Legendary rapper Q-Tip has inked a deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint and will release his fourth solo album titled The Last Zulu.
Kanye and Q-Tip already have a working relationship, as Q-Tip produced tracks on West’s last album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Watch the Throne with Jay-Z.
The deal also reunites Q-Tip with former Jive CEO Barry Weiss, who oversaw the label’s release of classic Tribe Called Quest albums like People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory, Midnight Marauders and others.
In March of 2011, Barry Weiss took over as head of Island/Def Jam, which distributes Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint.
“I’m excited to be a part of the great iconic Def Jam label,” Q-Tip said in a statement. “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.”
According to Q-Tip, he is currently in the recording studio working on material for The Last Zulu, which has no release date as of press time.
“I am thrilled to be working with Q-Tip once again,” said Barry Weiss. “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.”