface, Method Mad, and more. Stay tuned for Part 2 in the next week or so.

[VIDEO] Q-Tip - "Renaissance Rap"

New video from the real Tip (sorry T.I.) from the song "Renaissance Rap" which is actually not it's own song, but the second part of the song "Move" on the album. Why he did that, I have no idea, but regardless the song is dope. The video directed by Rik Cordero and I like how they incorporate the album cover into the vid...you'll see what I mean.

Q-Tip For President.

Q-Tip and J. Period revisit the classic from song from Eric B. & Rakim that I posted earlier today. This is fresh. Q-Tip's new album, The Renaissance, is in stores right now and should be in your collection now.

To show our appreciation...

DOWNLOAD: Q-Tip & J.Period - "Q-Tip For President"

Back In Days, On the Boulevard of Linden.

I know Q-Tip/Tribe have been all over this blog lately, but come on, it's Tribe. Besides, I couldn't pass this up. This is crazy. Tribe performing with a live band on Dennis Miller Live circa '93 or so judging by Dennis Miller's mullet. If you notice, Phife is missing, that's because he was rushed to hospital right before the show due to his struggle with diabetes. Phife has been dealing with this sickness for 15 years, thank god he is finally getting the medical attention he deserves.

At the end of the performance, Tip is heckled by an audience member, and Dennis Miller represents. That's ill, son.

Below is a video of them performing "Can i Kick It?"


courtesy of the MOD

[NEW] Q-Tip - "I Believe" (ft. D'Angelo)

I posted a different version of this earlier, but evidently this is the actual album version. It's a little different, so it's definitely worth a listen. The Renaissance hits stores Nov 4th.

DOWNLOAD: Q-Tip - "I Believe" (ft. D'Angelo)

[NEW] Q-Tip - "We Fight/Love" (ft. Ralphael Saadiq)

Interest title on this one...sounds like every relationship I've been in...ha. Q-Tip teams up with Raphael Saadiq for this cut off his upcoming album, The Renaissance, which hits stores November 4th (Election Day). I'm really excited about this album.

DOWNLOAD: Q-Tip - "We Fight/Love" (ft. Ralphael Saadiq)

Phife Receives Kidney Transplant.

This is great news. Phife Dawg's long battle with diabetes took an amazing turn for the better when he finally received a kidney transplant on Friday. The new kidney comes after a 2 year waiting period in which he endured severe health problems and intense dialysis treatment. Phife was first diagnosed with diabetes in 1990 in which he admitting to not taking care of himself and eating the worst possible foods, including indulging in sugar and alcohol.

"Drink a lot of soda, so they call me Dr. Pepper" (c) Phife.

The fight continued for over 12 years when 2002, he was hospitalized after his condition continued to worsen. Now with a new kidney, Phife’s illness is said to hopefully improve dramatically, giving the legendary Tribe member renewed physical energy, which is a true blessing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phife and his family, and look for the upcoming fund raisinng event HHO is planning with Guerilla Untion to help raise money and awareness for kidney disease.

[NEW] Q-Tip - "Move"

Ah yeah...new Q-Tip. I posted the MJ inspired video for this joint last week, and this is the mp3 version. This one is a head-nodding, finger-snapping, foot tapping good time. The Renaissance hits stores Nov 4th.

DOWNLOAD: Q-Tip - "Move"

[VIDEO] Q-Tip - "Move"

New Q-Tip video in the vein of Michael's "Rock WIth You" video. Directed by Rik Cordero aka The New Hype WIlliams (T.N.H.W.)

Oh yeah, the song is dope too.

Q-Tip Live @ The Knitting Factory NYC

Wait til "Scenario" comes on...trust me. In-sane.

Q-Tip Interview.

Q-Tip on Streetsweepers Radio (Sirius). He talks about hip-hop. The music part.

Now The Formula is This: Me, Tip and Ali.

Oh my God, yes Oh My God. This is ill. A Tribe Called Quest performing one of my Top 3 Tribe songs live on Conan O'Brien back in the day. I didn't even know Conan was up on his hip-op like that. Sick performance. Phife and Tip go back and forth effortlessly, complimenting each others verse with their ad-libs. These cats know how to rock like no other. Props to The Meaning of Dope.