Benz and a Backpack

I’ve mentioned Native Tongues Posse and I’ve definitely discussed ATCQ’s ability to put me on a natural high, but I have yet to dedicate a Thursday to the man who is arguably one of these groups’ most illustrious members.

“If you can’t hear it, then get the wax utensils”

Jonathan Davis aka Kamaal Ibn John Fareed aka The Abstract claims he got the name Q-tip during his youth because he was skinny and had bad hair. He made his first on-record appearance on The Jungle Brother’s first LP, ‘Straight Out The Jungle’, in 1988. Super talented as a rapper, producer, singer, actor… (His role in Spike Lee’s “She Hate Me” just made him that much more appealing in real life… Just completely sweet and naive and adorable… Def makes you say “aww”.) Always good-natured, positive, light-hearted, and virtuous, but never self-righteous. I’m totally swooning now, but he’s just fuckin’ dreamy. And for real, who doesn’t love him? This man is a 10. Why can’t more boys be more like Q-Tip?

This Thursday’s throwbacks are a selection of some of my favorite Q-Tip appearances on non-Native Tongues tracks.

The Roots feat. Q-Tip: Ital (The Universal Side) (1996)

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Organized Konfusion feat. Q-Tip & O.C.: Let’s Organize (1994)

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Slum Village feat. Q-Tip: Hold Tight (2000)
“It’s The Ummah shit for real”…

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Pete Rock & InI feat. Q-Tip & Large Professor: To Each His Own (1995)

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Mad Skillz feat. Q-Tip & Large Professor: Extra Abstract Skillz (1996)

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But wait! There’s more..

Beastie Boys feat. Q-Tip: Get It Together (1994)
This is a personal favorite. Note the Tribe references.

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Black Moon feat. Q-Tip: Showdown (1999)
So, this song isn’t the best display of anyone’s skills, but it combines two of my biggest hip-hop weaknesses: Q-Tip & Boot Camp Clik.

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Mobb Deep feat. Q-Tip: Drink Away the Pain (1995)
They work together waaaaay better than one might expect. Classic.

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Nas feat. Q-Tip: One Love (1994)
Did you know Q-Tip produced this track?! Another classic, of course.

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Mos Def feat. Q-Tip: Mr. Nigga (1999)
Classic “conscious” track, classic match (“The Abstract with the mighty Mos Def”), classic Tribe references.

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Big Daddy Kane feat. Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes: Come On Down (1991)

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Janet Jackson feat. Q-Tip: Got ‘Til It’s Gone (1997)
Did you know this was produced by Jay Dee?!?!?! Recent discovery, after all these years!
“Now, why you wanna go and do that, love, huh?”

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Brand New Heavies feat. Q-Tip:Sometimes (Remix) (1997)
Produced by Jay Dee. Again, on that The Ummah tip.

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BONUS JOINT!:

Dee Lite feat. Q-Tip: Groove Is In The Heart (1990)
Couldn’t forget that one.

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