With his distinctive voice, witty lyrics and brazen flow, the Grammy Award winner is often acknowledged for changing the face of hip hop in the 90s, after emerging alongside fellow tribesman Phife Dawg and DJ Ali Shaheed with their debut album People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. Noted for its fusion of hip-hop and jazz, it would set the tone from their next few albums plus classics tracks like Award Tour and Electric Relaxation before the group broke up in 1998. However, Tip went on to carve a successful career as a solo artist, and following hits like Breathe n Stop and Vivrant Thing on his debut, his long-awaited 2o08 release,The Rennaissance, would pick up a Grammy nomination for Best Rap album9. His previously unreleased album, Kamaal the Abstract – recorded before The Rennaissance – would also gain a cult following before eventually coming out at the end of ’09.

Such is his notoriety that he and his crew are the subject of a forthcoming documentary titled Beats, Rhymes & Life that went to Cannes and praises the group’s undeniable significance and impact on hip-hop. So it’s clear Tip is firmly seated as a pioneering and legendary musician – and if the rave reviews from his 2009 show at The Roundhouse are anything to go by, this gig is one you really, REALLY, wouldn’t want to miss. (Words: Monique Todd)

For more info, visit The O2 website.

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