The Renaissance
by
The Renaissance Image
Metascore
82

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

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

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  • 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  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: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. ClaireF
    Mar 31, 2009
    10
    One of the best albums I have bought in years...immense!
  2. EricM
    Feb 27, 2009
    10
    This album is magnificent, a great experience
  4. KyleZ
    Nov 14, 2008
    10
    Get this man a Grammy. Now.
  5. rays
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    Great album! From beginning to end I was not disappointed by any of the tracks, smooth beats, with amazing vocals. A few of the tracks even Great album! From beginning to end I was not disappointed by any of the tracks, smooth beats, with amazing vocals. A few of the tracks even take it back in time reminding me of the tribe days. This is definitely an album that I will be listening to for years to come!… Expand
  6. TomaD
    Jul 9, 2009
    9
    One of the best Hip-Hop albums I've heard in ages! Easily one of the best of the 2000's decade. Keep it up Q-Man!
  7. EddieD
    Nov 20, 2008
    9
    Q-Tip's back!! Its been a long time coming but the wait was well worth it for this masterpiece! This is more than a dope hip hop album, Q-Tip's back!! Its been a long time coming but the wait was well worth it for this masterpiece! This is more than a dope hip hop album, this is great music that transcends genre's.… 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 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best Album of 2008
94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2008
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2008

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