DJ Quik has always been an artist listeners could rely on for a level of musical excellence few others can attain. I’m pleased to announce that he continues the tradition of releasing quality material to the masses with the arrival of “The Midnight Life,” a funky platter of hits destined for constant rotation in the clubs, on radio or when kicking back at home.
The “Intro” opens up with two homies on the block trying to figure out how Hip Hop can blow up again. When one of them visits DJ Quik and poses the question to him, he boldly states: “Hip Hop? I think Hip Hop need a banjo in it.” Quik’s stunned visitor thanks him for the insight, quickly rushes out and then laughs about the incident with his friend. Needless to say, “That Nigga’z Crazy” launches into a banjo-ridden, funk-laden tour de force of sound unlike anything ever heard before. “Back That Sh*t Up(feat. Tay F 3rd & David Blake II)features smooth flows over an even smoother groove. Quik is clearly having fun & you can feel the joy in the music.
“Trapped On The Tracks” (ft. Bishop Lamont & David Blake II) begins with the sound of a speeding locomotive combined with the funkiest hook & beat this writer has heard in a long time. Each emcee rips through the track with unparalleled skill and precision. This leads to “El’s Interlude 2,”(ft. the legendary El Debarge) which serves as a soulful set up for the incredible “Puffin The Dragon.” The musical mastermind laments on life in the spotlight as basslines, synth stabs and beats all fall into place around his quick-witted rhymes. Quik should teach a Master Class in production. In a perfect world this would be the song to receive tons of awards and accolades come Grammy night. Let’s hope perfection can be achieved.
“Pet Semetary” begins with a sarcastic musing about the death of Hip Hop and R & B. Of course Quik easily dismisses that notion when the song jump starts into action. “Life Jacket”(feat. Suga Free & Dom Kennedy)gives us that early 80’s James Mtume(“Juicy Fruit”)type of funk we can’t get enough of and “That Getter”(ft. David Blake II)provides a moody journey through the neighborhood & the discipline required to overcome the haters. “The Conduct”(ft. Mack 10)brings back that Roger Troutman Zapp style funk that is often misused in today’s auto-tune heavy industry. That sound becomes merged with a funk rock riff that pushes the track over the top.
“Shine”(ft. David Blake II)flaunts a laid back tempo that complements David Blake’s “no worries” vocal flow. “Bacon’s Groove”(ft. Rob “Fonksta” Bacon)is the ultimate midday “chillout” instrumental or late night musical aphrodisiac. It’s a testament to Quik and Rob’s genius that the song works on both levels. “Broken Down”(ft. Suga Free & Tweed Cadillac)is both unbelievably funky and laugh out loud hilarious! Sample this line from Tweed Cadillac: “Man, y’all rap cats funny/I’m Fred G Sanford y’all big old dummies…” The bouncy beat & keyboard chords will instantly make you smile. Simply put, this track is FANTASTIC! Instead of winding down, Quik hits us with more heat on “Why’d You Have To Lie.” We feel soul singer Joi’s pain as she sings about her man’s infidelity over slinky, mechanical production. “F*ck All Night” allows Quik to get his musical freak on as the lush melodies lead us to the album’s closer “Quik’s Groove 9” which feature the amazing musician jamming his way into the sunset.
After 9 albums, DJ Quik is just as hungry and determined to win as he was when he started. Don’t be fooled if he tells you otherwise. But you don’t have to take my word for it. One listen to “The Midnight Life” and you’ll know for sure that DJ Quik is unstoppable.
– Kevin Keith
