This was the first Quik album I bought after it got a good review in the source back in 1998. This as I understand was Quik’s first album where he let go of his ‘gangsta rap’ roots and went for the funk.
1. Rhythm-al-ism intro
I can count on less than one hand (if thats possible) the amount of intro’s that can beat this. Straight heat from the start, a great tune and Quik flowing very well.
2. We Still Party
One of few songs on the album where Quik doesn’t share the mic. Great banging drumline and numerous other instruments make this a brilliant track.
3. So Many Wayz (feat. 2nd II none, Peter Gunz)
Another good feeling summer kind of track. Funky production, a talkbox on the hook and the unexpected guest of Peter Gunz works well to create a classic.
4. Hand in Hand (feat 2nd II none)
Great bassline on this. Quik sounds at ease as he spits his usual witty, cheeky and often arrogant rhymes. Still no sign of a bad track on this album.
5. Down Down Down (feat Suga Free, Mausberg, AMG)
The simplist sounding production yet, with the tune made up mostly of the drum loop and bassline. Fast paced track, everyone spitting a nice rhyme. Suga Free drops his usual sexual orientated rap.
6. You’z a Ganxta
I love this track. Great production which even makes a flute sound good. Here Quik asks why he always gets blamed for shit he doesn’t do, and even offers to do a track with his foe MC Eiht ‘when he gets his head together’.
7. I Useta Know Her (feat AMG)
Yet another track which seems somewhat faster paced than most rappers could handle. AMG and Quik spit about a bird they find out they both been banging. Also contains Quik on the talkbox throughout.
8. No Doubt (feat Playa Hamm, Suga Free)
Never used to like this track. It’s certainly not the strongest on the album but no means is it bad. Not really feeling the production.
9. Speed (feat AMG)
A 124 bpm banger. Quik keeps up well on a track which would not be out of place on a Twista album. The name of the track says it all. This highlights Quik’s rapping skills.
10. Whateva U Do
Not really feeling this one, kind of a cheesy track about Quik chatting to a girl.
11. Thinkin’ Bout U
The slowest track on the album, and while the subject is pretty much the same as the previous song, this is a lot better. A great slow track from a males point of view of sex. “Doing what you do to make me do what I did, to almost ***** so hard we almost had a kid”.
12. El’s Interlude (feat El Debarge)
I don’t mind interludes when there’s some kind of point to them. This is a good one. An RnB cut laced by Quik which has Debarge crooning over it. Quik kills the guitar on this one.
13. The ***** Medley (feat Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, AMG, 2nd II None, Hi-C, El Debarge)
A rapping extravaganza about *****! Snoop kicks this one of with a good rap, Nate does what he does best, and everyone else plays their part. Only thing is Quik’s verse is reversed for some reason.
14. Bombudd 2
Quik turns reggae artist on this one. Production, lyrics and rapping style are all reggae style. It’s different, but very nice.
15. Get 2getha Again (feat. 2nd II None, AMG, Hi-C)
A bit cheesy this one but still ok to listen to. Quik and homies rap bout being ‘2gether again’.
16. Reprise
Bit pointless this – same tune as ***** medley but with an awful electric guitar over it.
Quik changed his style for a funky one on this album. It works suprisingly well. With the exception of Dre, you’d find it hard to find a better rappin and producin artist than what Quik showcases here. His beats are a lot deeper than those nowadays from the likes of Neptunes and stand the test of time well. This in my opinion is Quik’s finest hour, and one of westcoasts best releases outside of Death Row.
No hesitation of giving this 4.5/5
Nearly a classic, not quite.