Hip-hop

The latest CD releases reviewed.

Q-TIP
The Renaissance Motown Universal ****

Q-Tip obviously never got the memo that hip-hop is supposed to suck in Zero Eight. The former Tribe Called Quest frontman's first album in almost a decade (a number of others were recorded but shelved since 1999's Amplified) is imbued with the optimism and hope that come in the wake of historical events. Indeed, The Renaissance could be taken as the first great cultural statement of the Obama years, or even a clarion call to his peers to regain the good vibes and open-minded approachof the Native Tongues era. Besides a truly infectious feel-good buzz, The Renaissancealso sees Q-Tip throwing down the gauntlet with rhymes about soundalike rappers ( Dance on Glass) and US Army grunts in Iraq ( Fight/Love), as well as the delightful, masterful eloquence of Manwomanboogie. This is what hip-hop could sound like if it ever copped itself on and grew up. www.myspace.com/qtip JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Move, Won't Trade, Manwomanboogie