Amplified [EXPLICIT LYRICS]

Q-Tip

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 30, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 30, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B00002R0K9
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (130 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #15,442 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Breaking up is hard to do but sometimes the aftermath can shine a light on the individuals and just what they brought to the mix. Over the course of five albums (three of which are certified hip-hop classics), Q-Tip, the dominant wordsmith and resident sex symbol of A Tribe Called Quest, was the guy with the goods. With his adenoidal tone and nimble way with a rhyme, he was the focus of much of the attention Tribe justifiably received. Yet left to his own devices, Tip falls short and Amplified is not the triumph fans might have expected. Part of the fault lies in the production, which with the exception of two great cuts (both produced by DJ Scratch), is provided by Tip and partner J.D., who also worked the last two (weak) Tribe CDs. Tip's new sound is typified by the revved up, sexy push and pull of his smash "Vivrant Thing." But that song's sound and subject matter--sex--is the main theme throughout this album. Adding to the dilemma is the fact that the advances sent to press were sequenced as if Amplified was one continuous track, which makes the sameness of many of the cuts even more obvious. True, Tip is playful and pointed, but the lyrics are remarkably linear for a guy who once dubbed himself "abstract" and the similarity of the drum patterns and tempo start to grow tiresome. Sadly, what should have been a breakthrough solo debut from a truly gifted artist only makes you yearn for the subtle jazzy touches and deadpan retorts former Tribe members Ali and Phife provided. --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Close buy not Quite, November 29, 1999

By	K. Harris (So Cal) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Q-Tip! What the hell's going on?, December 21, 1999

By	Lee-Lee (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

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? )

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Use a 'Q-Tip' and clean out your ears!, December 6, 1999

By	Tone Ellis "Tone" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

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!