Q-Tip Talks Prince, Native Tongues, Missing Phife, and the Future of the Music Business

[@rpgfan72]

One hundred percent intelligent black child.

[@AB-nb2ic]

The optic presentation sizzles the retna

[@willprescott1494]

@@AB-nb2ic how far must you go to gain respect? Uhhhh

[@pavlogorianskyi1249]

@@willprescott1494 well it’s kinda simple just remain your own

[@jordicampher170]

@@pavlogorianskyi1249 or you'll be crazy sad and alone

[@BigMoto11]

@@jordicampher170 Remind me again, what is industry Number 4080?

[@SOSFragranceReviews]

Tip is hugely underrated as an MC...Probably because he doesn’t fit into the box of what you should be or do...

[@KardiFan2000]

Underrated as a producer too!

[@GeraldHarris-cf2zh]

@@KardiFan2000 I have to agree with that.

[@whtwht]

He does his own thing .. cant fit him in a box and that confuses the masses.

[@strawberryblondemilk7249]

Can't believe how underrated he is

[@watchinboats]

Nah bro he is in many's top 10.. certainly in my top 5

[@lionelkennedy1394]

Q-Tip The Abstract is a Hip-Hop Icon living. Much respect to this dude. He cool asf 😎

[@ziggymorris8760]

I ran into him a couple of times in queens and he was really cool. His has such a unique and nice sounding speaking voice let alone his music, a solid throwback to my college years.

[@just1234kay]

a couple? Dang where? So I can run into him 😭

[@KingsdaleNorth]

I am older than hip hop. I have been on board, day one. It really ticks me off when people say, 'He' is so underated. Why not say Q Tip looks good and healthy and well spoken. The people who say he is underated are the people who have just insulted the man you claim to admire. Q Tip has worked with the greats. He has sold millions of records. His phone still rings because talent proceeds his name. He ain't no broke rapper from the past. He is a business man who has learned the game, through and through. This man is a mentor and has assisted numerous on top of numerous artist. No one he works with would ever call him underated. It's an insult. He started in a particular genre and has expanded across all music genres, respected by his peers. Q Tip on here talking about inspiration and light and y'all talking about some imaginary underatted nonsense. Nothing he has done has gone unoticed or unappreciated. Q Tip is talking Light and Atmosphere. Everything he says and does stems from that core nerve of thought is Light and Atmosphere. My two cent opinion. Keep the change.

[@DuckAlertBeats]

Agreed. I think it's just something people see others say, and just repeat without thinking too hard about it. He is as rated as he deserves, neither under nor over.

[@dee24874]

Yes. Q Tip is not a fame whore imo, and that's why people may say he is underrated. He does his thing and just stays laid back in the game, and it works for him. 🎉🎉

[@EddieG1888]

Q's always been rated by the heads who *know*. His standards have never dropped for him to be underrated.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

You forgot to tell those kids to stay off your lawn.

[@mariojohnson4695]

As Q-Tip said “Record company executives are shady”

[@wr638]

You can tell he wanted to go deeper and be more specific. But I know he was touching on entities and shadowy things going on in this world trying to fool us. Gatekeepers

[@LWH768]

So nigga watch your back, cause I think they smoke crack, I don't doubt it, look at how they act. (DCOG)

[@rightcoast7049]

It's hilarious to me when artists complain about record company execs. Most of the companies/managers/owners the average American work for are just as shady.

[@vidgamarr5126]

So here’s a (Q) tip, watch your back… cause they probably smoke crack, I don’t doubt it, look at how they act… 👀

[@pavlogorianskyi1249]

@@vidgamarr5126 off to better things like a hip hop forum..

[@ZeeZeeFaa]

Dude is most underrated producer and contributor to Hip-Hop period

[@craigharris41]

Nope, he is well known and respected. I think he is under the radar however.

[@lil_sid1773]

@@craigharris41 i would say he is respected but not well known enough

[@wettuna1769]

Nahh low end theory was huge for hip hop maybe with young kids but dre was inspired to make the chronic from that album he def respected

[@thejeneralj.u.-iceforever6706]

​@@lil_sid1773😄 How old are you? Q-Tip is not underrated and DEFINITELY well known for his contributions throughout hip-hop. Most ppl who grew up in the "Golden Era" ('86-99') know that. From Tribe, to Apache (R.I.P), Busta, Cypress Hill, Nas, The Crooklyn Dodgers, Mobb Deep, Pharcyde, Common, Slum Village, and many more artists including Janet Jackson. Q-Tip has produced countless classics for many solo artists and groups. The term "underrated" or "not well known" in hip-hop is usually from ppl that are younger, or ppl who just got hip to hip-hop, anf don't even know the contributions from the artists.

