Q-Tip on Tribe cuts, J Dilla, and the Zulu Nation | Red Bull Music Academy
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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In this talk at the 2013 Red Bull Music Academy, Q-Tip discussed standout Tribe cuts, working with J Dilla, the Zulu Nation, and much more.
Q-Tip is one of hip-hop's greatest MCs and producers. As a member of A Tribe Called Quest, he helped to shape the sound of hip-hop throughout the ’90s.
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#QTip #RedBullMusic #ATribeCalledQuest
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A Tribe Called Quest's exceptional run of full-lengths became a blueprint for MCs looking to balance the literate and the absurd, as well as producers searching for the perfect (and unexpected) break.
Since Tribe’s split in 1998, Q-Tip has kept busy with a solo career that has included multiple solo albums, countless productions, and guest appearances in places both expected (Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, and Jay-Z) and improbable (Chemical Brothers, R.E.M.).
TOPICS:
6:36 - Producing
24:21 - Zulu Nation
28:58 - People’s Instinctive Travels
35:29 - Low End Theory
48:28 - Nas and Mobb Deep
59:55 - J Dilla
MUSIC:
1:22 - Q-Tip - “Gettin' Up” • Q-Tip- Gettin' Up (lyr...
11:36 - Karen Young - “Hot Shot” • Karen Young - Hot Sho...
17:23 - Spoonie Gee & The Treacherous Three - “The New Rap Language” • Video
19:51 - Jungle Brothers - “The Promo” • The Promo
32:24 - A Tribe Called Quest - “Youthful Expression” • Video
38:59 - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - “A Chant For Bu” • Art Blakey & The Jazz ...
40:14 - A Tribe Called Quest - “Excursions” • A Tribe Called Quest -...
50:41 - Nas - “Memory Lane” Demo • Nas - Memory Lane (Dem...
53:49 - Mobb Deep - “Give Up The Goods (Just Step)” • Video
1:28:15 - Isaac Hayes loop
1:35:27 - Q-Tip feat. Norah Jones - “Life Is Better” • Q-Tip - Life Is Better...
1:38:26 - Kanye West - “Mama’s Boyfriend”
1:41:19 - unknown demo
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What did you think of Q-Tips process for song concepts? Let us know!
I love how Q-Tip has utilized 3-bar loops and time signatures other than the traditional 4/4 for creating timeless beats/production. He is a huge influence on my production to this day. We are from that same generation of hip hop so he speaks my language fluently. Let's make certain we give him his flowers RIGHT NOW!
Q-Tip's space technique changed hip-hop. It's one thing to sample a jazz record and make that the foundation of your music, but it's another thing to borrow a formula from jazz, apply it to hip-hop, and apply it WELL. That technique was also brilliantly adopted by J Dilla, The Roots, etc.
An absolute genius. He's a perfectionist. RBMA we need more of this, please!!!
Amazing interview....Tip really gave some good info. You can tell how much of a true artist he is listening to him detail his musical process
Thank you thank you thank you!!! After watching the MF DOOM and the ?uestLove and now this one, you guys have such great interviews and the artist feel comfortable and I love how you guys explore the history through music! Hope this series continues!
Stop showing respect to these guys after they pass. Let's celebrate them now. Q-TIP is a living legend. ✌🏾
q tip is a legend
One of the greatest to ever do it
🖖
He gets his flowers, trust.
The likes of the _Grammys_ on the other hand?...that's a different matter lol
I know because DOOM's passing was just revealed not long ago and now people realize his legendary status. Celebrate these musical legends.
Producers who respect jazz are way more funkier than those who don't
Wise words.. and love the user name haha
I truly agree, that is why I love New York 90s rap because of the jazzy infused sound. Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde (i know they west coast), Jungle Brothers, De LA Soul, and etc are a handful of the rappers I love ❤️.
you can really feel q-tip lives for music. and that vibe on the 1st song, damn, so talented.
+imakemusique
I agree very talented.
Him and Dre are perfectionists
q-tip should be a prof or something. he really educates and has a lot of experience being in the forefront of hip hop.
Arjun Dayal 5 years after this interview...he became a prof!! Good call.
this MF is chilled as f**k, love to see people with success still down to earth
Q always been like this. Very chill and humble guy just like his music
Q- tip and Dilla doing an album would had been a big thing to me. Especially, the both of them rhyming would had been marvelous. Dilla word play was immaculate as well joining Tip. Crazy!
ua-cam.com/video/C7Tn4YF0m7Q/v-deo.html
Essentially they did at least three albums together
@@vznquest Relatively, as stated doing an album together both rhyming like Jaylib (Madlib and Dilla) would have been great. I heard them rhyme together like: Hold Tight Again it would had been crazy if they had an album as a rap group.
