“The Story Of Q-Tip”: 10 Things We’ve Learned From Q-Tip’s BBC Interview

A Tribe Called Quest singlehandedly influenced the sound of hip-hop during the early 90’s with their original sound and message. In a recent interview, ATCQ’s very own Q-Tip sat down with Benji B at BBC Radio 1 to reflect on his career.

1. The first record that Q-Tip bought was a Jackson 5 record.

To be grammatically correct, the record was “Dancing Machine,” which Tip went onto sample later down the road.

2. Q-Tip says that block parties were the origin of hip-hop to him.

3. His original name was J-Nice.

At the time in which Tip was coming up, everyone’s rap name ended with a “Ice” or “Nice.” Fortunately for him, Afrika from the Jungle Brothers started calling him Q-Tip. Despite not being a fan of the original nickname, Tip began to like it once he realized how fond the ladies had grown of his new alias.

4. Q-Tip attended Murry Bergtraum where he met Jarobi and Ali Shaheed.

The three connected with Phife Dawg, a childhood friend of Tip’s and “A Tribe Called Quest Was Born.”

5. He made complex sounds.

Known for his laid-back and chill instrumentals, Q-Tip would combine sounds from other songs and alter them to match his vision for the song. His unique skills helped capture the interests of the old school and the new school.

6. He was influenced by the Black Panthers.

During a time where the Black Panthers’ presence seemed to be evident in his Queens neighborhood, Tip considered joining.

7. “Low-End Theory” sparked the first of many collaborations with Busta Rhymes.

8. Q-Tip had a provocative vision for one of his album covers.

“My idea was to have Naoimi Campbell painted nude with those colors with a white background and the tribe painted on her ass. The label thought it was too provocative.”

9. He is a humble artist.

“The fame thing is not what it’s set out to be,” said Q-Tip. Often referred to as an artist who was reluctant to seek stardom, Tip shared that he would rather move people like Bob Marley and John Lennon did.

10. In addition to rereleasing “Low End Theory” for its 25th anniversary, Q-Tip will also be releasing a new album on Kanye’s G.O.O.D Music label.