The Q in his name stands for Queens, and it is also said to be a name that represents his ability to get into oneβs ears.
Early career:
Q-Tip's first appearance on record was on the Jungle Brothers' Straight Out the Jungle in 1988. Besides performing with his popular and successful jazz-influenced hip hop group, Tip also did production work (under his production alias "the Abstract" or often β along with fellow Tribe member Ali Shaheed Muhammad and the late Slum Village member Jay Dee β as part of The Ummah) for artists such as Nas ("One Love," from Illmatic, 1994), Mobb Deep (co-producer on "Give up the Goods (Just Step)," "Temperature's Rising," and "Drink Away the Pain," from The Infamous, 1995) and even R&B divas Mariah Carey ("Honey," from Butterfly, 1997) and Whitney Houston ("Fine," from Greatest Hits).
Solo career:
A Tribe Called Quest disbanded in 1998, after which Q-Tip pursued a solo career. His first solo singles, "Vivrant Thing" and "Breathe & Stop," were far more pop-oriented than anything he had done in A Tribe Called Quest, as was his solo debut LP for Arista Records, Amplified. His 2002 follow-up, Kamaal the Abstract, although critically acclaimed and issued a catalog number, was never released because the label believed that it did not have commercial appeal. His next album, The Renaissance, was released November 2008.
A Tribe Called Quest reunited in 2006 and played a limited number of dates. The group was composed of its original lineup, including Tip and occasional member Jarobi White. Early the next year, Tip signed a new solo deal with Motown/Universal Records.
As of late, Q-Tip has been very active, once again happily reunited with the full line-up of A Tribe Called Quest on the 2K7 NBA Bounce Tour and regaining control of his previously label-owned MySpace page. He has filled the page up with demos and rarities, (some of them from Kamaal the Abstract), and has announced he is negotiating for the ownership of the masters of earlier material from his previous labels and plans to release them independently. Currently, he resides in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Q-Tip has recently stated that he will be forming a hip hop group with fellow rapper Common, called "The Standard."
N.T
Q-Tip Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For real though who really got sent
Flown on the edge got the ledge hangin' out of the window
Bird chest niggas with you (wondrous fearaf?)
Fuck around you'll be (hemp's meat) inside of a meal sack
Puny little bucks better hit the Jake
But that doesn't mean nothing to the heart within
You cramped up you and your team I'm amped up
My shine what the fuck is on your mind?
Little weakling rappers better hit the grind
Other brothers ain't motivated they can't do it
Not only did I penetrate it I ran through it
My music comes on and we march at the dance
Inside of your mind or inside of my pants?
Musical intention that we have is vast
You sick? Drink a NyQuil well I'm dead on your ass
Oh well then here comes the gelatin
Tips on some sugars but you yap on your selling friends
Now your party is completely blown
Real name is Kamal I'm in completely zone
It's rap time for you that means nap time
Preaching from my joint what the fuck I'ma clap mine
Singing songs of 6 pence it's intense
Surprise your ass at the end like the sixth sense
Heavy hitters knocking shit out the park
You couldn't even really play tell me why did you start
Spitting sharp blades laced with bleach
You wanna play around kid I'm not a walk at the beach
A stroll in the park or your fucking playground
Put on your headphones tell me how grenades sound
Put on your walkmase and go underneath the town
Q-Tip abstract how I gets down
[Chorus: Busta Rhymes]
All my bitches, dance if you know that you dam sure
Let your pussy drip on the dance floor if you wanna
[Q-Tip]
Get down
[Busta Rhymes]
Fuck that niggas that bust gats
Better let em in 'fore they rush that 'cause they wanna
[Q-Tip]
Get down
[Busta Rhymes]
Blick shit piano sick shit
[Q-Tip]
Get down
[Busta Rhymes]
Chill you can get off my dick and
[Q-Tip]
Get down
[Busta Rhymes]
While I'm on the hook get on your good foot
And blow up the spot for all of you niggas 'cause that's how we
[Q-Tip]
Get down
[Q-Tip]
Coming with the brand new quickly we pan to
The young black man with intentions to ban you
Seems that people need an aid today
So many fade away so many fiend to stay
I really rhyme 'cause I feel I should say things
While the fraudulent act raps just so they cop rings
Or maybe because when they was young
They was fronted on and left alone to have they own fun
Now they've all grown up to be assholes
I'm giving you the rope will you tie up the lassos
You swing dangling from peach trees
While I sip my Daiquiris in the south west breeze
Writing so exciting the pen it keeps
Dripping out gems that's converted to hems and then
People be humming it from now to they next to kin
My family is starving You know they want me to win
Me forfeit nigga please get off it
Send a check in my name to my office
Mutombo in the lane yo I toss it
Abstract coming through witness the bullshit
[Busta Rhymes]
Hey yo, hey yo engineer cut the fucking beat off
In Q-Tip's song N.T. feat. Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip raps about his skill and confidence as a rapper. He boasts about his ability to run through any challenge, stating that he has the heart and motivation to succeed where others cannot. He also critiques other rappers who are in it for the fame and money, rather than the love of the art. Q-Tip contrasts himself with these rappers, claiming that his dedication to his music is vast and that he is willing to put in the work to succeed.
