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The Renaissance
by
The Renaissance Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

  • Summary: Q-Tip returns to release his first solo album in nine years with guests such as D'Angelo, Amanda Diva, Norah Jones, and Raphael Saadiq.

Top Track

You
wait its you and at the end of it all its you and at the end its you at the end of it all its you its you its you at the end of it all its you its... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    His music now seems as fresh and necessary an alternative to rap's mainstream as it did when Tribe first arrived. Welcome back, old friend.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Though he gripes that fans are always bringing up Tribe, The Renaissance is a showcase for Q-Tip's cool and empathetic consciousness.
  3. Paste Magazine
    82
    The Renaissance is the logical extension of this exploratory work, coupled with Q-Tip’s need to, once and for all, step out from behind Tribe’s long, dominant shadow, and in many respects (if not all), it succeeds wildly in both dimensions.
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    In between there's much else to savour, from smooth slow jams to Won't Trade's terrific blast of rap meets '60s soul. [Jan 2009, p.123]
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  5. Village Voice
    80
    After myriad delays and label woes, it's clear the interminable wait for new material was worth it.
  6. The New York Times
    70
    Some of this works wickedly--'Believe,' the D’Angelo track, is a keeper, as is 'Gettin’ Up,' a charismatic come-on--but there are just as many small missteps.
  7. Uncut
    60
    The Renaissance offers a compromise between the rootsy East Coast rap he helped to define and the LP you imagine the label wanted. [Jan 2008, p.111]
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See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. ClaireF
    Mar 31, 2009
    10
    One of the best albums I have bought in years...immense!
  2. BIGMAN22
    Apr 19, 2016
    10
    superb production and intricate lyricism from one of hip hops elite Mc's. like his past work with a tribe called quest this will go down as asuperb production and intricate lyricism from one of hip hops elite Mc's. like his past work with a tribe called quest this will go down as a true masterpiece.… Expand
  4. MatthewM
    Nov 5, 2008
    10
    After many poor comeback albums in the last few years, finally a hip hop album that lives up to it's anticipation. This may be the best After many poor comeback albums in the last few years, finally a hip hop album that lives up to it's anticipation. This may be the best hip hop album since "Speakerboxx/The Love Below".… Expand
  5. KyleZ
    Nov 14, 2008
    10
    Get this man a Grammy. Now.
  6. BrydenS
    Jan 26, 2009
    9
    One of the forefathers of conscious rap reemerges after a lengthy absence and two shelved albums to release his best album since Tribe's One of the forefathers of conscious rap reemerges after a lengthy absence and two shelved albums to release his best album since Tribe's prime and easily one of the finest hip-hop releases of 2008. He expands his vocal palette singing more and rapping less as well as collaborating with guests from the usual suspects the late great DIlla to those unexpected, Norah Jones. Despite the stylistic variations Q-Tip's material remains consistently high quality throughout. Hopefully the followup won't take nearly a decade to surface.… Expand
  7. steveC
    Jan 16, 2009
    9
    After the massive disappointment of Amplified nearly 10 years ago ('Breathe & Stop' only sounded good on the much-played Michael After the massive disappointment of Amplified nearly 10 years ago ('Breathe & Stop' only sounded good on the much-played Michael Jackson Don't stop till you get enough mash-up bootleg) - this is so worth the wait. A layered, yet accessible piece which breathes life into hip-hop. Stand out tracks: Move, You (a masterpiece), Johnny is Dead, Gettin up, Life is Better. You have to buy this.… Expand
  8. OwenP
    Nov 16, 2008
    3
    Not really that interesting to me. I found it sort of dull and lacking any character. Then again, I'm a huge Wu-Tang fan, so this Not really that interesting to me. I found it sort of dull and lacking any character. Then again, I'm a huge Wu-Tang fan, so this isn't really 'groundbreaking' in my view.… Expand

See all 19 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best Album of 2008
92
#92 Most Discussed Album of 2008
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2008

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