[@lil_sid1773]

@@thejeneralj.u.-iceforever6706 but I’m talking about nowadays g

[@saiyanleague653]

4:08 is where Prince comes up, for all you Prince fans, you're welcome

[@joaopaulogomesoleare8974]

haha cool, man!

[@wannef980]

Thank you I can fast forward😊💜

[@vreese3350]

Thank you

[@aaronsoto9100]

Gracias!! :D

[@pjay6746]

I'm a fan of both so to learn that Prince was his mentor is a pleasant surprise for me. I can definitely see the influence. Tip interviews are rare, and this one was good.

[@salvatorescarcella7361]

Tip is on another level, so different and unique

[@thenowschool]

One of the best interviews I've seen with Tip, SO glad I got to witness ATCQ perform in their prime just after the Midnight Marauders LP. Rest in power Phife.

[@Msboochie2]

I thought the same at the beginning. Q-Tip delivered, but this interviewer had a very short attention span, and pretended to be more knowledgeable and appreciative of the man, QTip and the music than he really is. He seemed offended at QTip acknowledging his role as an elder statesmen, after talking about some of the giants Qtip influenced and mentored. I know he has his own questions and points he’d like to highlight as a journalist, but it should not be that obvious.

[@MinutesANdPrincipleslife]

Dang, I can only wish

[@abrothernamedgeorge]

The tour with De La Soul, The Alkaholiks on Souls of Mischier came to The Warfield in SF November 1993. One of my greatest concert memories EVER

[@icecoldcube2823]

Nothing but respect for this man. Thank you tip 🙏🏼

[@housegirl9166]

Q-Tip & ATCQ are the Kings of hip hop for me. Everything he touches is funky. I love that he heals through his music. ❤❤❤

[@zeloyichinye6763]

I take my left and right audio seriously. Your left right audio is opposite, had to turn my headphones around to enjoy the sound

[@playboid1411]

❗❗❗❗

[@JoviLeMonstre]

I noticed the same thing . Maybe it was intended for a podcast only . Lol 😂 let’s give them some credit

[@melon5345]

Does anyone else feel like their headphones don't feel right when you put them on backwards?

[@colinmcgee3957]

yeah this made me question my hearing

[@ThiefOfBaghdad]

holy fuck honestly hahahaha

[@ZeeZeeFaa]

I really wanna hear a Q-Tip, Mos Def, DOOM and Madlib project

[@RancidCheeks]

I don’t think the world is ready for that

[@dawb86]

@ZeeDigital Aw hell, we might as well throw Andre 3000 in there for good measure lol!

[@qubahka77]

Ok, now you just talking crazy. you trying to give people seizures and ish. that would my lil bean pop. (pause...i think) you put Slick Rick on that joint and we can stop the rotation of the planet.

[@NintendoGuy98]

Can we throw in Earl Sweatshirt?

[@mdecimal]

Definitely

[@frowhatitsworth]

“Do work that makes you not think about the fact that you’re doing work.” I haven’t had that feeling in a very long time. I needed to watch this.

[@TimWrightDJ]

Q Tip is, legit, the greatest rapper of all time. He's so underrated, his musical knowledge, his production skills, his lyrics, his tone, all proven by his credentials...

[@KardiFan2000]

All-around (beats, rhymes, aesthetic, influence, etc.) he's the most talented artist in hip hop history. The only one close to his level is RZA.

[@qubahka77]

hes definitely one of them ones. but if you ask him who his best of all time is....you would probably have to agree.

[@bishopmanley793]

Facts

[@smithydavis1033]

Q is a better producer than an mc, He has excellent beat selection (Beautifully raw and whimsical) is excellent but he's MCing is nothing special. He's not a technical Mc, he's kinda like Fresh prince or Slick Rick. He's charismatic for sure but not the most skill in MCing. Thou his beatmaking skill is of the wall.

[@MauriSky2437]

@@smithydavis1033 he is not for everyone. Only a small percentage of people get him. We are a family of rhythm musicians and we get him, including his MCing. He is inspirational.