The song features Busta Rhymes on the chorus and a brief verse. Busta Rhymes adds to the song's energy and raucousness with his aggressive tone and repeated chant to "get down." The chorus also includes a provocative line directed at women, urging them to dance and let their "pussy drip" on the dance floor if they want to. This line has been criticized for its explicitness and objectification of women.
Overall, N.T. shows off the confidence and flow that made Q-Tip a respected rapper in the 1990s. He displays a unique style and perspective that set him apart from other rappers of his time.
Line by Line Meaning
For real though who really got sent
Who actually has the credibility and courage to take on the challenges
Flown on the edge got the ledge hangin' out of the window
Living life on the edge, taking risks and daring to do things differently
Bird chest niggas with you (wondrous fearaf?)
Weak individuals with you, causing doubt and uncertainty
Fuck around you'll be (hemp's meat) inside of a meal sack
If you mess around, you'll end up being the victim of a violent crime
Puny little bucks better hit the Jake
Given the circumstances, you should flee from danger
But that doesn't mean nothing to the heart within
The heart is where true courage resides, regardless of external circumstances
You cramped up you and your team I'm amped up
You and your team are intimidated, while I am energized and ready to take action
And you asses can't dib me bead
You cannot outsmart or outmaneuver me
My shine what the fuck is on your mind?
What is it that's bothering or hindering you from appreciating my talent and success?
Little weakling rappers better hit the grind
Less talented rappers should focus on improving their skills
Other brothers ain't motivated they can't do it
Others lack the drive and determination to pursue their goals
Not only did I penetrate it I ran through it
I not only achieved success, but I did it with ease and confidence
My music comes on and we march at the dance
My music inspires movement and action, even if it's only figurative
Inside of your mind or inside of my pants?
Is my music affecting your thoughts or your physical movement?
Musical intention that we have is vast
The purpose and impact of our music is significant and far-reaching
You sick? Drink a NyQuil well I'm dead on your ass
If you're weak or unwell, you won't be able to match my strength and vigor
Oh well then here comes the gelatin
In response to weakness or vulnerability, I will take advantage of the situation and dominate
Tips on some sugars but you yap on your selling friends
Others may try to sweet talk or manipulate you, but I am upfront and authentic
Now your party is completely blown
I have disrupted your plans or celebration, and it is now over
Real name is Kamal I'm in completely zone
My true identity is Kamal, and I am fully focused and in the zone
It's rap time for you that means nap time
When it comes to rapping or competing with me, you are not up to par and will fail
Preaching from my joint what the fuck I'ma clap mine
I will advocate and share my views through my music, and will not hesitate to defend myself or my beliefs
Singing songs of 6 pence it's intense
My music is not just frivolous or superficial, but has depth and complexity
Surprise your ass at the end like the sixth sense
My music will catch you off guard and leave a lasting impression, similar to the movie The Sixth Sense
Heavy hitters knocking shit out the park
Talented individuals are making a significant impact and succeeding
You couldn't even really play tell me why did you start
You are not competent or skilled enough to participate or compete, so why did you even try?
