Why do so many top-notch producers continue to embarrass themselves by trying to rhyme? Dr. Dre is unquestionably a legend, but his skills on the mic have been eroding to the point where he’s basically a rap parody whenever he opens his mouth. Jermaine Dupri has put together some block burning thumps, but his skills as a lyricist are as ugly as he is. Sean “P. Diddy” Combs gets a lot of flak for his lack of originality, but his sound puts bodies on the dance floor. However, on the mic, he’s a joke.
Which brings us to David “DJ Quik” Blake. He has somehow managed to fly under the hip hop radar for over ten years. Unfortunately for Blake, he made his debut just as the N.W.A. influenced “gangsta” sound was turning into the Snoop Doggy Dogg g-funk era. This basically meant that if you weren’t affiliated with Death Row Records, you didn’t exist.
Undeterred, Quik has spent the last decade cranking out uniquely creative beats and lyrics that have evolved, if only slightly, with each of his releases. His early albums had more references to his reported ties to the infamous Los Angeles, uh, “urban youth organization” known as The Bloods. When he wasn’t talking tough, he was talking about sex…and not the bubblegum Salt n’ Pepa variety, either.
DJ Quik is an immensely talented artist and on his sixth commercial release Under Tha Influence he displays his wide-range of skills that have gone unnoticed for far too long. The first single, Trouble, is a money-over-bytches cut that works because of a cameo from AMG, Quik’s start and stop flow and a playful, yet pulsing beat.
Quik doesn’t entirely leave the gangsta persona behind as evidenced by the piano and drum laced track, Murda 1 Case. Pharoahe Monch and KK guest here, but it’s Quik’s breathless listings of alternatives to the drive-by (including walk-bys, skip-bys and bicycle-bys) that stand out. It’s back to all sex, all the time on Put It On Me as Dr. Dre contributes a tight beat (and an odd, growling cameo) to this solid joint.
Other highlights include the reggae-tinged Gina Statuatorre. It’s a cautionary tale about under aged girls/groupies who try to act older than they are. 50 Ways shows a more reflective Quik as he remembers his fallen protégé, Mausberg, who was killed in a drive-by shooting a few years ago. Birdz & Da Beez has great production and a vibe reminiscent of the classic Rapper’s Delight.
A funked-out instrumental joint has become something of a DJ Quik staple on his albums. Quik’s Groove 6 is a worthy addition to that trend. It’s got drums, horns, a saxophone and a jazzy feel that prove not every rapper has to sample (or even speak) in order to craft a gem.
There are a few missteps, but not many. Quik is at his best when he’s matched with high-energy beats that match his unique pitch and flow. One on 1 keeps the raunchy subject matter, but is hurt by a too-slow beat, Quik’s too-quiet vocals and an annoying hook by has-been El Debarge. On the next track, Sex Crymee, Quik is completely overwhelmed by the so-so production as his barely audible voice lends nothing to this track.
