Blaqkout - DJ Quik

Just like the similarly titled 2009 album from Method Man and Redman, DJ Quik and Kurupt's Blaqkout is a throwback triumph that succeeds thanks to the hip-hop veterans' superior chemistry and informal attitude. Anyone expecting a courageous game changer will be disappointed by all the swaggering, sexual bragging, and irresponsible pimping the duo frontload onto the effort, but coming to terms with the overall weekend attitude is quick and easy, thanks to rock-solid hooks and Quik's production. On "Ohh!" he creates a head-bobbing backing track out of chopped-up vocals and smooth jazz keyboards, offering a G-Funk alternative to Timbaland's "Indian Flute." Key track "Do You Know" finds him blending blissed-out ambience and a Soul II Soul hook, but "F**k Y'All" employs Quik's classic formula with that West Coast funk over thumping bass. Doggpound member Kurupt shines on the latter track, summing up the album's reckless gangsta attitude with "I'm gonna slap him like the bitch that he is/Then I'm gonna turn around and slap the bitch that he with." ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide