By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com



November 4, 2008 marks a historic day in our nation's history. Not only do we have the first African-American to be nominated by a major political party running for president. The day also marks the second official solo release of former A Tribe Called Quest front man, Q-Tip.

Tip's highly-anticipated Universal Motown debut album, 'The Renaissance' may in fact hit stores on Tuesday, however the project was available a week in advance for digital download due to "overwhelming consumer demand."

"The online demand to hear the new Q-Tip album was so high that we worked with all of our digital retail partners to make the album available for purchase to their consumers before the planned street date," said Senior VP of Digital Business Development for Universal Motown Republic Group, Cameo Carlson. "We're excited to be able to have the flexibility to respond so quickly to Tip's fans and allow them the opportunity to purchase."

So what's all the hype about?

Well, with guest appearances by Raphael Saadiq, Norah Jones, and D'Angelo, Q-Tip reinvents his nostalgic hip-hop sound for a new generation of listeners. From sampling the Jackson 5's 'Dancing Machine' on 'Move' to sharing a tale of infatuation on the album's lead single 'Gettin' Up'. Q-Tip stays true to his core audience.

The rapper-actor will even give fans an inside look at his jazz-rap-fusing style on the upcoming fifth installment of VH1 Soul's 'Soulstage'.
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VH1's 30-minute show, which premieres on November 3 at 9PM/ET, will showcase the 'Bonita Applebum' MC backed by a three-piece band performing new hits as well as timeless classics such as 'Vivrant Thing,' 'Check The Rhyme' and 'Bonita Applebaum'.

Past 'SoulStage' artists included Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu and Raphael Saadiq.

'Soulstage: Q-Tip presented by Infiniti' will re-air on VH1 Soul at the following times:

*Monday 11/3 @ 12AM/ET
*Tuesday 11/4 @ 12PM, 8PM/ET & 4AM/ET
*Thursday 11/6 @ 12PM/ET, 8PM/ET & 4AM/ET
*Saturday 11/8 @ 12PM/ET, 8PM/ET & 4AM/ET
*Sunday 11/9 @ 12PM/ET, 8PM/ET & 4AM/ET