what’s most apparent on the renaissance is q-tip’s predisposition to step out of the spotlight, a move he’s been doing his whole career. there’s never a sense that he’s restraining himself though, his role is one that he’s comfortable with, even outside of a group-dynamic. on this, his second solo disc, which by logic should be a exploration or feature of oneself, there’s still a modesty to his rhymes and presence on his songs that act as a strong antithesis to the kind of empty ego-stroking that’s become commonplace in hip-hop. the songs are the focus here, not him, and without coming off as masturbatory or self-indulgent, he manages to sound confident. he knows he’s the shit, he just doesn’t need repeat it in every song; rather, it oozes from his diction, assuredness and self-effacement. with the renaissance, q-tip continues to be a source for an alternative to mainstream hip-hop. even after a 20 year long career, he remains a pillar of originality and it’s his demonstration of his agency on this album that really highlights him as a unique voice.
Filed under: Album Review , 2008, q-tip, the renaissance
