Kamaal the Abstract

Infobox Album |
Name = Kamaal the Abstract
Type = Album
Artist = Q-Tip


Released = April 23, 2002
Recorded = 2001
Genre = Hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, jazz rap, jazz
Length =
Label = Arista/BMG Records
07822-14685
Producer = Q-Tip
Jay Dee
Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:izr9ke9tsq70 link]
Last album = "Amplified"
(1999)
This album = "Kamaal the Abstract"
(2002)
Next album = "The Renaissance"
(2008)

"Kamaal the Abstract" is an unreleased album by rapper Q-Tip, recorded around 2001. It features Q-Tip rapping, as on previous album Amplified, notably though it also features him singing on several tracks.

Background

The album was to be released by Arista on April 23, 2002, but was canceled because the record label deemed the album too un-commercial [ [http://www.avclub.com/content/node/57667 Inventory: 11 Intriguing Lost Albums article on The A.V. Club] ] . Q-Tip was quoted as saying::“"I am really disappointed that "Kamaal" wasn't released. LA Reid didn't know what to do with it; then, three years later, they release Outkast. What Outkast is doing now, those are the kinds of sounds that are on "Kamaal the Abstract". Maybe even a little more out. "Kamaal" was just me, guerrilla”" [ [http://remixmag.com/mag/remix_open_abstractions/ OPEN Abstractions] ] .

Despite the album not getting a proper release, advance copies made it into the public's hands. It is worth noting that despite the album not receiving an official release, Arista did release promotional singles for the album [ [http://www.discogs.com/artist/Q-Tip Q-Tip sophomore abum singles] ] .

Plans for Future Release

In 2006, Q-Tip announced that he was in negotiations to regain control of the album from Arista/BMG and planned on officially releasing it in 2007 [ [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003535195 Q-Tip Ushering In Creative 'Renaissance'] ] .

Track listing

#Feelin'
#Do U Dig U?
#A Million Times
#Blue Girl
#Barely in Love
#Heels
#Abstractionisms
#Caring
#Even If It Is So

References

External links

* [http://www.uppitymusic.com/2005/07/q-tip-kamaal-abstract-2000-but.html Web site currently streaming the album]
* [http://www.myspace.com/qtip Q-Tip's official Myspace page]
* [http://www.myspace.com/releaseqtip Myspace petition for releasing "Kamaal the Abstract"]
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