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 GETS BETTER WITH TIME Feb 28, 2010
THIS ALBUM IS GREAT MY OPINION IS HIS FIRST ALBUM WAS OVERRATED IT WAS JUST GREAT TIMING SECOND ALBUM SO SO BUT FROM THIRD ALBUM ON ITS BEEN ON AND POPPING DJ QUIK IS HIGHLY UNDERRATED IN RAPPING AND PRODUCING HE IS A GENIUS TO ME.
 The work of a master Aug 13, 2009
Following a three-year hiatus, Compton's DJ Quik, a hip hop pioneer and, in my opinion, the West Coast's greatest producer, returned with his fourth LP, "Rhythm-Al-Ism" in 1998. Every time I listen to a Quik LP, I'm convinced it's his best work, but in all honesty I believe that this is probably his finest album, if not on equal ground with 1995's Safe & Sound. As he so eloquently states on the intro to "So Many Wayz," he believes he and his co-conspirators are the "baddest mothers" in rap history, but "this album is on some cool s..." Indeed, this is a markedly mature effort, where Quik for the most part abandons his raunchy sex rhymes and hood stories for more thoughtful, mellow content. Musically, this is some of his best work ever put to wax. Every facet of his talent is on full display here. It's quintessentially a Quik production, evidenced by the periodic talkbox, rich synths, lush soundscapes, dense percussion, and live instrumentals, but he advances his sound here more than ever before. There is a strong R&B influence here instead of his former p-funk fascination, and this album features some incredibly smooth, soulful music. He even employs R&B veteran El DeBarge extensively to enhance the vibe, and there are multiple instrumentals that are wonderful. Still, it remains upbeat throughout and it's a feel-good, long, and amazingly consistent party as Quik finds himself a decade deep in an increasingly hostile rap game, yet surrounded by friends (longtime collaborators 2nd II None, AMG, Suga Free, Mausberg, Hi-C, and Playa Hamm all appear) and maintaining respect.
After the intro is the feel good opener "We Still Party," which boasts Quik's signature talkbox executed to perfection, and another soulful party-starter, the classic "So Many Wayz" with 2nd II None and Peter Gunz. Both the ultra-smooth "Hand in Hand" and the moody, sinister posse cut "Down, Down, Down" are excellent. Perhaps the most noteworthy offering is "You'z a Ganxta" which showcases the new, mature Quik. Here, he renounces violence in his music and kills his decade-long beef with fellow Compton rapper MC Eiht, even poking fun at his small stature over a gorgeous track laden with his beloved flute instrumentation and a nice hook. It's a phenomenal song lyrically and musically, it's classic Quik.
Quik and AMG lace the super-funky "I Useta Know Her" with tasteful tales of former female acquaintances, and he advocates moderation on the catchy "No Doubt" with Playa Hamm and Suga Free. And although this was the first Quik LP without a "Quik's Groove" instrumental, the slow-jam flavored "Whateva U Do" is the next best thing, with three and a half minutes of flute solo. Sonically this song is wonderful and shows what a genius Quik is, with a sultry sax arrangement, piano chimes, ingenious percussion, and El DeBarge himself. He keeps the vibe smooth on the passionate love song "Thinkin' Bout U" and grants a whole track to Mr. DeBarge, who contributes the perfect "El's Interlude," a really clever insert.
Snoop Dogg accurately notes that "Rhythm-Al-Ism" has no songs about sex on the intro to "Medley for a V," and thus the song becomes a seven-minute marathon with Snoop, Nate Dogg, Hi-C, AMG, 2nd II None, and El DeBarge. He then presents a sequel to his debut Quik Is the Name's reggae track "Bombudd" that's even better than the original, a genuinely feel-good, sunny ragga song. But he saves the absolute best song for last in "Get 2getha Again," where the "Class of '91," Quik's collaborators from as far back as Quik Is the Name, chronicle their lives together over an irresistible blues guitar lick. DeBarge is at his best here with the upbeat, inspiring hook, and the joyful guitar instrumental outro is fitting.
"Rhythm-Al-Ism" may have showcased a more grown-up DJ Quik, but musically, this was perhaps the most beautiful work of his legendary discography. The melodic, enrapturing grooves are musical gems, and this album is pure feel-good, summertime perfection. One need not be a rap fan to appreciate DJ Quik; one needs only to love music in order to get lost in these heavy, intricate productions. "Rhythm-Al-Ism" is an essential listen from one of hip hop's greatest talents.
 Just decent... Jul 17, 2009
I've been listening a lot of Quik CD's these days and this one is my least favourite. The majority of the songs r great but comparing to "Balance & Options" or "Under tha Influence" it's clearly on a lower level...even Nate Dogg sounded tired on that "Medley for a V" joint...I still have to listen "Safe & Sound" as well as "Quik is the name" but It's hard to believe that those albuns will be wacker than this one...still a decent cd though..."So many ways" is definitelly my joint!!!
Great DJ Quik cd. Older album (what i wanted) Good deal. Jun 22, 2009
Ive been wanting this cd since I played my tape til it didnt work anymore in 07. Good deal, 70% hits in my opinion. Love it.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Masterpiece Jun 10, 2009
Quiks most diverse album to date incorporating hiphop,funk,soul,r&b and reggae but still packs that westcoast punch and is filled with quik classics,i own all of quiks albums and this will always be no1.songs like "hand in hand","i useta know her","whateva u do", and "bombudd2" sound like they come from different areas of music but all from one artist
This album shows growth,quik focuses on one thing here and thats being a musician,shedding his gangbangin image in the song "youz a gangsta".The great thing about this album is that there are no interludes at all just 16 fantastic tracks of music containing classic quik tracks like "we still party",my favouite "so many wayz","down down down" and "youz a gangsta".Quik is accompanied by his long time homies 2nd 2 none,amg and suga free and even squeezed in westside homies snoop and nate for the anthem "The pussy medley"which is fantastic,and i cant forget about the production which is simply amazing.This is not only a Quik classic but a all round hiphop classic from one of the best ever,belive me this album will get the party crackin.
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