Uhh you know his debut album, Amplified is produced mostly by Dilla ?
@@Santana_Art 🤦🏾♂️ Again, I am talking about a full album with both Q-Tip and J Dilla rapping on each song; full album. I am not talking about an album they both produced together... I already have all of them. I am talking about a full album with both of them Rapping🤷🏾♂️ (Q-Tip J Dilla full album rapping together)
The pharelle williams interview about tibe says most . Q-tip is one of the greatest humans that ever lived. The way he thinks , how everything is still so strong over 20 years later. Tribe is forever !
tribe called quest best hip hop all time
haha
ATCQ & Gang Starr for me.
jay heywood aaazzz
Its all very very subjective. So very pointless and redunant even saying this :)
Arsenal K nwa is fucking ass
Probably the most important figure in the genre for what he contributed to the style of music I like best
27:36-28:34 Amen to that. Since when does everything a person does have to be everyone's business? Tip is so underrated as a producer & artist.
Since personal social media involvement . I'm mean obviously, we all know the answer but the facts is that right now, it's what it is. Individuals who disliking should create space between them and it at a change will show . You don't even need to delete it, just create healthy space I suppose right..
Oh, and celebrity media culture before all else is massive culprite
This interviewer is one of the best. It feels so natural and like a casual conversation in ever interview he does its so dope!
I really think that we need someone more charismatic who really enjoys this shit, in every single video he seems like he just finished smoking weed and dont wanna do shit
Very intelligent humble man. So generous of him to go into detail. He’s totally relaxed and explaining as an artist. Big love from a lifelong fan 🇬🇧 Respect also to Red Bull Academy, for recognising the genius of these pioneering artists and recording their stories from their own mouths. They shaped and inspired the music and street culture globally. History will remember them in the same light as the Jazz legends.
Q-Tip created Hip Hop as we know it. Refined to its purest form. Ultimate respect!
ParanormL back-in the days on the boulevard of linden
ParanormL Wait, what? Please explain because it sounds like you’re saying he *created* Hip-Hop himself? Tip is legendary but he definitely didn’t create Hip-Hop. Not too take away from any of his many accolades and accomplishments... Sure, he mos def helped shape the jazzy sound of the culture. Not taking shots or trying to argue, just need clarification on what you meant.
@@chandlerscaringia5260 we used to kick routines and the presence was fittin
for being one of the pioneers of modern hip hop, he's such a humble guy
1:38:25 is the best part
facts
Couldn't agree more
We need an army of people to tweet him or something to get this released
@@Eric-rl2zm It needs to be released on Dunda . This song is an anthem.
if only he left it playing for the song to finish
I can’t wait to meet him. What a handsome genius 🥺
Amazing interview! Q-Tip is such a trail blazer and innovative force in the hip hop game.
Beats, Love Movement, & Amplified are so underrated. Because of the stigmas of them not being “hits” but now listen to them, they are really ahead of their time.
Tip was like fuck it. I'm doing this interview and rocking a tank top and above the knee shorts.
He ain't got nothing to prove to nobody. He's made a name already
+dccmaj Ive always liked ATCQ but was never too crazy about Phife. I like Tip as a solo artist. Same thing with Dialated Peoples. Evidence solo projects.
+QuadrantBottomHalf what, phife was nice!
dccmaj man
My statement wasn't about him proving himself as an artist but what people thought of him rocking that gear.
He went 91'- 92' on they ass..Except for them knee high socks though...
How does this only have 300k views? Should at least be a million. This is a legend!
Just look at Q-Tip's face... 2:02:28 Going back seeing where he started and what he created together with A Tribe Called Quest. Life is such a journey!
Respect to Q-Tip and the rest of A Tribe Called Quest. To all the Natives Tongues artists. They were/are so original and creative in their works. Take note kids. RIP, Phife. ✨
Yea
I check in and re-watch this about once a year. Incredible interview. Great stories, impersonations and insights into the process. Love it.
Likewise 😆 The producer CookinSoul used little snippets in some of his beat making videos
Never knew he had taken up music classes but after hearing the last album i knew and thought to my self this guy is a real musician and he has music ability flowing,i mean not just like a good rapper or producer,he is a great musician.
