q-tip: work it out.

Q-TIP is apparently coming back.

Technically, I guess you could say he never left given his guest appearances on songs by Busta Rhymes, DJ Shadow, Hi-Tek, and R.E.M. since the disbanding of A Tribe Called Quest and his first solo album Amplified.

Due to label politics, two Q-Tip albums Kamaal the Abstract (2002) and Open (2005) were never released. Apparently the tunes weren't "commercial" enough. Now that he's parted ways with Arista and signed to Motown/Universal, it seems like we may finally hear a new album from Mr. Kamaal Ibn John Fareed. The Renaissance is set to be released in October 2007, with the lead single being "Work It Out".

While I don't think "Work It Out" has the commercial appeal that Arista could never find, I ask--- who cares? While I definitely have nothing against mainstream hip-hop production (a la Swizzy), it's really refreshing to hear Q-Tip with a live band. In some ways, I feel like this is how he's meant to be heard. Not to mention that there will be a few more unheard J. Dilla productions on this album.

PS: Word of advice. This track is a grower. Give it about four listens before you dismiss it.

d/l: Q-TIP- Work It Out (YSI)
(new hip-hop)
- buy it - space it - wik it - hype it -

WEBBYVANDERQUACKIN': Speaking of Swizzy, have you heard the new Busta single "Watch Ya Mouth"? It's definitely doesn't have the commercial appeal of "Touch It", but once again--- who cares? Busta sounds great on this one, even if I don't really like him much...hear it at allhiphop.

curtis vodka: remixes.

CURTIS VODKA has a virb page. So do I, and for some strange reason...I'm obsessed with it.

More importantly, Curtis Vodka has music on his virb page, including a remix of the highly underrated track "How We Do It Over Here" from Busta Rhymes f/ Missy Elliott. The minimal instrumental brings us back to the days when Busta relied on his creativity and wordplay more than the huge beats he's rapping on these days (see "Touch It" compared to "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See"). Admittedly, this song doesn't have much lyrical genius to emphasize with the minimal beat, but it's enough genius to fill the dance floor at your next party.

While I swear to God that this isn't an advertisement for virb, you need to get on that shit and friend Mr. Vodka. While you're there you can download some other remixes including Clipse, The Pack, Lil Jon, Young Dro, and Cassidy.

d/l: BUSTA f/ MISSY- How We Do It Over Here (Curtis Vodka remix) (YSI)
d/l: CLIPSE f/ PHARRELL- Mr. Me Too (Curtis Vodka remix) (YSI)
d/l: THE PACK- Vans (Curtis Vodka remix) (YSI)
(hip-hop remixes)
- buy it 1 - buy it 2 - virb it - space it - hype it -

BLOGWATCH: Today is apparently a good day for pop music? Idolator has two new tracks featuring R. Kelly, including the wonderful "This Is Why I'm Cold/This Is Why I'm Kellz" with Twista. Said the Gramophone praises the new Rihanna single "Umbrella", saying that it's post-Amerie, post-Kelly Clarkson, post-rock, and even post-M.I.A. Chazology shows some love for Lil Mama, aka the "Lip Gloss" chick.

summer album preview: the big bang.

Busta Rhymes is an asshole. It's hard for me to write an impartial review of an album by a man who verbally attacks a gay fan for simply trying to congratulate him on his comeback. I understand that he needs to maintain his street cred, but jeez...couldn't he just pat the guy on the back and say, "Thanks for the love, No homo dawg." I'm not even going to take you back to the radio interview in which sir Bus-a-Bus states that he poked Nicole Richie and said that "He ain't gonna even ENTERTAIN" the concept of being with another man. Can't we all just take an example from Kanye?

But shit, this isn't any sort of commentary on homophobia in hip-hop. I can talk out my ass and it's not gonna stop rappers from calling their rivals fags and homos. This is about the music, so right now I got to separate myself from the man behind it. But before I do so, let me point out the gayest photo of Busta Rhymes ever taken...

"Haaaay reporter!!!"

The Big Bang is, yes, the best work Busta has done since 1998's Extinction Level Event. People are saying Busta is back, but I never realized that he left. Sure, it's been 4 years since It Ain't Safe No More. The album only went Gold, but it also pushed out "I Know What You Want", Busta's most successful single since "What's It Gonna Be?" with Janet Jackson. "Touch It" and "I Love My Bitch" aren't even touching it's success on the charts, but I suppose that doesn't mean shit to Mr. Trevor Smith.

It's all about getting another platinum on the wall...and with Dr. Dre's help, this album will probably help Busta obtain that. Honestly, he needs all the help he can get at this point. At 34 years, Busta is no longer the fresh-faced 19-year-old we heard spitting on "Scenario". He's been in the game for a long time and it shows, especially on the Midnight Marauders throwback track "You Can't Hold the Torch" featuring Q-Tip. On the song, Busta asks where all the love & music went in the game, complaining about younger rappers in the game..."These n---as can't hold the torch/ So why should we pass it?"

The most successful aspect of the album is that it remains consistent & cohesive despite the obvious differences between the club bangers, old man joints, sexy jams, street anthems, and blatant excuses to have a guest appearance. The album certainly isn't short on guests with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Missy Elliott to LaToya Jackson showing up on tracks. Yes. THAT LaToya Jackson.

The most interesting song on the album is the final track, the Dr. Dre produced "Legends of the Fall-Offs". The chorus asks, "Do you ever think what life would be? Where you will go after you die?" Evidently, it is creepy, haunting, morbid, and surprisingly beautiful. On the track, Busta raps over the sound of shoveled dirt and his own heartbeat with minimal instrumentals. It's good to know that a big ol' tough guy like Busta still has fears. It's also good to know that he still has a heart. I guess the real reason that I like it is because Busta is buried alive by the end. Asshole, I hope you get that platinum for your wall.

WATCH: "I Love My Bitch" music video f/ Kelis & Will.i.am
WATCH: "Touch It (remix)" video f/ a whole shitload of rappers, Mary J. Blige (for a fact she don't rap), and an adorable group of middle-school aged cheerleaders stepping.

DOWNLOAD: BUSTA RHYMES f/ MISSY ELLIOTT- How We Do It Over Here
DOWNLOAD: BUSTA RHYMES- Legend of the Fall-Offs

PRE-ORDER The Big Bang

Finally, I recommend that you head over to soul-sides to read a great review of Christina Aguilera's new track (that I posted earlier today) and Busta's album. You can also take a listen to "You Can't Hold the Torch". Great bloggers think alike?