Customer Reviews

Amplified

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

A bit disappointing considering his history with the Tribe. Has moments, but none as funky as Vivrant Thing.The groove with Busta Rhyme (NT) is pretty cool with only HIGHER and THINGS YOU DO capturing the jazz-funk sound that the Tribe was known for. Real positive lyrics as expected for Q-Tip. The rating would probably be better overall, if the weak to so-so tracks did not bring the overall release down.

As a devout fan of Tribe, I was very sad to here about the break-up, but was somewhat excited to see what solo projects would become of this separation. So, naturally when Qtips album dropped I bought it, hands down. But what I heard from Qtip was somewhat disappointing. I mean the album is pretty good, but I think Tip could have come off alot better. Yes, most of the album is cool, but it seems as if it (the album) has no soul, but just another one for the shelve to push off on so-called hip-hop fans. I say this b/c, if you listen to Tip on everything in the past (from the Tribe albums to guest appearances) you can always "feel" that hes coming from the heart and soul, thats what made him rise above the other MCs. I wasnt expecting the old Tip from ATCQ, but I wasnt expecting a T & A obsessed MC (see recent videos). I guess hes just going through periods of difficulty, in that "relationship" aspect of life b/c you are what you rhyme. (Maybe it has something to do with him and Janet? )

Q-Tip's solo debut is a far cry from the groundbreaking hip-hop genius that was A Tribe Called Quest, and everywhere Tip goes he will carry the ATCQ comparison with him. After the first listen, I must say I am somewhat disappointed, as I'm sure most old school Tribe fans will be. While he still has that infectious Robert Plant originality in his nasal voice, the hooks and beats supporting the lyrics are anything but original. The "Abstract" has definitely opted for a more mainstream, Bad Boy-esque beat and sample formula that made and will soon break Puff Daddy. However, the album does have its highlights. While most of us have heard the song and seen the video, "Vivrant Thing" is still a bumpin' track and is the reason that repeat buttons were put on CD players. The first released single, "Breathe and Stop", sounds more like "Vivrant Thing, Pt. 2" but will still get your head bouncing. "Wait Up" is the sleeper here, laced with grooved out jazz samples and a steady, laid back beat. I still recommend this CD for a true Tribe and Q-tip fan. Ironically, Tribe fans are left wondering whether or not Tip "Can Still Kick It".

First time i spun this album, I was quite disappointed. The lyrics seemed a bit banal and unimaginative (especially for Tip), the content (misogynist? possibly...) was a bit alarming, and the beats, while certainly funky, didn't knock me off my feet. After a few more listens, I've been enjoying it a bit more, especially 'Breathe and Stop,' 'Wait Up,' and 'All In.' And has anybody dug the loop from John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" on 'Let's Ride'? My final verdict, however, is still mixed. This isn't the kind of album that one listens to all the way through without skipping any tracks. Rather, it seems like a semblage of a few hot singles and some other so-so material. And what's up with Tip's videos? I mean, the booty shots in 'Vivrant Thing,' and especially 'Breathe and Stop.' If I wanted to see butts in a video, I'd watch Master P, or Juvenile, not Tip! Honestly, I expect more creativity out of Q-Tip. This album delivers decent creativity, but nothing like Tip did with Tribe. Remember "I learned how to build mics in my workshop class?" Gimme 'Midnight Marauders' anyday.

What happened to Q-Tip? This thing's got about 6 sweet beats (1,2,5,6,11,hidden track) and a few choice rhymes. Problem is...it ain't Tip. He's rappin about sex, sex, sex, his truck, the end of the world, and what a good MC he is. Excuse me, he WAS. Obviously, he's still got the lyrical smoothness and cool allusions that made him in the first place. But I can't help remembering what he said in like '91 with "When The Papes Come In," - "This ain't on the pop tip, yo."

