Review: DJ QUIK & KURUPT, “Blaqkout”

From Vibe.com

Blaqkout once seemed like a pipe dream. As two of the biggest artists in West Coast hip hop in the ’90’s, Quik and Kurupt were stars with egos as big as their fan bases. That and the almighty dollar probably kept anything like this collaboration from ever happening. But now, as the spotlight has dimmed for Quik and Kurupt, a light bulb has turned on. The result is an example of what can happen when two legends get together for the sake of music—and not a check.

Blaqkout is an audible feast, filled with Quik’s rich production and Kurupt’s tenacious lyricism. As Kurupt says on the album’s opening title-track, “This is one of those things when you put it together, you make gumbo.” From top to bottom, Blaqkout maintains a loose, let’s-make-this-record-for-the-hell-of-it feel, which is probably why Quik and Kurupt sound so comfortable in their roles as producer and MC (even if Quik puts in time on the mic on nearly every track).

“9x’s Outta 10” is a standout display of their chemistry. Over Quik’s tight combo of crisp drums interlaced with syncopated chants, Kurupt seizes the microphone like a rabid pitbull unleashed. His hook is mesmerizing, as he rhymes, “When it stops / nine times outta 10 / it’s gonna start again / where it started at / ended up / and we start again / get your mind in the right position / before it start again.” On the album’s lead single, “Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues),” Quik concocts a mix of Middle Eastern flutes and neck-snapping snare smacks for a breezy, radio-friendly jam that drips with the G-Funk sound both men rode to gangsta rap stalwart status.

Although Blaqkout does have its low points—the bizarre “Jupiter’s Critic & the Mind of Mars” makes about as much sense as its title and the alternate take of “Whatcha Wan Do” is a waste of space—it’s the best album either Quik or Kurupt has made in years. And although their star power isn’t what it used to be, their music is brighter than ever.

DJ Quik and Kurupt’s “BlaQKout” is in stores now

Track Listing for Blaqkout

1. “Blaqkout”
2. “Cream N Ya Panties”
3. “Do You know”
4. “Whatcha Wan Do”
5. “Ohh!”
6. “F**k Ya’ll”
7. “Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues)”
8. “Exodus”
9. “9x’s Outta 10”
10. “Jupiter’s Critic & the Mind of Mars”
11. “The Appeal”
12. “Problem: The B Stands for Beautiful”
13. “Whatcha Wan Do” (alternate version)