[@rockostiffredi4276]

What a beautiful soul this man has. A true artist with the gift of creativity.

[@vikaghostwave]

4:08 For people out there that didn't know

[@pygmyhippomusic]

Tip is a national treasure and a living icon of musical greatness. Peace ✌🏼

[@KardiFan2000]

51:02 "I'm excited about this artist that I'm about to work with, this young lady from Houston, her name is Megan......Thee Stallion." Personally, I'm not a huge fan of her, but respect to Q-Tip for being open-minded and mentoring the young generation.

[@mr.tonyshiphopschool266]

Been loving him and Tribe since 1989, when he appeared on the Jungle Brothers album. He’s really a genius!!!! My brother Q tip

[@AndrewsOpinion15]

HAPPY 49TH BIRTHDAY Q-TIP !!!

[@mikewilliams4750]

Happy birthday

[@johnblake4523]

American messiah - what a badass, such a class act - Q-tip one of the truly greats

[@jeanemlicar]

I never knew Q-Tip is into Comic's. Well,I never got the chance to have met Stan Lee or Phife Dawg. Yet I pray and hope that God bless me with the opportunity to meet Q-Tip in person someday.

[@Vaisin]

Bfff it seems so weird that Stan Lee is gone... May he and Phife rest in peace!

[@pandroidigital]

Comics...not comic's

[@jake3412]

Tip is the man. Legendary knowledge and perspective. Interviewer has an agenda and it's obvious. Thank you Q Tip your words and vibes are felt and will live forever through us

[@michaeljones1972]

Bles you for this, this man change the way I hear music in general. Respect to Tip Phife, Ali, Jerobi,and The Native Tounges. The soundtrack of my life.

[@DCKINGVDAGOAT]

EXCELLENT INTERVIEW. Super Props to the interviewer..........Q-Tip the LEGEND

[@bray3854]

One of the realest emcees to ever hold a mic... ATCQ 4 Life!

[@mariojohnson4695]

Listen to “The Low End Theory” the first time and I said, that’s a pretty good album. I listened to it the second time and I couldn’t stop playing the CD. This last album was better than I thought it would be.

[@mrsexxc1]

That's how I felt about the last Tribe album..I didn't care for it at first, but then I listened to it a couple times and it was like I was addicted to it and couldn't get enough of it..I seriously think producers and engineers put some type witchcraft in their music

[@ghtraining1]

I played the low end theory tape so much in 91-92 til it broke and then bought the cd

[@hurlyburly5395]

This happened to me today! I've been a hiphop fan for 30 years - Wow that album is addictively good!

[@twohamburgers]

I've never seen an interview with Tip. I am melting by how beautifully articulate and meditative his speech and commentary is. He is so peaceful and transparent and his language is just intelligent, thoughtful, and conscience 360 degrees. I don't have enough fingers to count my favorite hip hop groups but Tribe is right there on my pointer. (Im also a 5/10 white guy - HA!)

[@laurisaarinen1126]

I am 100% white and Tribe is a top 5 hip hop group for me. Q-Tip is truly a pleasure to listen to even if he speaks bit slowly. Can't really complain tho, i'm not a fast talker myself. I love how he speaks of Prince, who is my all time favorite.

[@joejoebeegeesstayingalive3312]

Q Tip and Prince WOW ! Two of my favorites ! True Legends !👍

[@Soulfrica_Vibecast]

I know this is 4-years ago but, I need to thank you for a very informed interview that is timeless and revealing of one of Hip Hop's greatest artist! Thank you!

[@troyreneestephens4354]

You go Q-Tip I am so proud of our legends speaking up to how they are now ready to be a force needed..

[@calibomber209]

qtip is a living legend. all of tribe and the ummah. i can listen to all their albums and it doesnt get old for me. i was a kid when i first heard them . they are the gold in golden era hiphop.

[@mirio-jk]

Ya on point phife, all the time tip

[@Vaisin]

You know Q-Tip is a legend when people like Pharrell Williams and Kanye West show loads of respect towards him

[@EggheadJr1]

Wait... That's your baseline? Kanye West and Pharrell? GTFOH!!

