The Q in his name stands for Queens, and it is also said to be a name that represents his ability to get into one’s 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 — along with fellow Tribe member Ali Shaheed Muhammad and the late Slum Village member Jay Dee — 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."
Shaka
Q-Tip Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My brother Shaka would have wanted me to do it like this
So raise your glasses for the lost ones in your life
Dilla Dawg and Master Wel would have wanted me, as well
To propel with the spirit of the mic
They make it easy, celebrate them, let them just who they are
Because of these experiences I have some control
On the microphone, I'm bold elevating to the stars
Here's a demonstration, with the excellence
Reverse the pandemic that's filled with pestilence
Who has his finger on the pulse of the b-boy?
Serving fiends with the stream of a d-boy
Who's well connected, you must respect it
I'm driven with the spirits mentioned in this record
Hopefully this serves as motivation
The never sayin ?doc? kind of sensation
Put my stamp on it, the mic clamps on it
Mama I know, let me put lil' thamp on it
Blade runnin through the day with agility
Stay gunnin, make way for possibilities
It's the capital Q, rap it'll do
What I want it to, it's like tamin a shrew, uh
Livin life, the Shakespearean proportions
Knowin better, I've experienced distortions
And through the in and outs, of life's revolvin doors
I'mma see that, I'm still gettin more
Yeah I'm comin in, I'm gon' see my friends
To the top floor, it seems it never ends
Heaven never ends, yeah it never ends
It be goin on, it's phenomenon
Like a new born, or a Stevie song
It be going on, do ya feel it?
(Do ya feel it? Do ya feel it?)
The snare drum go
My brother Shaka would've wanted me to say this to y'all
Don't lose sight y'all without giving a fight
I'm channeling Weldon Irvine Mr. Clean
He would've wanted me to say what I mean, and mean give it right
Dilla, havin you in my past has been a blast
You've inspired so many and forever will you last
And to my father, yo your spirit is drapin me
Never escapin me, I'm happy that I had you in my past
Uh, uh, let's go
A-let's go
Let's go
Let's go, uh
Tka, uh
The song "Shaka" by Q-Tip is a tribute to the people who have influenced his life and helped him become the artist he is today. Q-Tip pays homage to his brother Shaka, as well as two other legends of hip hop, Dilla Dawg and Master Wel. He reflects on the experiences and lessons he learned from these individuals and how they impacted his life. Q-Tip emphasizes the importance of celebrating and cherishing those who have made a difference in our lives, even if it's just one person. He also talks about the power he feels when he's on the microphone, and how he uses his music to spread positivity and inspire others.
Throughout the song, Q-Tip mentions several other influential figures in his life, such as Weldon Irvine and his father. He acknowledges the impact they have had on him, and how they continue to shape his worldview and approach to music. The song has an upbeat, energetic feel, with a driving beat and catchy chorus. Overall, "Shaka" is a tribute to the power of human connection and the positive influence we can have on each other.
Line by Line Meaning
My brother Shaka would have wanted me to do it like this
Q-Tip believes that his brother Shaka would have wanted him to create and perform music that is honest and authentic.
So raise your glasses for the lost ones in your life
Q-Tip encourages his listeners to pay tribute to their loved ones who have passed away by remembering and celebrating their lives.
Dilla Dawg and Master Wel would have wanted me, as well
Q-Tip acknowledges the influence and inspiration of fellow musicians J Dilla and Master Wel, who have passed away.
To propel with the spirit of the mic
Q-Tip wants to continue making music with passion, creativity, and a true love for the art form.
Even if you had one person with you and it's hard
Q-Tip recognizes that it can be difficult to pursue your goals, but having someone who supports you can make all the difference.
They make it easy, celebrate them, let them just who they are
Q-Tip advises his listeners to appreciate and honor the people who make their lives better and easier, and to accept them for who they truly are.
Because of these experiences I have some control
Q-Tip has gained a sense of confidence and autonomy through his life experiences, which allows him to control his craft and make the music he wants to make.
On the microphone, I'm bold elevating to the stars
Q-Tip feels empowered and bold when he performs, and he aspires to create music that is timeless and reaches new heights.
Here's a demonstration, with the excellence
Q-Tip is about to perform a song, and he wants to show his listeners what he can do.
Reverse the pandemic that's filled with pestilence
Q-Tip wants to reverse the negative effects of the pandemic and create positive change in the world.
Who has his finger on the pulse of the b-boy?
Q-Tip is asking who is in tune with the culture and spirit of hip-hop, particularly the b-boy (breakdancing) style.
Serving fiends with the stream of a d-boy
Q-Tip has the talent and ability to create music that satisfies passionate music fans, like a high-quality drug dealer.
