Customer Reviews

Balance & Options

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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~

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."

D.J. Quik has always put good music out for his folks. Anyone who has not noticed that he is one of the best in the business when it comes to producing beats, should not even consider themselves as a West Coast music fan. He has the ability to go beyond rap music. He produces tracks made for the summertime. If you have ever felt the California vibe, you know what I am talking about. His musical capabilities have been established. What is most refreshing about this CD is that his flows have been refined. Quik is one of the few people who have maintained their luster over the years. If you like laid back tracks to ride to, GET THIS CD!

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.

"Balance and Options" is easily the most underrated rap CD of the year, a stunning tour-de-force masterwork that shows DJ Quik to be not only much more than the round-the-way-thug with a passion for alcohol of his early hits, but a genius producer with a mind-boggling array of colors on his palette of tracks. Nothing in his admittedly pleasant and listenable catelogue could have prepared you for this superb hip hop recording. The arrangements are muscular and ever-changing, from the manifesto "Change Da Game" to the dance-floor holla, "Pitch In Ona Party" to the smooth instrumentals "Roger's Groove" (that's Troutman, y'all) and "Quik's Groove V" to the bangin' "Do Whatcha Want." There is not a lame track on this CD, with the exception of the barely audible interludes. This one is in the running for rap recording of the year. It's that good.

Well, what can i say. If you are into the Hard core gangsta rap, this is not the best CD for you. However, if you are like me, and like something you can bump down the street as youre heading to a BBQ, or stuck in traffic ( Los Angeles people KNOW what im talking about! ) its one of the best CDs out. It has excellent beats, and some of the things Quik mentions on this CD are just plain funny! songs like " pitch in on a party ", for example, explain how things are in the hood, and how people act when cosuming alcohol, and the respect factor not being there when at someone else's house. There are too many songs that are worth mentioning, could go on for ever like the first reviewer. One thing i do agree with him is tat this CD isnt for everyone, just true Quik fans, and people who have a constant need for party rap. He isnt completely soft, he still has his moments on some of the songs where he shows, on a lighter level, what he was about a year ago. bottom line, this CD is one of his best, in my opinion. if you like the samples, then you should buy this CD, its worth it!

Now that DJ Quik has toned down and diversified his subject matter, can we give him his props? No doubt haters will come up with other things: he's to old, he can't flow, Dre's better. I have to say it; Quik is the best producer out west, including Dre. Although Dre can make tight beats, they can be come redundant. Instead, Quik makes grooves, and melodies, and chooses not to loop the same sound over and over (hear that Swiss?). This album definitely has the influence of the late Roger Troutman. Tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 are some of the best the west has to offer, and Roger voice box is in play. I know plenty of rappers who would probably kill just to have one of these tracks. Definite backyard BBQ and stereo material. Their funkiness is undeniable Track 7 is a return to the old Quik, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but I think once an album will do. Sugafree is his usual hilarious self on Do I Love Her. Well is a possibly the albums best, and Quik tells about how he and his music have changed through the years over a melodic, masterful track. He can just give it to you anyway you want it. While Quik will never be a great lyricist he is definitely serviceable on the mike, and comes up with an occasional clever metaphor. It doesn't matter. To put it in his own words, "when rappin' to my own tracks, I feel like Jordan." I get the feeling, Quik's career is winding to a close, as he seems more focused on making music and producing than rapping. One thing's for sure, his fans will miss him, and he'll always be a legend here on the West Coast.

DJ Quik is probably the best West Coast producer. I can almost say that with complete certainty. He has never produced a song that I can say I really DIDN'T like. There have been a few that I don't listen to ALL the time, but not too many.

"Balance & Options" is just reinforcement of my prior statement. It's chock full of nothing but the raw goods. Rubbery basslines, shimmery guitar licks and those right beats to make you bounce like a MOFO.

All the usual guests (Mauseberg, SMG, Suga Free, et al) show up numerous times to keep the album moving, as well as some outside assistance (Quik enlists Erick Sermon for the disappointing "U Ain't Fresh!"). But aside from that, there are plenty of highlights. The opener, "Change Da Game," rolls along nicely with Quik revealing his plan to do just that. And your head will bob something fierce to the synth-bass of "We Came 2 Play" and the vocoder-laced "Did Y'all Feel Dat?" Some other great songs to check are "Do I Love Her?" featuring Suga Free kicking his high-speed flow over a freestyle-type beat, the syncopated yet laid-back "Speak On It" and the Eazy-E cover, "Quikker Said Than Dunn." Quik's voice, similar to E's in it's higher-pitch, makes for a great version of this song.

But my personal favorites have to be "Pitch In Ona Party," whose here-and-there guitar fills and deep bass make you ready for a party, and "Roger's Groove." The latter, a tribute to the late great Roger Troutman, finds Quik singing multiple harmonies through the talkbox, paying homage to Troutman, whose musical influence was the inspiration for Quik and many other West Coasters, as he sings "Even though it hurts me so/I promise to keep the talkbox alive." It's hynotic sample and rolling bassline will keep you laid-back for as many times as you can hit the "repeat" button.

There is some filler here, though. There are at least 3 "Motex Records" interludes, and they're extremely annoying. Plus songs like the afore-mentioned "U Ain't Fresh" with Erick Sermon and the weird use of James DeBarge in "Tha Divorce Song" just didn't need to be included on what is already a very solid release.

If you're all about DJ Quik, this is yet another great chapter in his anthology. If you're not all about DJ Quik, I suggest you get wise to him and pick this up.

DJ QUIK IS STARTING TO GET THE PROPS THAT HE DESERVES BALANCE&OPTIONS IS A TIGHT NEW CD 4 THE 2G AND HES KEEPING HIP HOP AT THE TOP HERE IT SHOULD AND WILL ALWAYS BE.

WITH ALL OF THE SO CALLED "ARTIST" OUT HERE N THE RAP GAME, DJ QUIK IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. THE STRING ARRANGEMENT ON "WELL" IS THE BEST STUFF I HAVE HEARD SINCE PRINCE'S WELL THOUGHT OUT MUSIC. PEOPLE GET OFF OF THE STUPID CASH MONEY CLOWNS, AND THEIR BACK THAT AZZ UP PART 9 JUNK, AND COME CHECK OUT SOME REAL MUSIC. THIS CD IS GREAT FROM THE 1ST TRACK UNTIL THE END. I WOULD PAY $15 4 THE ABOVE MENTIONED TRACK...IT IS THAT GOOD.