Like fine wine hermetically sealed in temperature-controlled underground vaults, the artiste known as Kamaal the Abstract (or Q-Tip) just continues to get better with time. And anyone who ever doubts his relevancy in today’s music pantheon had to be present at All Points West this weekend to see the Queens, NY native completely rip up the set.
Backed by the legendary DJ Scratch (EPMD) and an ace live band, Tip proceeded to give the people what they needed. He ran through all those special Tribe classics ( “Check the Rime,” “Electric Relaxation,”), gems from his own solo albums (“Vivrant Thing,” “We Fight, We Love”), all the while keeping the intensity and energy at full-tilt. There’s no mistaking it – tonight he was in fine form indeed.
But it was the in-between, spontaneous moments that made this performance truly magic. Moments like whenhe had his bass guitarist strum the melody of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” with the crowd singing in total unison, or when he beatboxed for a good two minutes before launching into Tribe favorite “Bonita Applebum.” His unforgettable set was certainly the highlight of the entire first night of the festival.
Long live Native Tongues – Long live Michael Jackson – Tribe Called Quest Reigns Forever.