Who's well connected, you must respect it
Q-Tip has a lot of connections and respect in the music industry due to his talent and longevity.
I'm driven with the spirits mentioned in this record
Q-Tip is driven by the creative energy and inspiration that he puts into his music, which he references in this song.
Hopefully this serves as motivation
Q-Tip hopes that his music and lyrics can motivate and inspire his listeners.
The never sayin ?doc? kind of sensation
Q-Tip has a positive and unstoppable spirit that he brings to his music and his life, which he hopes to share with others.
Put my stamp on it, the mic clamps on it
Q-Tip is leaving his unique mark on music and the microphone, and he takes ownership and responsibility for his performances.
Mama I know, let me put lil' thamp on it
Q-Tip is expressing himself through his music, and he wants to make his mother proud of him and his work.
Blade runnin through the day with agility
Q-Tip is dynamic and versatile in his music and his life, able to move through the world with speed, precision, and grace.
Stay gunnin, make way for possibilities
Q-Tip is always pursuing his goals and dreams, and he encourages others to do the same by being open to new opportunities.
It's the capital Q, rap it'll do
Q-Tip is a master of his craft, and he knows that his rap skills are top-notch and can make an impact on his listeners.
What I want it to, it's like tamin a shrew, uh
Q-Tip can control and shape his music and his performances, much like taming a wild animal.
Livin life, the Shakespearean proportions
Q-Tip's life is full of drama, passion, and complexity, like a story or play written by Shakespeare.
Knowin better, I've experienced distortions
Q-Tip has learned from his mistakes and challenges in life, and he has a more clear and accurate understanding of reality as a result.
And through the in and outs, of life's revolvin doors
Q-Tip has experienced the ups and downs of life, and he recognizes that life is constantly changing and evolving.
I'mma see that, I'm still gettin more
Q-Tip is optimistic and determined, confident that he will continue to grow and succeed in his music and his life.
Yeah I'm comin in, I'm gon' see my friends
Q-Tip is excited and looking forward to spending time with his friends and collaborators, who inspire him and support him in his music.
To the top floor, it seems it never ends
Q-Tip is achieving great success and reaching new heights in his music, and he feels like there is more to come.
Heaven never ends, yeah it never ends
Q-Tip believes that there is more to life than what we experience on Earth, and that there is an eternal and spiritual component to existence.
It be goin on, it's phenomenon
Q-Tip recognizes the power and influence of music on people's lives, and he sees his own music as a phenomenon that is constantly evolving.
Like a new born, or a Stevie song
Q-Tip's music is fresh, exciting, and full of life, and he compares it to the feeling of a new child being born or a classic Stevie Wonder song.
Do ya feel it?
Q-Tip wants to connect with his listeners and make them feel the emotional power and energy of his music.
(Do ya feel it? Do ya feel it?)
Q-Tip repeats this question to emphasize the importance of feeling and connecting with music on a deep level.
The snare drum go
Q-Tip uses the sound of the snare drum to punctuate the end of the song and emphasize its rhythmic power.
Don't lose sight y'all without giving a fight
Q-Tip encourages his listeners to stay focused and determined, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
I'm channeling Weldon Irvine Mr. Clean
Q-Tip is paying tribute to musician Weldon Irvine, who inspires him with his creativity and vision for music.
He would've wanted me to say what I mean, and mean give it right
Q-Tip believes that Weldon Irvine would have wanted him to be honest and authentic in his music, and to always be true to himself.
Dilla, havin you in my past has been a blast
Q-Tip reminisces about the late musician J Dilla, who was a close friend and collaborator, and whose life and work have left a positive impact on Q-Tip's own music.
You've inspired so many and forever will you last
Q-Tip recognizes the tremendous influence and legacy of J Dilla's music, and he believes that it will continue to inspire and impact new generations of artists.
And to my father, yo your spirit is drapin me
Q-Tip pays tribute to his father, who has passed away, and acknowledges the ongoing influence and inspiration that his father's life and memory have on Q-Tip's own music and creativity.
Never escapin me, I'm happy that I had you in my past
Q-Tip feels grateful for the time he had with his father, and he believes that his father's legacy will always be a part of Q-Tip's own life and journey.
Uh, uh, let's go
Q-Tip gets ready to perform his music with enthusiasm and energy.
A-let's go
Q-Tip encourages his listeners to join him on this musical journey and experience the power and excitement of his sound.
Let's go
Q-Tip repeats this phrase to build up the energy and momentum of the song and to get his listeners excited for what's to come.
Let's go, uh
Q-Tip continues the energetic rhythm of the song and gets his listeners hyped up for the music to come.
Tka, uh
Q-Tip punctuates the end of the song with a rhythmic triplet of sounds, emphasizing the power and energy of the music he has created.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, KURT ROSENWINKEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind