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."
Won
Q-Tip Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Siphoning out your cash, seein' the door, the flash
While I stay enclosed, walkin' out in my clothes
She said, "I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
You motherfuckin' right, wantin' this shit every night
Finish up, I hold her tight, wearin' feelings on my sleeve
Even when I had to leave, cooler than the evening breeze
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
The Division One leader, in the rebound with numerous shorties, off the post
Goin' coast to coast, she on the hardwood, sub, I'm out the game
She sayin', "Nah, he good", I mean
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
For no amount of dough, franchise this man
Give him all the things you can
Think long-term plans, he be bringin' in the fans
Front-page magazine, listen to this lady scream:
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
Cause she know what's better for her
Toppin' in the peckin' order
Fluid like the runnin' water, nicest nigga? Kinda, sorta
When he screamin' just the slaughter, no matter the quarter
I get it
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
The club-house king, battin' practice, slug and swing
Game time's anything, when I'm in, you're 'bout a minute
Holdin' the bat, it's good as fact
She's out the park, and comin' back
She sayin'
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
Everywhere you sit you get a good view of the ballplayer and all
And the famous hall inevitably will make a call
Hangin' memorabilia from your walls
This is why you can't trade me
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
You can put your money on a sure thing
Certain profits will they bring
Ceremonies are the ringer, in the White House thing
Clear your mantle, the trophies I bring
Do you wanna trade?
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
Cause in the end as a teammate
You're lookin' for a back shoot, and go-to ball
Leaves it all on the floor, always lookin' to score
Pep-talks in the locker-room
This is why you sing this tune
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
And injuries can't make me sit, I ball till you get out
Hook off, no di-doubt, and all like get out
I train for the pressure and come out fresher
Equipped for the game, you know my name
It makes me better
A cheer, for the whole team, let's go, for the whole thing
The ballad that you're holding, MVP voting
And I, represent the sentiment, you're emoting
As you say
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
The physical ability, with mental capability
Legitimately places me inside of your vicinity
And I ain't really seein' me vacatin' this community
I'm stayin' here
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
I'm glad that you feel this way
Here's where I like to play
I need to hear it everyday, they cheer for me, say, "Ole"
Wait a minute, "Andele"?
I dunno, well, anyway
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
In "Won't Trade", Q-Tip focuses on the idea of being irreplaceable, both in the artistic and personal sense. The first verse speaks about how people will try to take advantage of you and drain your resources, while you stay true to yourself. The chorus, sung by a female voice, repeats the phrase "I wouldn't trade it for nothing", emphasizing that there's nothing worth giving up what you have. In the second verse, Q-Tip plays with sports metaphors, describing himself as a valuable player that can't be traded, due to his talent and dedication. The bridge talks about the physical and mental attributes that place him in the elite group of performers, and how he won't leave that community.
The song's message is clear: he's content with where he's at and doesn't need to constantly pursue more fame and money, since he's happy with what he has. Additionally, being part of a supportive community that values his talent is something that money can't buy. Q-Tip encourages his listeners to be confident in their own abilities and not compromise themselves for anything.
Line by Line Meaning
For your epitaph, niggas laugh, chicks steady gas your ass
People may not take you seriously and may not value you in the long run, they may only want to be around you for what they can gain
Siphoning out your cash, seein' the door, the flash
People will take advantage of you and take your money, and when they see an opportunity to leave they will take it
While I stay enclosed, walkin' out in my clothes
Instead of seeking external validation, I keep my true self and worth internal and present myself as I am
She said, 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Despite what others may think, she values and cherishes me just the way I am and wouldn't want to trade me for anything
You motherfuckin' right, wantin' this shit every night
I am confident in my abilities and worth, and recognize that others desire to be around me because of it
Finish up, I hold her tight, wearin' feelings on my sleeve
I am unafraid to express my emotions and express physical affection towards my partner
Even when I had to leave, cooler than the evening breeze
Even when leaving a situation or person, I remain calm and collected
Do you believe? 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Repeating the sentiment that, despite the circumstances, she wouldn't ever want to trade me for anything
The Division One leader, in the rebound with numerous shorties, off the post
Acknowledging and boasting about my athletic ability and success with women
Goin' coast to coast, she on the hardwood, sub, I'm out the game
As I travel, I leave my partner behind and risk losing them while I continue to play the 'game'
She sayin', 'Nah, he good', I mean / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Despite the potential risk and temptation, she remains steadfast in her belief that she wouldn't want to trade me for anything else
For no amount of dough, franchise this man
My value is immeasurable and I am worth more than any sum of money
Give him all the things you can / Think long-term plans, he be bringin' in the fans
Investing in me has long-term gains and I will bring in the support of many fans
Front-page magazine, listen to this lady scream: / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Continuing to reiterate the sentiment that my worth is immeasurable and irreplaceable
Cause she know what's better for her / Toppin' in the peckin' order
Recognizing that she knows what is best for her and choosing me as her partner puts her at the top of the hierarchy
Fluid like the runnin' water, nicest nigga? Kinda, sorta / When he screamin' just the slaughter, no matter the quarter
Comparing my fluidity to water and my ability to still perform and take charge even in challenging or high-pressure moments
The club-house king, battin' practice, slug and swing / Game time's anything, when I'm in, you're 'bout a minute
Taking pride in my athletic abilities and ability to excel on the field, leaving my competitors with little time to act
Holdin' the bat, it's good as fact / She's out the park, and comin' back / She sayin' / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Believing in my skills and successfully executing them, earning the admiration and loyalty of those around me
