A highly influential figure in hip-hop, known for his innovative production style and lyrical dexterity as a founding member of A Tribe Called Quest. He's also a successful actor, appearing in films and TV shows.
QTip, born Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, is an American rapper, record producer, singer, and DJ renowned for his trailblazing jazz-influenced style of hip-hop production and thought-provoking, esoteric, and introspective lyrical themes. As the iconic MC and main producer of the influential alternative hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, QTip has been instrumental in shaping the sound of hip-hop since the late 1980s.
QTip's storied career spans over three decades, marked by milestones that have cemented his status as one of the most acclaimed figures in hip-hop. In the mid-1990s, he co-founded the production team The Ummah, followed by the release of his gold-certified solo debut Amplified in 1999. The Grammy Award-nominated album The Renaissance (2008) and the experimental album Kamaal the Abstract (2009) further solidified his reputation as a visionary artist.
As an actor, QTip has made notable appearances in films such as Poetic Justice, She Hate Me, and Prison Song, which he co-wrote and starred in. In 2015, he began hosting the Apple Music 1 radio show Abstract Radio, showcasing his eclectic taste and unmatched expertise as a DJ.
In 2016, QTip was appointed as the artistic director for hip-hop culture at the prestigious Kennedy Center. Two years later, he became the instructor of a jazz and hip-hop course at New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, further solidifying his commitment to nurturing the next generation of hip-hop talent.
QTip's impact on hip-hop is immeasurable. AllMusic credits him with leading a jazz-based hip-hop revolution during the 1990s, dubbing him the best rapper-producer in hip-hop history. The Source ranks him the 20th greatest rap lyricist, while Billboard lists him as the sixth greatest hip-hop producer. In 2024, QTip was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of A Tribe Called Quest, a testament to his enduring influence.
QTip's contributions extend beyond the realm of music. His philosophical and introspective approach to hip-hop has inspired countless artists, sparking a cultural movement that transcends generations. As a pioneer, QTip continues to break barriers, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop can be.
54 Years Old
A founding member of A Tribe Called Quest, he brought lyrical dexterity and humor to hip-hop, helping shape the genre's sound and style. Known for his distinctive voice and storytelling ability.
52 Years Old
A prolific rapper, producer, and actor who brought energetic lyrics and a unique style to the hip-hop scene, known for hits like "Woo Hah!!" and "Break Ya Neck".
52 Years Old
A dominant force in 90s hip-hop, known for vivid storytelling and authentic lyrics that painted a gritty picture of life in Brooklyn. His music addressed social issues and told stories of struggle and triumph.
51 Years Old
A legendary rapper and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with his poetic lyrics and unique flow, known for his debut album "Illmatic" and hits like "N.Y. State of Mind" .
