News: Wireless 2009 Star, Q-Tip To Release New Album

Six years ago Kamaal Ibn John Fareed (Q-Tip) produced an album which was ahead of its time...an album that today would easily inspire comparisons with Gnarlz Barkley, Andre 3000, N*E*R*D and Prince.

Unfortunately, the album never saw the light of day. His long-delayed album ‘Kamaal the Abstract’, slated originally for release in 2001, will be released on September 14th on RCA. A musical hybrid, Kamaal was commendably avant-garde at the time of its creation. Amazingly, it’s even more applicable in 2009; given the dearth of musical merit and capable MCs in today’s hip-hop, the time is ever-so-right for Tip.
 
After completing his critically acclaimed headline Jazz World performance at Glastonbury this year, he performed last weekends’ Wireless festival in Hyde park and quickly reminded everyone of his relevance and the strength of this project.
 
‘Kamaal the Abstract’ is an intensely idiosyncratic and revealing record. Q-Tip produced the entire album himself, even playing several instruments. What comes from Kamaal is a daring mélange of soul, supa-cool jazz, head-nodding hip-hop, and organic pop magic. Check for the superlative figures of saxophonist Kenny Garrett, a one-time member of Miles Davis’ ensemble, on the breathy “Abstractionisms.” Or the fluid flute lines of Gary Thomas, another Davis sideman, on “Do U Dig U.”

Elsewhere, note Tip’s ambitious production, arrangements, and even sung stylings.
But make no mistake: Kamaal the Abstract still boasts all the earmarks of Q-Tip’s inimitable mic control. Listen to him blaze through a spiced narrative on “Even If It Is So.” Or paint vivid images on “Blue Girl.” The album has been re-mixed and re-mastered for sonic impact, though it retains the original album artwork.