For »Rhythm-al-ism«, DJ Quik got rid of his baseball cap and jacket with Compton lettering. On his fourth studio album, the rapping producer indulges in R’n’B. In 1998, it had a mixed response. Today, the album may not be one of the best, but it is one of the most exciting things the musician has ever created. His synthesiser melodies, which have become a trademark, give way to a warm band sound on many tracks. As a result, rap repeatedly fades into the background. The almost eight-minute »Whateva U Do«, for example, allows itself a long instrumental outro. The reprise of »Medley For A V« surprises with a guitar solo that is closer to psychedelic rock than to hip-hop. But it is not without reason that DJ Quik described himself as an »R’n’B pretty boy« in the album promo. Shallow radio material with chanted choruses scares away those who came for the G and P funk. If they bite, they are rewarded here and there with Quik-typical songs like »I Useta Know Her« – including Talkbox. The now 52-year-old has never been shy about poppy sounds. But too often he uses elements that were characteristic of the commercial side of rap at the time. The single »Hand In Hand« with its soft drums and R’n’B chorus sounds correspondingly interchangeable. From today’s perspective, »Rhythm-al-ism« scores when DJ Quik relies on his proven style. Because it still gets into the feet. What has aged badly, however, is the sexual filth that DJ Quik and his guests rap about.
Rhythm-Al-Ism
