20 Years, 4 Labels and about 3-4 different aliases (Q-Tip, Abstract, Kamal the Abstract, and one-third of production group Umaah) . In a genre that’s prone to innovation and change, Q-Tip has remained on top of his game and relevant with a career spanning from his early days in A Tribe Called Quest to his most recent solo album, The Renaissance, released in November 2008. And you know what? He’s still not done.

Q-Tip’s genius extends beyond his often conscious yet still fun lyrics. From producing tracks on his own albums and those of other artists, Q-Tip has lent his genius to the work Nas, Mobb Deep and Mariah Carey. He’s also rapped with everyone from The Roots to R.E.M. to appearing on stage with Swedish indie singer Lykke Li at 2008’s MTV Woodie Awards. This year Q-Tip announced plans to form a group and release a collaborative album with fellow rapper Common. Think he stops just at music? Q-Tip has also lent his bravado and talent to the world of film appearing in Poetic Justice, Brown Sugar, and She Hate Me.

If you’rer trying to get your hands on some more Q-Tip, get a hold of his unreleased album, Kamaal/The Abstract, check out his MySpace and when in the NYC area head down to Santos Party House where Q-Tip hosts Open every Friday night with DJ Rich Medina and Va$htie.