TARGET HELPS Q-TIP CELEBRATE THE RENAISSANCE
shoulda been there
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| Q-Tip |
NEW YORK – It was a perfect case of the past meeting the present when hip-hop’s old school and new school artists came out to celebrate the release of Q-Tip’s long-awaited album, The Renaissance.
The event was hosted by Target and held at Manhattan’s Bowery Hotel. Though things got off to a slow start on the blustery night, the red carpet would later teem with celebrities such as rappers Nas, Talib Kweli, Fonzworth Bentley, producer Mark Ronson, actor Anthony Mackie, RZA, music exec Sylvia Rhone and actress Nia Long.
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Ali Shaheed Muhammad |
Q-Tip’s former A Tribe Called Quest group mate, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, told ro that it was only right that he come out to show his support. “Kamal — Q-Tip is a brother of mine and big or small, I come out to support whatever he’s doing,” he said.
Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA said he was excited to hear Q-Tip’s first album in nine years. “I’m here for Q-Tip tonight. He finally threw this album out and I can’t wait to hear how it sounds,” he said.
Fashionably decked out in a silver bow-tie and black tuxedo with a single red flower in his breast pocket, the man of the hour was the picture of calm as he entered the party, admitting that he was encouraged by the album’s Election Day release. “I didn’t plan it, but it seemed real serendipitous,” he said.
Once inside, party attendees were treated to an impromptu performance by Q-Tip of his single, “Getting’ Up” and A Tribe Called Quest classics such as “Award Tour” and “Electric Relaxation.”
The Renaissance, which is currently in stores and on iTunes, features guest appearances by D’Angelo, Norah Jones, Raphael Saadiq and President-elect Barack Obama. A special limited CD/DVD edition will be available exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com.
–ivory m. jones