Wise wordz
Q-Tip is such an inspiration and a beautiful soul. I’m so glad we have this brother to give us his gift.
TC izlam was executed for saying Q tip slept with Bambaataa. Shot in the heart and the eye.
I know it has nothing to do with the content and the point of the video, but tip is sooo beautiful. Such beautiful face features. Tribe and Beasties, my favorites forever
ATCQ is still my music of summer.
almostideal what's your opinion on the new album? I think it has a great message and great production. Also great to finally hear Jarobi get his props. Without Phife it hurts a lot :(
We The People, Dis Generation, Melatonin and Solid Wall of Sound are my favs.
For me, I would add Space Program, Killing Season, Conrad Tokyo, The Donald, Kids, and Mobius as well,but I feel like that's like the whole album hahahaha. The new LP is fantastic!
The Great Magnet space program, we the people, solid wall of sound, dis generation, enough, melatonin, black spasmodic, all soooooo good
@almostideal love your venture Bros icon
Q-Tip is one of the best impressionists..... "Yo!!!!! I heard you had a fire"
"that's good tho!!!" lol!
Giving props to the interviewer. Good vibes. Q-Tip is a legend.Thankfully it's a great talk I even can feel myself being a part. It's good vibes. Keep it up!
When I was 17 (1992) I used to make pause tapes out of necessity. I'd extend the instrumental part of a song for my group to rap to. I'm from Baltimore. I thought it was something that only I could come up with. Now, many years later, I learn that it was a thing in NY. Cool.
Great he talked about "Life Is Better". Romantic song without being corny, good to play at your wedding. Then he namechecks people in Hip Hop history in it too. Class song.
That JAY DEE story... PRICELESS !
I recorded a few songs at Calliope Studios back in 1989 and the staff was super incredible
I really, REALLY, REALLY, need that Mama's Boyfriend cut with the Billy Joel sample that Tip played my god. That's a holy grail I hope to see released in my lifetime
To call this an incredible interview is just an extreme understatement!
Man, I love, Beats Rhymes & Life and The Love Movement!
Jay Brown the beats were great. they mailed in the rapping in my opinion.
They're classics, underrated and underappreciated musically. Especially Love Movement
@@niqulusviii987
They both were simply so different from the climate of the eras they were released. You can make an argument that the themes were forced but I understood the intentions.
@@niqulusviii987 criminally. It's a beautiful classic
Shout outs to Q tip for sure always needs a mention. A tribe called quest is foundational to some aspects of hip hop it's true this dude does deserves his respects for his contribution to the art form.
I rock with my guy Tip. True Audiophile at his heart. Forever student to the rhythm
That KRS-One impression was the best!
filipinofist what’s the time stamp for it?
@@IJustWatchVideosDude 1:21:03
Q -TIP is my NEW YORK brother just like every brother and sister m.c. s out there thank you all of you world 🌍 wide m.c. and D.J.s who brought this side of music to reality 🌟🔥🏆💯👍🏾🎤🎤 from the late 70's 80's and closing out of the 90's NUFF SAID
Q-Tip must be given his flowers....after watching this one realises he is one of the "foundations" of what we now call Hip Hop today!
Roc Marciano, who has worked with Q-Tip, often messes with time signature in his beats and rhyme schemes.
I don't know this brother's real name but I used to see him all the time out in Times Sq and other times on Jamaica ave. VERY NICE. Humble. Respect Q-Tip
No only is he gorgeous, he's a genius, too.
Girl ,hell yeah !!
its really inspiring hearing someone like Q-tip (one of the absolute goats) show a side of insecurity. it really shows that nobody is perfect and that almost everyone has self doubt, which helps to move pass it.
Incredible Q-Tip, legendary artist and fun too! Mad respect brother 💪
Q-tip...Intelligent...Queens NY...Thinker...One of the very best...In hip hop...Homeboy...Will always love him!!!!!!
1:16:25 I also am guilty as charged when it comes to JUDGING Amplified album as being a sell-out album (while in secret i enjoyed the crazy rhythm of the tracks) when it came out, but after few years, I realized that this might have been one of the most gratifying work that J Dilla might have done in his career. It was commercially well-received, while being musically so high-tier. Isn't that all musician's dream? To make something that you are proud that you made it (or at least, not shameful about it) and still loved by most.
What!!! Wow I love that solo album. The Renaissance album is straight 🔥 fire though.