Spitting sharp blades laced with bleach
My words are cutting and powerful, with a biting wit and sharp delivery
You wanna play around kid I'm not a walk at the beach
If you want to mess around or challenge me, be prepared for a difficult and intense experience
A stroll in the park or your fucking playground
Even something as easy or casual as a walk or playground can become a challenging or combative experience with me
Put on your headphones tell me how grenades sound
My music is explosive and powerful, like a grenade going off
Put on your walkmase and go underneath the town
Listen to my music and experience a whole new world or perspective
Q-Tip abstract how I gets down
My artistic style and approach is unconventional and unique
All my bitches, dance if you know that you dam sure
All my confident and assertive ladies, dance and show off your skills
Let your pussy drip on the dance floor if you wanna
Be sexually liberated and expressive, and let your desires show on the dance floor
Fuck that niggas that bust gats
Disregard those individuals who resort to violence and carrying weapons
Better let em in 'fore they rush that 'cause they wanna
Allow them access or give them what they want to avoid a violent confrontation
Blick shit piano sick shit
My music is impressive and innovative, and leaves a strong impact
Chill you can get off my dick and
Relax and stop trying to control or manipulate me
While I'm on the hook get on your good foot
While I am in the spotlight, take advantage of the opportunity to showcase your skills
And blow up the spot for all of you niggas 'cause that's how we
Make a memorable impact and dominate, that's how we do it
Coming with the brand new quickly we pan to
Introducing something fresh and innovative, with a fast and enthusiastic pace
The young black man with intentions to ban you
A motivated and purposeful young black man, with a drive to outdo or surpass others
Seems that people need an aid today
It appears that people require some sort of help or support currently
So many fade away so many fiend to stay
Many people may give up or fail, while others desperately cling to their goals or aspirations
I really rhyme 'cause I feel I should say things
I create music because I have something important or meaningful to express
While the fraudulent act raps just so they cop rings
Less authentic or sincere artists create music for the sake of making money or gaining status
Or maybe because when they was young
Perhaps they were influenced or rewarded for their superficial and shallow behavior from a young age
They was fronted on and left alone to have they own fun
They were ignored or excluded by others, and instead entertained themselves in their own ways
Now they've all grown up to be assholes
Now these individuals have become obnoxious and undesirable
I'm giving you the rope will you tie up the lassos
I am giving you a tool or opportunity to succeed, but it is up to you to take advantage of it
You swing dangling from peach trees
You are vulnerable and hanging by a thread, waiting for someone to cut you loose or save you
While I sip my Daiquiris in the south west breeze
While you struggle, I am relaxed and enjoying myself in a comfortable environment
Writing so exciting the pen it keeps
The creative process is exhilarating and inspiring, keeping me motivated and energized
Dripping out gems that's converted to hems and then
Producing valuable and meaningful work, that is then transformed into timeless and inspiring pieces
People be humming it from now to they next to kin
My music and its impact will be remembered and passed down for generations to come
My family is starving You know they want me to win
My loved ones are depending on me to succeed and provide for them
Me forfeit nigga please get off it
I will never give up or surrender, so stop trying to convince me otherwise
Send a check in my name to my office
If you want to contribute to my success, send me a monetary donation to my designated address
Mutombo in the lane yo I toss it
Using a basketball reference, I am skilled and successful in passing and completing challenging tasks
Abstract coming through witness the bullshit
My unique and unconventional style is coming through, and you can observe and appreciate it
Hey yo, hey yo engineer cut the fucking beat off
Interjecting with a command to end the music, perhaps indicating the end of the song or performance
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLAYDES SMITH, RONALD BELL, CLEVELAND HORNE, GEORGE BROWN, GENE C REDD, GENE REDD, ROY HANDY, ROBERT BELL, DENNIS THOMAS, RICHARD WESTFIELD, ROBERT MICKENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theliquidsword
Quite possibly one of the dopest beats ever created.
@nxo2468
J Dilla?
@abyss104
@@nxo2468 DJ Scratch mate
@jonsense4937
facts...one of my top 10 beats all time
@alexbarraza4873
Sounds like evil shit from necro.
@amirthehammer240
This track is a hidden gem. If you lift weights listen and it will pump you up.
@JusBLieve
I just pictured him knockin some equipment over and trippin over it while storming out. Q-tip almost Died laughin lol.
@jimmyc8131
Dude dropped so many "ohhhh shit" lines in this song and no mumble rapper of today can even think about going against guys like Tip.
@ThinkerHaistTV
Busta's anger is still misunderstood 15 years later....
@Peterlindekens
+Thinker Haist explain it for me :D