Description
Q-Tip – Amplified – Compact Disc
Q-Tip’s Amplified, released on November 30, 1999, is the debut solo album from the former A Tribe Called Quest frontman. Marking a stylistic departure from the jazzy, conscious sound that defined his work with the legendary group, Amplified embraces a more commercial, club-ready aesthetic. Featuring production from J Dilla and Q-Tip himself, the album blends funky, bass-heavy beats with Q-Tip’s smooth, charismatic flow. Tracks like Vivrant Thing and Breathe and Stop became significant hits, solidifying his transition from group leader to solo star.
Q-Tip (born Jonathan Davis, later Kamal Fareed) was already a hip-hop icon by the time he launched his solo career. As one of the founding members of A Tribe Called Quest, he helped define the golden age of hip-hop with albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders. When the group disbanded in 1998, Q-Tip embarked on a solo journey, aiming to blend his artistic sensibilities with a sound that could appeal to a wider audience.
Amplified represents a shift toward mainstream appeal without sacrificing the innovative production and lyrical intelligence that had always defined his work. While some longtime fans of A Tribe Called Quest viewed the album as overly commercial, it earned Q-Tip new fans and demonstrated his versatility as an artist.
The production on Amplified leans heavily on funky basslines, crisp drum patterns, and melodic hooks. Collaborating with J Dilla, Q-Tip crafts a sound that bridges the gap between underground sensibilities and commercial viability. The beats are polished and groove-oriented, designed to resonate in clubs and on radio while still maintaining a level of sophistication.
Q-Tip’s delivery throughout the album is confident and relaxed, with his signature nasal tone adding a unique flair to the slick production. The lyrics often focus on themes of love, lust, and self-expression, delivered with a playful, almost flirtatious energy.
Track Highlights
Vivrant Thing
The album’s lead single and breakout hit, this track is a funky, feel-good anthem with an infectious hook. The vibrant production and Q-Tip’s charismatic flow make it one of his most memorable solo tracks.
Breathe and Stop
A club-ready track with a bouncy bassline and hypnotic groove, Breathe and Stop highlights Q-Tip’s ability to command the dancefloor while maintaining lyrical precision.
Moving with U
A smooth, romantic track with sultry production, showcasing Q-Tip’s softer, more melodic side.
Let’s Ride
Produced by J Dilla, this track features a minimalist beat and atmospheric vibe, emphasizing Q-Tip’s laid-back delivery.
Do It, See It, Be It
A reflective song that delves into themes of personal growth and ambition, combining introspective lyrics with an understated groove.
Things U Do
A funk-infused track with playful lyrics and a driving rhythm, reflecting the album’s party-ready tone.
All In
Featuring Korn’s Jonathan Davis, this track blends hip-hop with a touch of rock influence, pushing the album into experimental territory.
Go Hard
A harder-hitting track with a more aggressive tone, balancing the album’s lighter moments with grit and determination.
Amplified explores a variety of themes, with Q-Tip embracing a more playful and hedonistic tone compared to the socially conscious lyrics of his work with A Tribe Called Quest. Love, attraction, and nightlife dominate much of the album’s lyrical content, presented with Q-Tip’s characteristic wit and charm. Tracks like Vivrant Thing and Breathe and Stop celebrate sensuality and self-confidence, while songs like Do It, See It, Be It hint at his introspective side.
Upon release, Amplified received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Some praised Q-Tip’s ability to create a commercially viable yet artistically rich album, while others lamented the departure from the jazz-infused, conscious sound of his earlier work. The album’s standout singles, Vivrant Thing and ‘Breathe and Stop, became major hits, with the former earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Commercially, the album was a success, reaching No. 28 on the Billboard 200 and achieving Gold certification from the RIAA. Over time, Amplified has been re-evaluated as an essential part of Q-Tip’s catalog, showcasing his versatility and his ability to adapt to the evolving hip-hop landscape of the late 1990s.
Amplified helped establish Q-Tip as a solo artist, paving the way for future projects like The Renaissance (2008). It also contributed to the mainstream success of producers like J Dilla, whose influence on hip-hop has grown exponentially in the years since. Tracks like Vivrant Thing remain staples of late-1990s hip-hop playlists and are often celebrated for their crossover appeal.
The album also reflects the broader transition of hip-hop during the late 1990s, as the genre became increasingly commercialized while retaining its artistic core.
Amplified is a bold and confident debut that showcases Q-Tip’s ability to evolve as an artist. While it represents a departure from the sound that defined A Tribe Called Quest, the album’s infectious grooves, innovative production, and charismatic performances make it a standout project in his career. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Q-Tip or a newcomer to his work, Amplified offers a vibrant snapshot of a pivotal moment in hip-hop history.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Wait Up
Higher
Breathe And Stop
Moving With U
Let’s Ride
Things U Do
All In
Go Hard
Do It Producer – DJ Scratch
Vivrant Thing
N.T. Featuring – Busta Rhymes
End Of Time Vocals – Korn
Do It, Be It, See It
