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The life and music of Q-Tip, aka the Abstract, is explored in a recent discussion on BBC Radio 1. Produced by Benji B, the hour-long documentary features the founding member of A Tribe Called Quest recalling his influential career in hip-hop.
From watching hip-hop cultivate around him in Queens, N.Y., to his work with ATCQ, to his solo career, Q-Tip details his musical journey for the listeners.
Some newsy tidbits in the radio interview include Q-Tip talking about his hip-hop drama series, which is inspired by his days as a Native Tongue, and his oft-delayed album, ‘The Last Zulu.’
“I’m just excited about this next album,” he said. “Some of my biggest inspirations are like Miles Davis, David Bowie. I mentioned those two specifically because they were able to do, like, they worked through eras. Or they had periods, rather…it’s really about just being where I’m at in life and just coming from a different kind of time in a way and existing today.”
“And kinda just trying to find my way through the new languages,” he continues. “And through the new subcultures. And just questions that we all ask ourselves. [It's] almost like ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ or that Beach Boys song, ‘Not Made For These Times’ or something like that. It’s like the evil twin to Tribe in a way.”
Q-Tip also announced that A Tribe Called Quest’s classic 1991 album, ‘The Low End Theory,’ will be re-released this year to commemorate the LP’s 25th Anniversary. The collection will feature some unreleased material from the recording sessions, including a song called ‘Silence’ featuring Leaders of the New School. In addition, the album’s artwork may get revised to feature a nude Naomi Campbell painted with the ATCQ’s red, black and green colors.
Do yourself a favor and listen to BBC Radio 1′s fascinating talk with Q-Tip below.
Listen to ‘The Story of Q-Tip’ on BBC Radio 1
