Q-Tip's Amplified marked his first solo outing following the end of A Tribe Called Quest. Produced largely alongside Jay Dee as part of The Ummah, the album blends Q-Tip's laid-back flow with futuristic beats, soulful samples and off-kilter rhythms. Home to the hit singles Vivrant Thing and Breathe and Stop, Amplified captures a pivotal moment in late-'90s hip-hop, balancing crossover appeal with the creativity and individuality that made Q-Tip one of rap's most distinctive voices.