@@lateshiachilds3640 agree 100%. At that time I misunderstood as the "shiny suit" compromisation of ATCQ sound, but now it sounds like top-tier and yet commercially-viable music. I was too hard headed at that time
Great to see the reflective and storytelling side of Q-Tip’s stories through his experiences. You can see he’s a perfectionist but tempers it with the reality of time, place and the situation he was in.
I gotta say, I love this man. Much love from Brazil!
God I’m mesmerized by all the talent
Tip was 42 or 43 at this interview still looks the same after all these years
except way more buff. tip got swole lmao
Ian Haskell yeah you’re right, tip did get swole
its only been 7 years since the interview
I was looking for his age!! Blows my mind
loved this, learned a lot in this interview
So funny... all the real artists i know are never truly comfortable. They all have similar mannerisms and tells. You can forget the polished media product... these people are creating all the time, themselves included, and they are never ever finished. They aren't hardly ever even satisfied.
Anyone hear me?
That’s 1000
on gawd
Heard bro big creators and small
Good point. Q and Ali’s lectures are both amazingly reserved and awkward in all the right ways. Fascinating to think of them at 18 getting those first albums going, and how much the world has changed because of it.
The best thing about hip hop is the respect for being "real". Makes a huge difference on the music
53:26 He talk about working with Mobb Deep on the Infamous album
Q-Tip is kind of Midas, everything that he touchs becomes gold
When I was 15, I made a pause tape out of Spinning Wheel by Blood Sweat and Tears. I had no idea it was actually a thing with anybody else. It was just the only way I had to turn BS&T into some hip hop. LOL
referencing "the space program" at 31:17. q-tip the goat
1:41:19 I know that's Solange. He said if you listen to her music, you'll know who's singing
duuuude as soon as she started singing omfg.. I just wish there was a way to listen
It sounded good
the last zulu! great interview thnx
59:55 J Dilla Story
Adrian AMV Vasquez You are a gentleman and a scholar
I guess way before j dilla time
bro thx was tryna find the part where he talked about Slum Village - The One for You
Q-Tip is the personification of DOPE,..A musical genius in his own way,..His music found me, and will stay with me..For that I am eternally grateful.
1:29:00 I love that Isaac Hayes sample. The horns would have made that song with Nora Jones have more pop and been more memorable, in my opinion. Still love the song though - as well as that entire album.
Which Isaac Hayes track is that sample from?
Found it, for anyone wondering it's Isaac Hayes - Ike's mood
This is the best interview I've ever seen in my fuckin life! Q-Tip talking about it all...INCLUDING the GOAT (producer), J Dilla...Q-Tip is the all around Hip Hop GOAT...but on MPC alone...Dilla can't be touched....I will watch this shit multiple times a week until I die...
I remember release days when you would head to the record store and pick it up on Tuesday or Friday. I bought every atcq when they hit release date. Always a press play and let the whole album play! Thank you Tribe, De La and the roots crew
Release days in the 90s was on Tuesday
I love Life is Better and HOW he chopped it up .. I been wanting that damn inst too ... That's craaaazzzzyyyy
Yep, I remember doing a pause-button mix with Fatback's "Backstrokin'' back when I was 10. Old school, for real!
beats rhymes and life is my favorite tribe album, first one i had actually bought on tape and listened to non stop
I CRY AT THE END Q TIP SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO BIG INSPIRATION TO THE PLANET
Cant believe Kanye slept on that Mammas Boyfriend record.
Doesn't really fit with MBDTF, but def think it could have made another project like Watch The Throne
Sounds by Ivory I’m more then sure he has a perfect reason for cutting amazing great songs like this one from certain albums, just happy im a big enough fan to actually care enough to search for them
It still could’ve been released as a loosie during Good Friday’s during that time.
probably the most unclearable sample imaginable haha
He performed it standing on a table in front of those execs that time lol
I take flowers to Dilla's grave every year. Dilla changed the way I hear music and I'll forever be in debt to him for it. When I am gone, my children will continue the tradition.
The construction of "Life is Better" What?!?! Are you kidding me! That is straight 🔥 Let's you in on how great a musical mind Q-Tip has... That is seriously dope!!
'Real' record collectors know, Joni Mitchell makes amazing music. I'm with Tip, it's OK to make beats and have broad musical tastes.
Big Stacks Mingus & Mitchell
Hissing Of Summer Lawns was the one that blew me away. Had been meaning to get into her work for a while, but that was the one that REALLY hit. She’s a genius.
He is so damn smart and good looking and I have had a crush on him from day one! I am glad to see he has not damaged his look with those damn tattoos. I love you Q TIp from a 64 year old foxy sista who's name starts with a Q too!! God Bless you always.
