That's Hip-Hop

#115 RHYTHM-AL-ISM ALBUM REVIEW - DJ QUIK

Isaiah

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In this electrifying episode of That's Hip Hop, the crew dives deep into the funk-laced world of DJ Quik and his game-changing album Rhythm-al-ism. Mark, Ali, and Isaiah come in hot with contagious energy, repping the 909 and celebrating a West Coast icon who often flew under the national radar but never missed a beat at home. They break down Quik’s unique ability to blend G-Funk, jazz, soul, and raw street narratives—all while maintaining a silky-smooth style and unmatched flow. With a flair for live instrumentation, talkbox magic, and unforgettable basslines, Quik’s fourth studio album becomes the centerpiece of a discussion full of admiration, laughter, and nostalgic love for a sound that defined an era.

But the convo goes beyond just music—it’s about evolution. The crew peels back the layers on how Rhythm-al-ism marked a pivotal shift in Quik’s career and personal journey, as he moved away from the hardcore gangsta rap image into something more elevated and introspective. They touch on his feud with MC Eiht, the underappreciated brilliance of Sugar Free and Mossberg, and how this album bridged the party and the pain, the beat and the bars. Packed with historical gems, inside jokes, vivid storytelling, and reverence for West Coast legacy, this review is a must-listen for anyone who knows DJ Quik is more than a name—he’s a movement.