Eight years later, apparently, it is on the pop tip - and pretty hardcore on it, if I do suggest. No social issues, almost nothing positive, and a totally demeaning attitude towards women...this from the MC that basically kept positivity alive during the Rap Dark Ages of the early-mid/late 90's. And besides all that, he changed his flow! He screws around with his line-ending syllables now in a really annoying way, and he speeds and slows his delivery to keep up with the beat, almost like he can't find it!

I think sellout is an appropriate term, even though I hate to admit it. I'm all for giving him one more chance, but if the follow-up doesn't improve on this club sh**t, I'm sticking with the MC's I can trust - De La, The Roots, Common, Black Star (and Mos and Kweli), Outkast, etc. Tip-what happened?

If you're an ATCQ fan you may be disappointed with Q Tip's new solo album Amplified. I was expecting more meaningful lyrics, instead Amplified delivered status quo lyrics with the all too familiar 90's hip hop superficialism. The only reference to any spirituality was his thanks to Allah on the CD package. As a huge Tribe fan myself, I had been waiting for Tip's CD for 2 months. Yet, overall there was no message from the lyrics. Despite the lack of substance I enjoyed the beats, especially the funky guitar riffs in Let's Ride. I recommend this CD for the casual Tribe fan.

Here's a question: Do you like your Q classic or new?

If you plan to buy this album and your expecting A Tribe Called Quest revival, expect to be either surprised or disappointed. On the good side this album is filled with strong courageous beats and abstract rhymes. If you want a break from all that Hard Core sh(uff) and looking for something light and fun- then this is it. On the bad, his TCQ fan base might feel a little alienated because it is NOT on the Tribe tip. Long time TCQ fans may have to listen to this CD several times before you start to appreciate it. Don't expect to get too much of a message out of Q-Tip (lyric wise) because most of the time he doesn't make sense, but then again, that's why he's called The Abstract!

My opinion? His new material sounds alot better than most of the Hip-Hop albums I have heard in 1999. If you want to hear a veteran take it in a new direction- jump on it! If you don't, then it is best for you to close your ears or dig in your CD bins for that old Tribe stuff!

I am so disappointed in Q-Tip's new CD. I LOVED ATCQ and how different they were from other mainstream hip-hop groups because of their powerful and uplifting messages and lyrics. But Q-TIP's new CD is so misogynistic! The lyrics are so disrespectful to women it is unbelievable! I mean he is talking about 'hitting the bush' and 'let your p---y drip down on the dance floor'! Where did all of that 'hate' come from! And the profanity is out of control! He uses the 'F' word so much, I felt like I was being cursed out! I mean this was the brotha who used to rap about being a '100% INTELLIGENT BLACK CHILD...' I feel so hurt and betrayed by his commercialism! He is no different than anybody else as far as his lyrics are concerned. The ONLY positive things that I can say about this CD are that the beats to the cuts are slammin' and of course VIVRANT THING can't be touched. But I'm going to try to take my copy of this CD back to the store and pick up the TCQ anthology instead.....

Q-Tip is an absolute genius in my opinion and he has been a part of some of the greatest songs I know of. Buddy with De La Soul, Groove Is In The Heart with Dee Lite, Get It Together with the Beastie Boys, and too many insanely great songs with ATCQ to even try and name here. When I heard he was putting out a solo album I knew I would want to buy it without even hearing a single track first. Vivrant Thing (10) is without a doubt the fattest track on the disc and gets my vote for song of the year. It has a beat you just can't get tired of and his vocals blow me away. I also like Wait Up (1), Things U Do (6), All In (7), and Do It (9). I especially like his use of guitar and piano to lay down a kickin beat. The collaborations with Busta Rhymes and Korn aren't bad either. I can't wait for his next CD.

Throughout my whole life my name has been synonymous with Q-Tip. No one will understand how much Q-Tip, Phife, Ali have musically inspired me, and enlightened me on aspects of life. But I have to say Q-tip has changed. I am going to be even brutal and speculate he is making music JUST for the money now, and trying to produce the next new "party" song. His lyrics are now strongly directed to "sex" and toward the "stereo typical" black community, which is fine for his new fans, but don't buy to this album if you're a true quester.