Search - DJ Quik :: Balance & Options

Quik is a musical genius!

MWIG | Los Angeles, CA | 05/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! Unlike Dr. Dre and all Quik's other contemporaries (not a diss, but a fact), Quik plays the majority of the instruments on this album. Keyboards, percussion, bass, etc. Quik's new album doesn't sound anything on the level of "Late Nite," "Safe + Sound," "Rhythmalism," the songs Quik's done on Snoop's "NL Top Dogg" album, or anything most Quik fans are used to. He doesn't use the 808 cowbell at all, or any of the tr-808 drum sounds. Well, maybe some of the tr-808 drum sounds can be heard on his new album. I did hear some 808 kick drums and maybe some 808 crashes, but that's about it. I don't even remember hearing the acoustic triangle but once...he used it in James DeBarge's solo track, "The Divorce Song," which appears on Quik's new album. By the way, Quik doesn't appear vocally on the aforementioned song. That's as much as I remember. If you thought "Rhythmalism" was "too soft," just wait until you hear "Balance & Options." His new album is the bomb, but that's just an opinion of mine. Whereas one of my friends didn't like it as he thought it was "too soft" and he also felt that Quik abandoned his trademark sound that he had established on the songs he did on "NL Top Dogg," "Chronic 2000," "Classic 220," and "Rhythmalism," for the likes of "Down Down Down," but that's just his opinion and I don't agree with it. It doesn't have any reggae tracks on it either...No "Bomb Budd" sequel. If you liked "Safe + Sound," or some of the hard edge tracks on "Rhythmalism," you may be very disappointed with this album. But If you loved "Down Down Down," then you should love this album because that's the musical direction in which he has gone. It's more like a party album, nothing gansgta. That's probably why he doesn't have 2nd II None on the album. I can't imagine them appearing in any of the songs on Quik's album anyway. Not even Hi-C. It's a party album, not gangsta. No fake thugs, etc. Quik did however make a reference to TTP in "Change Da Game," but that track is far from gangsta. In fact, "U Ain't Fresh" would have to be the hardest track on the album, but, of course, not my favorite. "Do Whutcha Want" featuring AMG and Digital Underground samples the Bar-Kays "Let's Have Some Fun" so hopefully that'll give you an idea of his new sound. Quik put the radio drop, "Quikker Said Than Dunn," that he did for radio DJ, Theo (What's up Theo?), formerly of 92.3 The Beat, on the new album. That track must be almost three years old because I remember hearing it on the radio around the same time Suga Free released "If U Stay Ready." Overall, his album is tight, and very defiant to the status quo of Hip-Hop. Particularly, the traditional musical direction of the "West Coast." In one of Quik's interviews, he said that the reason he put this album out so fast is it is a current reflection of him, as a family man, partying with his family. That's who he is right now. "Rhythmalism" and "Safe + Sound" are a part of the past. He would never make any songs like them anymore because they aren't him, what he is, or what he has become, he said. He has evolved both musically and personally. It's all about the music, he said. He also said he doesn't have anything to do with the irrational gangsta stuff. He wanted to release something positive in the midst of all this negativity. If anybody's got anything bad to say about his new positive direction, listen to "Well." He said that he used a 20-piece live orchestra and it features Raphael Saadiq. The string arrangements are amazing...not redundant like SisQo's two bar string melody "Thong Song" (not a diss, but a fact, so don't trip). Musicians will appreciate Quik's effort, range, and diversity. Overall, he did an excellent job on this album. However, "Quik's Groove V" could've been done better. Maybe he should've put some flute solos in it and more guitar melodies. I like Safe + Sound's Quik's Grove III way better than the current version. Where is "Quik's Groove IV" anyway? It isn't on "Classic 220" or "Rhythmalism." Is it on Suga Free & Mausberg's CD? I'm proud of you, Quik! I love this album."

Quik Does it One Mo Gin'

DJ Wen | Silicon Valley | 05/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"DJ Quik seems to get better and better with each album. I was skeptical since this album came out so soon apart from Rhythmalism, however, it was nice to know that Quik didn't let his fans down. I'm sure most Quik fans love this album, and for good reason, this cat's production skills are as tight as they come. Am I the only one, or would we all have bought this album just for its instrumental tracks. Hanging around the likes of Saddiq, and El DeBarge have helped Quik develop a growing and unique style that sets him apart in WC hip hop not only as a rapper, but as one of the best producers hip hop has ever seen. I'd love to see Quik expand into other genres of music as it is evident that even he has grown up and grown tired of the "gangsta era." Over the years Quik has evolved from a "DJ" into a full fledged "musician." If you have followed Quik from the beginning, you understand what I am talking about, if you haven't followed Quik, I suggest you get this album so you'll know waaaasssuuuppp!Peace~"

GOTTA LOVE THE "QUIKSTER"!

sweetears | Salt Lake City | 05/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can see it now. Hanging out in the heat of summer with "Roger's Groove" eminating. Quik's delving into his true confidence with this cd. His combination of real music, and naturalistic, previously unexperienced grooves combined with rap, has been elevated to another level (done with imagination and vision I haven't experienced since Rhythmalism) and his skills are still in their infant stage; he's stuck in a pattern of continual musical evolution. His productions skills are to rap what Quincy is to R & B. For those of you sleeping on Quik, better Wake UP! I could elaborate, but why? Balance & Options is EVIDENT! Quik if you should see this, tell the company you CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR BAND, you're out there with so much more than "two turntables and a microphone.""