Q-Tip releases Kamaal the Abstract Sept 15th

Q-Tip’s Long-Awaited Album
Kamaal the Abstract
Out September 15th via Battery Records.

Re-mixed & Re-mastered Album Includes Bonus Tracks.
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In these hard times, we can all stand a ray of hope. Hope in hip-hop now comes from the legendary, Grammy award winner Q-Tip. His long-delayed album Kamaal the Abstract, slated originally for release in 2001, is finally dropping September 15th on Battery Records. The album has been re-mixed and re-mastered for sonic impact with a new track added, “Make It Work.” Preorders on iTunes will include the bonus track “Damn You’re Cool.” This song is also available on the vinyl version.

A musical hybrid, Kamaal was commendably avant-garde at the time of its creation. Amazingly, it's even more apropos in 2009; given the dearth of musical merit and capable MCs in today's hip-hop, the time is ever-so-right for Tip.

Kamaal the Abstract is an intensely idiosyncratic and revealing record. To that end, Q-Tip produced the entire album himself, even playing several instruments. What comes from Kamaal is a daring mélange of soul, supa-cool jazz, head nodding hip-hop, and organic pop magic in the vein of Stevie Wonder or Prince. Check for the superlative figures of saxophonist Kenny Garrett, a one-time member of Miles Davis' ensemble, on the breathy "Abstractionisms." Or the fluid flute lines of Gary Thomas, another Davis sideman, on "Do U Dig U." Elsewhere, note Tip's ambitious production, arrangements, and even sung stylings. But make no mistake: Kamaal the Abstract still boasts all the earmarks of Q-Tip's inimitable mic control. Listen to him blaze through a spiced narrative on "Even If It Is So." Or paint vivid images on "Blue Girl."
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Kamaal the Abstract track listing:

Feelin’
Do You Dig U? (feat. Gary Thomas & Kurt Rosenwinkel)
A Million Times
Blue Girl
Barely In Love
Heels
Abstractionisms (feat. Kenny Garrett a.k.a. Truth)
Caring
Even If It Is So
Make It Work
Damn You’re Cool (iTunes Preorder Bonus/Vinyl)
Q-Tip's Official Website

Amanda Diva's new FreEP "Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul" download link

Download Link: http://www.zshare.net/download/56393212d67eeed0/

Amanda Diva offers up a new batch of music today with the free, digital release of Spandex, Rhymes & Soul. A hybrid of rap, soul and electronic, the “freEP” features production by Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids, Green Lantern, Droop-e (son of E-40) of The Pharmaceuticals and more.

Before she goes back into the studio to work on her LP, Diva will perform in NYC and Austin for SXSW (details below). She has previously shared the stage with The Roots, The Cool Kids and Lupe Fiasco and toured across the country with Martha Ambrosius replacing one half of the duo Floetry.

Most recently heard as a featured guest on Q-Tip’s The Renaissance (“ManWomanBoogie” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejx7vG3WpzM), Amanda first gained recognition for spoken word on Def Poetry Jam. Soon after, she became the face of hip-hop on MTV2 and hosted her own radio show on Sirius for 5 years- “Breakfast at Diva’s”. She currently hosts and produces two popular online tv shows. Diva Speak TV is a humor based news show (http://www.youtube.com/divaspeaktv) and her latest endeavor on KarmaloopTV, Diva Diva Y’all, features exclusive artist interviews (premiere w/ Estelle: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1287040724/bclid1295326981/bctid14364891001).

Tour Dates
March
7- The Studio @ Webster Hall- New York, NY (w/ J*Davey)
20- SESAC Day Stage Café Austin Convention Center- Austin, TX (5:30pm, SXSW)
21- Buffalo Billiards- Austin, TX (10pm, SXSW w/ Solange)

Tracklist
Gettin’ Started Intro (produced by Slot-A)
Neon (featuring Johnny Polygon, produced by Droop-E)
Duck Til Dawn (produced by Kovas)
Rebels (produced by Kovas)
Devils (produced by Chuck Inglish)
Colorblind (featuring Johnny Polygon, produced by Green Lantern)
Get It Right (produced by Ringo)
Little Things (produced by Ringo)
Heart Strings (produced by Green Lantern)
It Ain’t Rea (produced by Jet Audio)
Supasonic Supanova (produced by Slot-A)
Divaspeakin Outro