Me too! I love his very broad shoulders!
You said "I am glad to see he has not damaged his look with those damn tattoos"? For real? Now, this is something really refreshing to hear! Thank you, that's real talk right there. I totally agree, why do you need tattoos when you have a pretty distinct voice, looks and thoughts. Yes, his shoulders are quite broad.
yes, he still looks delicious!!
he's 6'1'' nigga
@@emmanuelunuebholo3266 He's tall too? He's perfect.
a tribe called quest makes me proud to be from southside queens
lol, we on the same videos man! you a real head, spoke to you on the rakim RBMA! Even more respect to you young man!
Sjoerd2212 lol, thanks man respect to u to, they just named a street here after phife dawg, theres graffiti art on a old building where they did a video on the roof, u should check out the mf doom vid next:)
yeah the doom vid i been checking, saw these too couple years back. i just like to revisit stuff.. Love to see the graffiti though. Lol, kinda drunk right now, but shit be bumping hard man! Mick Jenkins! come on man.. Love hiphop! Love life man! HipHop is the answer in my opinion. haha can't really explain it
dylan pretlow
34:26 best part
I wish someone could make a small clip of this bit :D
Q-Tip, you are a Legend, no doubt! you affected my life in many positive ways! keep it up💪🏻👏🏻🎼
One of the most sleep on producers he made most of ATCQ beats by himself 🔥
That buddy lee project would of been so damn good I could only image a full Dilla and Q-tip album where both are making beats and rapping similar to Jaylib
I love the Solange song he played around 1:41:30 mark, I knew that is Solange vocals.
always great to see artists open up and share the process .
C Y Tru should have been on LR. Would have been a classic closer.
Q Tip, Havoc, RZA and Nas are my favorite producers.
Nas?
@@KardiFan2000 yes bro best producer 100%
This is just greatness all around. That Kanye track was amazing btw. It's a shame We got it from Here... wasn't released yet cause that would've been super interesting to hear about that album.
Really, UA-cam?!! 2015? And I'm just seeing this in my feed in 2019? Really? LOL!
Me too brotha. Better late than never
Tutu Letters Facts
2020 for me lol
so we aint gonna talk about that dope ass track with kanye? that shit was soo crazy
yooo i'm looking for that shit #fireee and the beat yooooo
Did you manage to find it anywhere man?
Tom S yup its called mommas boyfriend but its not on the same beat tho
I ripped the audio from the video, I'm gonna see if I can cut it up to just that part, and I guess upload it so y'all can hear it
I swear I'm not tryna plug my soundcloud but I was too lazy to upload it here. I was able to separate it and even extend it a bit. not clean but its there. My account is the same name
He has such a unique voice - I love it.
This is my first time seeing this interview, I'm just 45 minutes in as I'm typing this up. So far, great conversation 👌, I'm a super huge Tribe fan their music is so phenomenal. I love how Qtip incorporates jazz music into Tribe and his solo music. I love jazz music. I have to say this audience is so mundane, I love the part when Tip asked "am I boring, sorry if I'm boring you guys", I would have yelled out "no way thanks for being here!!". I love the part at 1:28:44 mark when he started going over, "Life is better." I love that whole CD by Tip "life is better" is my song. That is a shame the audience don't really know his music or don't care to know.
Q-TIP ROCKS ON RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY 2013 !!!!
Tribe is the most universal hip hp group of all time. They are able to transcend genres....
Qtip is an living legend 💙
They choose the right version of Memory Lane for the album, The lyrics come out clean
+gaspik71 agreed. But that beat woulda worked WELL for a lesser known.
This is a king.
I loved how he showed the production of “Life is Better” and the demo versions. Renaissance is fantastic but it’s underrated.
Feels like a classic hip hop album but in modern time (in 2008)
Bro had no idea this was an actual song dropped YEARS AGO :/
Love Getting Up!!!❤️
Me too
Q-Tip is GOD
Beats Rhymes and life was the first tribe album I heard so to me Dilla’s influence was already there and it’s still my favourite album by Tribe coz it ties into moments in my childhood
J.dilla had good ass beats
Good is an understatement!
Q is great, love his chill vibe I am a big fan! great insights of his music, inspiring.
Yes, where is the "Give Up the Goods" snare from, Tip? Crazy drum sounds, reminds me of those reggae snares. Ridiculous! Nasty!!!
Big Stacks it's in the infamous pack havoc released! its crazy
What up stacks lol