So my review of DJ Quik & Kurupt's new record was published in Pitchfork today. It got an 8.2, so at least Mos Def didn't release the BEST RAP ALBUM OF 2009 any more, ha.

The album really is pretty great. I think I got my point across pretty clearly in the piece, but what really makes it work is Quik's function as a DJ; he sets expectations for how the record will sound, then upends those expectations at every opportunity -- yet somehow the album maintains a really cohesive overall picture. One writer I enjoy reading once referred to Puffy's "curatorial flair" when making records; Puffy is like the DJ who never quite learned how to beatmatch, but knows how to construct a record. Quik is like that, but learned how to beatmatch, produce & rap all at once. It's a rare talent, I think, to be such a multi-dimensional artist, jack of all trades & master of them too.

If you're not really familiar with Quik's career (& you NEED to be) I recommend checking out Matthew Africa's Best of DJ Quik mix which u can download for free.

Here's one of my favorite Quik tracks, 2nd II None's "Up N Da Club." Further evidence of Quik's multi-threat skills as an artist, how great of a summertime jam chorus is this??