[@ronnie.c3222]

EggheadJr1 both great artists that you obvi haven’t given a fair listen to. pharrells solo work isn’t my favorite. but his work with n.e.r.d is legendary. especially their most recent album. i know q tip has mad respect for that work

[@gillroygarlic3616]

He was the archetype for for both of them. They should.

[@lukeellingtonmusic]

I kinda like how the audio is panned for each person.

[@librathefresh1]

Q-Tip is so original & deep on many levels. So grateful I got to see ATCQ back in the day. Dope interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@lateshiachilds3640]

I love A tribe called quest, I love Q tip he is so fine, talented, great producer.

[@theharshtruth8563]

Ehh... Dilla was a better producer.

[@Bigtrek34]

True genius.

[@dylanosmond3340]

I love q-tip!!. There isnt many or if ANY abstract poetics these days :(! Forever tribe baby!

[@gravitymusicproductiongrou260]

I'm definitely a tribe descendent sound cloud 6gravity

[@73capricorn65]

True legend. A shame that music today is all about the beat and no poetry.

[@joedorben3504]

There are several, they just arent known by the mainstream. Ka, Roc Marciano, Billy Woods, Milo, Open Mike Eagle, Earl Sweatshirt, Ab-soul, etc def fit the bill

[@garygriffiths9431]

What a great guy. Very knowledgeable, and easy to listen to.

[@BigCore-]

I hate that the algorithm has me finding this YEARS later 🤦🏾‍♂

[@montygrind]

Great interview. Almost shed a tear.

[@diggersdigest]

I had the chance to spend a few hours with Kamaal, he is true music lover, certainly one of the best hip-hop producer, unique MC, definitely the best advocate for hip-hop. One Love !

[@hrmsmk]

Q-Tip is a living legend. Tip we appreciate what you do ADHJ, like everybody else.

[@ralphjames6247]

Deserves his flowers...one dope artist!

[@drumsrugged9049]

this interview is butta baby!!... just like a tribe joint!!

[@glyndwr15]

Q Tip is straight up one of the greatest beat makers ever.

[@soulsessionsradio4234]

Trust Q is just as much punk, rock, soul, r&b, electronic as he is hip hop...legend.

[@popsicream]

He sounds like he is got a golden filter on his voice. I could listen to him forever.

[@The_whimsickal_artist]

Q is brilliant 👍🏻

[@wanderer7610]

A Tribe Called Quest are Iconic soooo much love for the music they put out...top 5 positivity love!!! PRINCE #1 Artist ever!!!!!!!

[@rodan5052]

When you’ve cemented your name in HIPHOP with the lyricisms, charged with a unique voice such as Tip’s and undeniable beat production mastery that has inspired many in the game...you’re addressed as Father and we our your children ✊🏽

[@tick441]

the abstract!!

[@GoodxJ]

The Last ZULU!!!!! Let's GO! TRIBE FOREVER.

[@ericlaw9974]

Q Tip is such a humble man!

[@marvinwhitaker3800]

🎵🎵Tribe is the BEST. I knew it first time i heard them.🎙🎙

[@bigballman3246]

I'm very new to a tribe called quest. My friend got me hooked on them. I got high on the green leaf and listening to We've got the jazz and instantly I was mesmerized at it. Ever since Ive explored them. Like almost everything these guys put out.

[@DeepThoughtsMusic]

Ups and Downs, but what an amazing interview. Q-Tip is such an inspiring spirit, nothing but Love for this man ♥

[@Tajare215]

Q-Tip is bae. 🥰🤩💯

[@johnnyparker2128]

The producer of all producers

[@beeftheheat]

Kamaal The Abstract is one of my favourite albums overall this is a great interview

[@scottydoo330]

Big respect. This interview is great. I rock the tribe on Pandora all the time. Much respect

[@jbarral6509]

Man qtip's voice is still the same since the 90s

[@Gestureye7x]

A great interview ~ Thank you for this.

[@debbiebailey8369]

Love him after the movie Prison Song

[@jahpree2189]

Love how he gets dwn to the roots of things

[@moneyhouseblessin]

The best that ever did it

[@c_fiddy7118]

This man is responsible for so much!!! Mad respect Q-tip! His voice alone makes me think about my childhood and just fucking hip hop

[@living2liveagain1]

“Back in Da day when I was a teen-age-ger, before I status and before I had a pag-ger, you can find the abstract, listenin to Hip-hop, my Pops used to say it reminded him of Be-Bop; I said well daddy don’t you know things go in cy-cles, way the Bobby Brown, is just ampin like Mic-chael” -Excursions shout out to Q-Tips Dad🙏🏾

[@alecksfawth]

Love all these answers

[@mangadolo9028]

Great interview with the greatest producer in HipHop history! #NativeTongues

[@gravitymusicproductiongrou260]

Fax he taught me a lot musically as a hip-hop producer

[@theharshtruth8563]

Nah. Dilla was the greatest. Q-tip stole a lot of credit for Dilla's beats.

