Blaqkout [Import]

I'm coming to this album as a mild fan of each artist. Kurupt of 1992-2000 was an amazing lyricist, however the Kurupt of 2000 and onward is not the same man. And truthfully, even before 2000, his best work was always as a part of the Dogg Pound with Daz Dillinger, while his solo projects showed his inability to survive on his with illogical or just down right poor lyrics. Quik on the other hand, has always been one of the best, most underrated producers in the game, however he too is not much of a lyricist. Unlike Kurupt though, I'd say his lyrics have gotten better with time.

Now this project actually does a damn good job hiding each rappers' weakness in two ways. First, neither one has to be a solo artist. Second, it's relatively short. These factors combined mean neither Quik nor Kurupt is stretching himself too thin lyrically. The verses they drop are hot for the most part. This album is a good example of "quality, over quantity". Any longer and I think we would've heard one or both rappers run out of lyrical steam.

However, it would've been even better had they cut it down to an E.P. "The B Stands For Beautiful" is an unnecessary interlude. "Watca Wan Do", both versions, are my least favorite songs on the album. "Jupiter's Critic and the Mind of Mars" and "9xs Outta 10" are solo songs and not entirely necessary on this project. In fact, Kurupt's nonsense lyrics actually start to sneak into "9xs Outta 10". He rhymes "Run it up" with "Run it up" and "Running up" at one point. Quik's vocorder raps on "Jupiter" are amusing, but the vocorder itself makes it kind of difficult to listen to more than once. "Exodus", I suppose, is in the style of a Quik's Groove-type instrumental track, though it has some vocals on it, but it too seems misplaced on this album.

The remaining tracks have a true Westcoast vibe, that's sure to please most G-Funk fans. You'll be playing these in car or at your pool parties for the rest of Summer 2009, I promise you.

The ideal tracklist for a BlaQKout E.P. would be:
1. BlaQKout
2. Cream N Ya Panties
3. Do You Know?
4. Ohh!
5. F*** Y'all
6. Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues)
7. The Appeal

So basically, I can't recommend this album at $[...] retail price, unless you're a huge fan of Quik and/or Kurupt. $[...] or $[...] for the above tracks sounds about right though.

Very strong album overall with 8-10 very good songs and the other 4-6 not very good at all...overall very satisfied, however, would have liked to have seen some bigger names featured on the album...surprised they did not get any Snoop, Dr. Dre, or Daz Dillinger featured tracks...Bees to the honey my favorite track and probably a viable radio hit...

DJ Quik and Kurupt are amazing. This joint was worth the wait.

Since 1991, Quik has been representin' the West Coast with superior production and lyricism. Consider his albums: "Quik is the Name," "Way 2 Fonky," "Safe + Sound," "Rhythm-al-ism," "Balance and Options," "Under tha Influence," and "Trauma."

Kurupt is another exceptional West Coast talent, albeit not as popular as Quik. Consider his albums: "Kuruption!," "Tha Streetz is a Mutha," "Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey," and others. (I'm not as familiar with Kurupt...but I will be after I buy his albums.)

This collaboration is a welcome breath of fresh air. Neither talent dominates; both rappers deliver the goods equally. (This ain't a Quik album and it ain't a Kurupt album; it's uniquely Quik and uniquely Kurupt.)

Quik produces some amazing beats. This is some of his best production work. Quik seems to find the right balance between poppy, commercial hooks and underground, West Coast gangsta s---. He delivers smoothly on the mic.

What about Kurupt? He delivers too. Like I said, both deliver the goods equally. Like Quik, Kurupt shines brilliantly.

Quik and Kurupt give us a good variety. The titular track, "BlaQKout," is the perfect opening track. "Do You Know" and "Hey Playa (Moroccan Blues)" are immaculate, head-bobbing anthems. "9 Times Outta 10" isn't a head-bobber--it's a neck-breaker.

Perhaps the standout track is "F--- Y'all." It's pure, West Coast gangsta rap.

I enjoyed every minute of this joint. (In fact, I wanted more.) Like Quik's "Trauma," this joint is way too short. (And that's my only complaint...the short running time.)

David Martin Blake and Ricardo Emmanuel Brown are masters in the rap game.

One final thought: when will Quik and Devin the Dude join forces? (That would be a collaboration album for the ages.)