DJ Quik - The Book of David

DJ Quik returns with his first solo album since his 2005 effort Trauma. The Compton resident seems to be content enough with his place in the West Coast game. Never a household name in the vein of LA alumni like Dre and Snoop, Quik has always been a distinctive and well respected producer and a decent emcee to boot.
The title of his album suggests a grand and introspective offering and Quik does deal with some issues close to heart, namely the relationship with his family who he goes hard at on Ghetto Rendevous, but that apart its really just typical West Coast subject matter told with Quik's individual and irreverent style.

Quik's production is as refined and well crafted as ever and the album combines disco and G-funk alongside some more contemporary beats. He's gifted at interlacing the production with smatterings of saxophone or xylophone to create a genuine summer feel to tracks. Combined with some of Jon B's crooning, Quik creates some smooth and mature R&B on Real Women and Hydromatic. Only the bass heavy Poppin' doesn't quite gel with amongst the other tracks.

The album does not feel packed with guests although 10 of the 19 tracks feature rappers contributing verses. Personally I don't really feel that too many of the guests add that much value to the album. Bizzy Bone seems out of place, Kurupt isn't on top form, and the "20 years in the making" collabo between Quik and Ice Cube is hugely disappointing, mainly due to Cube's verse. Suga Free is always worth listen, although it's a surprise to hear him straying from his usual pimp related rhyming. BlaKKazz K.K (long associated with Quik through 2nd II None) is the regular guest (on four tracks) and seems a natural accompaniment to both Quik's rhyming and production. Although I personally preferred the regular pairing of Quik and AMG on Under Tha Influence.  

A really solid album from Quik packed with far more standout moments than filler.

Best guest: Suga Free

Stand-out tracks: Killer Dope, So Compton, Nobody

Best bars: (Fire and Brimstone)

I am unique so you can keep your $20 you ain't gotta buy my cd muthafucka not a problem
That's why I'm a recluse, not the one you set loose
Muthafuckas in this game use my name to get juice
Say it, David Blake, a maven, amazing
B-b-brighter than the forest when it's blazing
Asteroid, past the void, keep it pushing, that a boy
Gotta get it hotter than oven cooking, that's a joy
For these last four bars I take it easy
But you still a muthafucka and you're cheesy
Don't trust your memory
Write down what you feel about me
If yo head ain't rocking back and forth then doubt me

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