Q-Tip

I’m certain that for anyone who’s been anticipating which MCs are going to make my top seven, Q-Tip is a surprise, but he shouldn’t be.  Kamaal The Abstract has remained loyal to authenticity and true school ethics in the rap game, and at the same time ages like fine wine.  Q-Tip is not only probably your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, but he’s also likely your favorite producer’s favorite producer.  He is the ultimate artist, and although he may not be as lyrically wig-splitting as other rappers in his peer class, he more than makes up for his laid-back, sometimes simple delivery with creativity and effortless swagger on the mic.
                   

7. “Electric Relaxation” (from A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders)
There are so many great quotable lines that have been recycled from this song – “Honey check it out you got me mesmerized, with your black hair and your fat a$$ thighs…” or “Shorty let me tell you ‘bout my only vice, it has to do with lots of lovin’ and it ain’t nothing nice.”  If you love hip-hop, you already love this gem of a jam, whether you're aware of it or not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERQzl4xDpXk&feature=related

6. “Check the Rhime” (from A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory)

“Industry rule # 4,080, record company people are shaaadyyyy…”  The thing I love about this song is its simplicity in expressing a deep truth about Q-Tip, which I alluded to in the intro – being a good rapper begins with being comfortable with your own style, not imitating someone else’s.  “Rap is not pop, if you call it that then stop.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRrM6tfOHds

5. “Move” (from The Renaissance)

From his 2008 solo release, this song is a strong example of how nice The Abstract Poetic can be when he goes all in.  He flows sick to an incredibly soulful and banging Jay Dee-produced split beat.  This joint is just vintage spittin’ over a lovely musical backdrop.

4. “Lyrics to Go”, (from A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders)

I couldn’t decide if the first verse or second verse was more impressive on this cult classic – the down side of this cut is that his cadence is so basic and static that you can very easily miss the beautiful word play.  But focus intently and you will hear why this song is considered one of the best from their catalogue.

3. “Sucka N!gga” (from A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders)

I love this song because of the message – I can’t front, that’s really the only reason it made this high on the list.  Q-Tip gives a brief but important lesson on the history of the n-word, explaining its evolution from hurtful racial epithet to term of endearment within the younger black generations.  Class is in session…

2. “Things U Do” (from Amplified)

This is another crazy lyrical joint, which is somewhat of a rare jewel from The Abstract.  Every now and then Q-Tip has to remind us that he is more than capable of spanking a$$ on the mic, and on his solo debut this is the track where he took off his belt.

1. “Excursions” (from A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory)

Infectious.  Mellow.  Vintage.  Raw.  Eloquent.  Unforgettable.  I can’t think of complete statements that do justice for explaining how this song makes me feel, so I just wrote the words that immediately came to mind.  Just give it a listen.  And respect the true school.