Even when Q-Tip is tired, barely audible and limits his responses to short, sharp bursts, you know you’re listening to hip hop history. And when ITM spoke to Q-Tip on President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Day, history was definitely on his mind.“This is definitely a historic moment,” he said. “I spent today just watching the whole thing and soaking it all up. It is definitely feels like the beginning of something new.”

The past and future has always played an integral role in the 38 year old’s career. During the decade long lifespan of A Tribe Called Quest, Tip, together with fellow rapper Phife Dawg and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammed, created an influential sonic template harnessing the jazz and blues of old and creating a new sound different from hip hop emerging gangsterism. Where Ice Cube and Dr Dre were rapping about bitches and getting paid, Q-Tip was looking for his wallet in El Segundo and preaching respect for females.

Critically acclaimed, but commercially wobbly, Tribe disbanded years before their pioneering hip-hop-soul fusion became the blue print for million selling albums by the likes of Outkast and Kanye West. Q-Tip doesn’t mind. He’s happy with the band’s achievements.

“I see the Tribe legacy as one of the strongest in modern music,” he said. “From us came so many artists, like Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, the Fugees and Kanye West. I feel very honoured to have been able to contribute to such a way that 20 years later, it is still a reference point.”

Q-Tip latest release, The Renaissance, is only his second record in 9 years, but he’d managed to successfully keep up his profile through star turns in tracks by eclectic artists ranging from Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes and REM.

“The key was just to keep busy and keep working,” he said. “People say where has Tip been? Well I have always been there trying different things and working hard to some great music out.”

Part of that hard work was fighting against the record label Arista Records, who managed to quash two attempts for his follow up to his successful solo debut Amplified. Q Tip subsequently left the label to joined Motown Records/Universal. He’s adamant the experience didn’t make him bitter.

“It was just something that happened and I didn’t want to dwell on it,” he said. “I just went back and continued doing what I always did. I worked on some new songs which eventually became Renaissance.”

The Renaissance is vintage Q-Tip. It’s a sumptuous collection of jazzy sampling mixed with a live band sound that is equally tough and organic. On the vocal front, Q-Tip rapping is as nimble and comforting as ever and his soft croon remains effective in giving the tracks that soulful heart. He said the title of his latest album was meant to have people talking,

“The Renaissance is significant because for some time now people have questioned the integrity of hip-hop,” he said. “I feel like the time is ideal for something that has a revionist spirit to it.” Q-Tip reckons that with new recording and promotion technology available to artists, good hip hop can eventually make a return as classic groups are now easily accessible to the mainstream. “One of the many cool things about the digital word is that it has grown the appetite for good music,” he said. “Now people can find an obscure Beatles song or an EPMD remix online, so everyone is becoming more hip.’’

Q Tip is looking forward to playing to Australian fans with his full band. He acknowledges that it has been a long time, but promises a great show. “It will be a celebration of good music,” he said. “I’m coming down with the band so that is very exciting. We are looking forward to partying with you all in Australia.”

On the topic of when he will start working on his third album, Q tip refuses to be drawn into a proposed release date. He’ll return to the studio when the time is right. “I think I can speak for myself, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and D’Angelo when I say that we make music when the spirit is with us,” he said. “We paint intense, colourful pictures, so it takes time.”

Make history with Q-Tip on the Good Vibrations tour…

Sat Feb 14 – Sydney, Centennial Park
Sun Feb 15 – Melbourne, The Nursery: Flemington Racecourse
Sat Feb 21 – Gold Coast, Parklands Showgrounds
Sun Feb 22 – Perth, Heirisson Island

Don’t forget to check out ITM’s Festival page for everything Good Vibrations as the tour draws ever closer…