Q-Tip’s Long-Delayed Kamaal LP to Hit

Originally intended to come out back in 2001.

By Blurt Staff

Q-Tip, of A Tribe Called Quest fame, has his long-delayed album Kamaal the Abstract, slated originally for release in 2001, finally arriving September 15^th on Battery Records. A musical hybrid, Kamaal was commendably avant-garde at the time of its creation. According to the label, "it's even more apropos in 2009; given the dearth of musical merit and capable MCs in today's hip-hop, the time is ever-so-right for Tip."

Kamaal the Abstract is "an intensely idiosyncratic and revealing record" with Q-Tip producing he entire album himself and playing several instruments. "What comes from Kamaal is a daring mélange of soul, supa-cool jazz, head nodding hip-hop, and organic pop magic in the vein of Stevie Wonder or Prince."

Among the players: saxophonist Kenny Garrett, a one-time member of Miles Davis' ensemble, on the breathy "Abstractionisms," and flautist Gary Thomas, another Davis sideman, on "Do U Dig U."

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.  Neil Levine SVP/GM of Battery Records is proud to release this buried treasure from Q-Tip:  "Kamaal the Abstract/Q-Tip is a true visionary and ahead of his time. These songs sound more contemporary now than when they were first recorded."

Track Listing:

1. Feelin'

2. Do U Dig U?

3. A Million Times

4. Blue Girl

5. Barely In Love

6. Heels

7. Reverber For Factory

8. Caring

9. Even If It's So