One of hip-hop's most influential and respected figures on both the soundboard and the mic is celebrating his born day today (April 10). Q-Tip turns 42!

Since grasping the attention of many in the early '90s alongside fellow MCs Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White (who eventually left after the group's first album) as one of hip-hop's most instrumental collectives, A Tribe Called Quest, Tip and crew became a fixture to the rap culture while building a catalog of classics in the process.

Though famous for his work within the legendary crew, the Queens native has also managed to carve his own lane by starring in films (Poetic Justice, Disappearing Acts, Cadillac Records, etc.), releasing solo projects (Amplified, The Renaissance) and adding production credits to his résumé (including work on Jay-Z & Kanye West's Watch The Throne), among other notable successes. He's also part of a super group with fellow MC, Common called The Standard and currently prepping his upcoming third solo album.

XXLMag.com would like to wish Kamaal the Abstract a very happy G day. Salute! —XXL Staff

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