A Tribe Called Quest's first album in 18 years is due next month

Q-Tip has revealed that A Tribe Called Quest are releasing an album on November 11.

In a handwritten letter posted on Facebook, the Disclosure collaborator detailed how the hip hop outfit headed to the studio, before the passing of Phife Dawg, after performing on The Tonight Show last year.

"Last year this time, myself, Jarobi, Ali and Phife had the extreme pleasure of performing on The Tonight Show. It was our first performance in 18 years. The energy for us that night was one that we hadn't experienced on stage together for some time.

"As we left 30 Rock I felt the need, we all did, to get back to the studio and start that cook up. So we got to it!"

Phife Dawg passed away in March, but Tip said he left the "blueprint" for them to continue with the LP, pulling in "tribesmen" Busta Rhymes and Consequence.

Check our list of A Tribe Called Quest samples here and read Q-Tip's letter here.

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter