In what might be one of the better late birthday presents of all time, Def Jam sent word on the day after his birthday that A Tribe Called Quest leader Q-Tip’s upcoming album The Last Zulu, will be released through Kanye West’s Def Jam distributed G.O.O.D. Music.
In a released statement Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Chairman & CEO Barry Weiss expressed his excitement to be reunited with the Queens MC. “I am thrilled to be working with Q-Tip once again. He is a respected voice in the music community as shown by his acclaimed solo albums and countless contributions to the work of other artists. His creativity continues to surpass all boundaries of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and jazz. We welcome Q-Tip to the G.O.O.D. Music / Island Def Jam family.”
The Abstract worked with Weiss during his time at Jive Records. After working with Kanye on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as well as Watch the Throne, for some it seemed like only a matter of time before the news of two producers working relationship went to the next level.
“I’m excited to be a part of the great iconic Def Jam label,” explains Q-Tip. “I’m humbled to be a part of such a storied history. To reconnect with Barry Weiss is a great thing. As far as G.O.O.D. Music, I’m excited to solidify my working relationship with Kanye, and I look forward to all the opportunities that lie ahead in our partnership. I will do my best to present the most cutting edge music I can.”
The Last Zulu is slated for a 2013 release.