[@caramelchocalate4953]

If I were an artist, I would definitely want him to be my producer. Intelligent and very experienced💁

[@riccosmooth481]

Q-Tip: So much more than what you see…..that’s all I’ve got to say. Bless this Guy, the Tribe, 2 entities that can never be recreated. Word is bond.

[@afrosoul1369]

Love That Brother Right There🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@living2liveagain1]

Everyone that paused the interview and pulled up “Don’t go breaking my heart with Demi & Q-Tip” 👇🏾

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Mr. Sophisticated 💕😘🦋

[@Art_Travel_and_Hobbys]

Q Tip music I.Q is top notch... I'm giving the abstract poetic his flowers while he still here. Still a M.C who music I check for. Respect 👊🏿👍🏿🙏🏾

[@lionra4523]

Thank you!

[@1altadena]

Great Interview

[@flyingisland7583]

Just a detail... I notice that the right and left side of the audio track is reversed, it's strange to hear speakers opposite from where they are

[@tonywalker9375]

it threw me off right away

[@MixingGBP]

I guess they figured we would listen through the speaker on our phone? 🤔

[@crowfoot7355]

Thank you for your service Q Tip. Queens is in the house.

[@Vincetrumentals]

44:52 great question

[@KQ9891]

What'd you think of qtips answer. Started vague, like he didn't want to be negative but then got into it. Still vague...

[@sam30296]

The sound quality of this video is impeccable

[@gunrodoplu]

Great host, of course Q Tip is always legendary

[@Catandbeats]

I am so happy I have a mono button.

[@ndujamz]

Q-Tip here looks like Billy Paul.

[@monogee]

2 FUNNY, DEAD ON!!!

[@Metamophisis]

The shades and the hat 🎩 fr

[@Tabby.cat2]

Mmmmm, a little bit.

[@riley4198]

I once met Q Tip in a bathroom in Philly. Really nice dude.

[@williamgallucci9913]

Hey q tip big fan of yours from old tribe music can't wait to hear all of your future projects be well

[@ATCDukes]

I bet y'all that I named my business after ATCQ and Outkast. I got Mad luv for Tip. Look us up sometimes. I even named all of my vehicles after them. A Tribe Called Duke's Haul Away Services. 👐

[@ATCDukes]

@The Duke thanx man! Word, Salute

[@terissaleath605]

I LOVE THIS BUT NOW YOU GOT ME RUNNING THROUGH ALL THE DIFFERENT NAMES FOR YOUR VEHICLES 😂😂😂

[@voidone7997]

Such a good man! Lucky to hear from you .

[@philliplyn2692]

Loving this one thanks for sharing very important information giving thanks blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💪💪💪

[@Ladygaga4047]

Hit man is my number 1 song right now!

[@hugo311name9]

what a great interviewer & interview.

[@Semyaj3]

Luv This Dudes Contribution 2 Hiphop ~ Production/Mixing/Arrangements ~ “Lyrics”

[@cosmologybey0]

Great interviewer. Big Salute to Bro qtip

[@ShawnKing-m1k]

When i first heard the tribe i just felt something about them that was different from everyone that was out the year they dropped their Album people instinct through the path of rhythm even though that Album was way beyond people heads which is a great Album with great subjects matter but when they came back with the low end theory i said to myself they are a different kind of group who are really into their music and going to be great and their music is Hip-hop in its purist form A Tribe called Quest is the greatest group of all times beside Run DMC

[@SayGee476]

I found ATCQ through vh1 100 greatest rap songs, and I've been in love with them ever since. R.I.P Phife dawg aka the 5' assassin aka the funky diabetic.

[@Donutsoverdosed]

The Last Zulu

[@gravitymusicproductiongrou260]

That album needs to drop ASAP

[@zabrinatheteacher]

Q-Tip is DOPE!