Everywhere you sit you get a good view of the ballplayer and all / And the famous hall inevitably will make a call / Hangin' memorabilia from your walls / This is why you can't trade me / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Acknowledging that people appreciate and value my talents by displaying memorabilia and photos of me, reinforcing my worth and refusing to be traded
You can put your money on a sure thing / Certain profits will they bring / Ceremonies are the ringer, in the White House thing / Clear your mantle, the trophies I bring / Do you wanna trade? / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Drawn comparisons between my worth and value of profitable investments, and emphasizing my ability to win championships and earn accolades, which further reinforces my value
Cause in the end as a teammate / You're lookin' for a back shoot, and go-to ball / Leaves it all on the floor, always lookin' to score / Pep-talks in the locker-room / This is why you sing this tune / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Acknowledging that, as a teammate, I am always willing to take charge and lead the way, and recognizing the importance of motivation and teamwork
And injuries can't make me sit, I ball till you get out / Hook off, no di-doubt, and all like get out / I train for the pressure and come out fresher / Equipped for the game, you know my name / It makes me better / A cheer, for the whole team, let's go, for the whole thing / The ballad that you're holding, MVP voting / And I, represent the sentiment, you're emoting / As you say / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Highlighting my dedication to the game and my ability to rise above challenges, and acknowledging that others appreciate and recognize my value as an MVP and representative of their feelings and sentiment of not wanting to trade me for anything
The physical ability, with mental capability / Legitimately places me inside of your vicinity / And I ain't really seein' me vacatin' this community / I'm stayin' here / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Emphasizing my strengths, both physical and mental, and illustrating that I belong in certain environments and communities because of my worth and value to that community
I'm glad that you feel this way / Here's where I like to play / I need to hear it everyday, they cheer for me, say, 'Ole' / Wait a minute, 'Andele'? / I dunno, well, anyway / 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing'
Appreciating the admiration and loyalty of others, and basking in the limelight and praise of those who cheer for me, reaffirming my value and worth to myself and others
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, FRED LAVON BRIDGES, BOBBY EATON, RICHARD KNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SplendidFilmss
For your epitaph, niggas laugh, chicks steady gas your ass
Siphoning out your cash, seein' the door, the flash
While I stay enclosed, walkin' out in my clothes
She said, "I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
You motherfuckin' right, wantin' this shit every night
Finish up, I hold her tight, wearin' feelings on my sleeve
Even when I had to leave, cooler than the evening breeze
Do you believe?
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
The Division One leader, in the rebound with numerous shorties, off the post
Goin' coast to coast, she on the hardwood, sub, I'm out the game
She sayin', "Nah, he good", I mean
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
For no amount of dough, franchise this man
Give him all the things you can
Think long-term plans, he be bringin' in the fans
Front-page magazine, listen to this lady scream:
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
Cause she know what's better for her
Toppin' in the peckin' order
Fluid like the runnin' water, nicest nigga? Kinda, sorta
When he screamin' just the slaughter, no matter the quarter
I get it
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
The club-house king, battin' practice, slug and swing
Game time's anything, when I'm in, you're 'bout a minute
Holdin' the bat, it's good as fact
She's out the park, and comin' back
She sayin'
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
Everywhere you sit you get a good view of the ballplayer and all
And the famous hall inevitably will make a call
Hangin' memorabilia from your walls
This is why you can't trade me
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
You can put your money on a sure thing
Certain profits will they bring
Ceremonies are the ringer, in the White House thing
Clear your mantle, the trophies I bring
Do you wanna trade?
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
Cause in the end as a teammate
You're lookin' for a back shoot, and go-to ball
Leaves it all on the floor, always lookin' to score
Pep-talks in the locker-room
This is why you sing this tune
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
And injuries can't make me sit, I ball till you get out
Hook off, no di-doubt, and all like get out
I train for the pressure and come out fresher
Equipped for the game, you know my name
It makes me better
A cheer, for the whole team, let's go, for the whole thing
The ballad that you're holding, MVP voting
And I, represent the sentiment, you're emoting
As you say
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
The physical ability, with mental capability
Legitimately places me inside of your vicinity
And I ain't really seein' me vacatin' this community
I'm stayin' here
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
I'm glad that you feel this way
Here's where I like to play
I need to hear it everyday, they cheer for me, say, "Ole"
Wait a minute, "Andele"?
I dunno, well, anyway
"I wouldn't trade it for nothing"
@cassandra5390
take this, and apply it to EVERY TRADE YOU CAN THINK OF!
THATS WHAT IT IS, in the real world in real life!
EVERY SINGLE TRADE THAT DOES SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!
I WANNA KNOW WHAT IT IS!
I WOULD'NT TRADE IT FOR NOTHIN!
but you DONT act that way tho!
this doesnt just apply to atheletes....
think about that.
i dont care what you do for a living.
if youre GOOD AT IT, YOU ARE NEEDED!
"I WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR NOTHIN!"
@2001jonb
what a wicked sample. q tip's flow on this one is amazing.
@dominiccampagna5003
Wicked is a perfect word. I’m a die hard Tribe fan and I’m hearing this for the first time gdddd
@jeneralj.u.-ice6607
This was and still is an all around dope ass album! Respect to Tip and his ATCQ brethren! R.I.P Phife.
@danielaustin953
Head won't stop nodding.
@extraplaceschannel
The way the chorus cuts short and the Q-Tips flow continues is genius - what a tune!
@wrees6608
still hearing this sound in 2020 pandemic
@dann5708
I like every song Q-tip sing's. Brilliant Artist!
@cuttingedgevintage
You know when you sleep on an album and come back to it and feel sorry for yourself because it's so dope.
My current YouTube status 🙈
@dynamicvegies8485
Choice
@ohhShinxx
No matter what beat it is, Q-Tip will somehow find the perfect flow for it.