Q-Tip, a renowned rapper, producer, and actor, is a prominent figure in hip-hop. He is known for his solo career and as the longtime MC of the pioneering alternative hip-hop trio A Tribe Called Quest. Born Jonathan William Davis in New York City on November 20, 1970, Q-Tip co-founded A Tribe Called Quest in 1988 with schoolmates Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor during their time at the Murray Bergtraum High School for Business Careers.
A Tribe Called Quest’s debut single, “Description of a Fool,” was released in the summer of 1989. The group signed to Jive Records and gained fame with their debut LP, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. With socially progressive lyrics and a fusion of rap and jazz, the group became a hip-hop icon, releasing classic albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders. Q-Tip pursued a successful solo career with hits like “Vivrant Thing” and “Breathe and Stop.” His album The Renaissance, featuring collaborations with various artists, was Grammy-nominated.
In addition to his solo work, Q-Tip has collaborated with renowned artists and producers like De La Soul, Beastie Boys, Janet Jackson, and Jay-Z. A highlight was the reunion of A Tribe Called Quest in 2016 for their sixth album, released just before the passing of Phife Dawg. The group’s success continued with a critically acclaimed album and a final concert in 2017. Q-Tip also collaborated with Demi Lovato on a cover of Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” for John’s Revamp album.