The word is that A Tribe Called Quest are back in the studio working on an album that would be the first since 1998's 'The Love Movement'. When the album will get released is another matter because various logistical issues need to be straightened out first.
TCQ's have a contract with Jive. Last month, they released an 18-track retrospective titled 'Hits, Rarities & Remixes', but its not clear what obligations they still have to the label. Meanwhile Q-Tip will have to clear things with Universal/DreamWorks with whom he has a solo deal – they won't want any new TCQ release to compete with his solo album due for release early 2004. Likewise Muhammad is working on his debut for ArtistDirect Records, which is expected in November, so a TCQ release is unlikely to be given the OK around that time.