The Renaissance (Q-Tip album)
The Renaissance is the second studio album by American hip hop artist Q-Tip, released November 4, 2008, on Universal Motown Records. The follow-up to his solo debut album, Amplified (1999), it was recorded after Q-Tip's Kamaal the Abstract (2009) was initially shelved in 2002 by his former label Arista Records and his proposed effort Open was shelved by Universal Motown, both deemed commercially inadequate by the labels.[3][4] The Renaissance was produced primarily by Q-Tip and features guest contributions by D'Angelo, Norah Jones, Amanda Diva, and Raphael Saadiq.
The Renaissance
November 4, 2008
2003–2008
Legacy Recording Studios
(New York City)
The Abstract Ranch
(New Jersey)[1]
43:17
- Q-Tip
- J Dilla
The album debuted at number 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 34,219 copies in its first week. It produced three singles and has sold 131,200 copies in the United States. Upon its release, The Renaissance received universal acclaim from music critics, who praised Q-Tip's lyricism and production aesthetic, and earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.
Background[edit]
The album is Q-Tip's second released studio effort, following his solo debut Amplified and the 2002 shelving of Kamaal the Abstract.[5] Q-Tip put together a band for recording The Renaissance.[5] In an interview for Billboard magazine, he discussed his musical direction for the album, stating "I wanted a hip-hop sonic feel, something pure to the sound of hip-hop with real drums, real emotion and people taking solos… In that sense this record feels like we're moving in a new direction … something hip-hop should do".[5] Production for The Renaissance was primarily handled by Q-Tip, with the exception of the J Dilla-produced "Move." The album also features contributions from such artists as Norah Jones, D'Angelo, Raphael Saadiq and Amanda Diva.[6] The album cover art features Q-Tip in a silver suit holding an MPC2000XL in front of his face.[7]
Release and promotion[edit]
Following Q-Tip's nine-year hiatus from releasing studio material on a label, The Renaissance was released November 3 in the United Kingdom and November 4, 2008 in the United States on Universal Motown.[8] Q-Tip made appearances during September to November 2008 in promotion of the album, including performances at Santos Party House, the Knitting Factory, VH1 Hip Hop Honors, and the Late Show with David Letterman.[9] Music videos have been made for "Gettin' Up", "Move", "Renaissance Rap","Life Is Better" and "Manwomanboogie". There is also a remix to "Gettin' Up" featuring Eve produced by Swizz Beatz, a remix to "Renaissance Rap" featuring Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, and Lil Wayne.,[10] and a remix to "We Fight/We Love" featuring Kanye West & Consequence.[11]
Reception[edit]
Commercial performance[edit]
The Renaissance debuted at number 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 34,219 copies.[12] It has sold 131,200 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan.[13]
Credits adapted from liner notes.[33]
Credits for The Renaissance adapted from liner notes.[1]