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."

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