Rhythm-al-ism is the fourth studio album by American West Coast hip hop recording artist and producer DJ Quik, released on November 24, 1998, by Arista Records and was certified Gold by the RIAA on July 7, 1999. It peaked at number 63 on the US Billboard 200 chart. He recorded the album at Skip Sailor Recordings in Los Angeles, and worked with producer G-One. The album featured the singles "You'z a Ganxta", "Hand In Hand" featuring 2nd II None & El DeBarge, and "Down, Down, Down" featuring Suga Free, Mausberg (deceased) & AMG.
Background and recording
In an interview with Complex, DJ Quik spoke on the background and recording process of Rhythm-al-ism stating, “With the Rhythm-al-ism album, even though it didn't have a home because Profile Records was going through something and I was fighting them for back royalties and they had me on suspension because they didn't want to pay me. I understood, those were some big checks, I wouldn't want to pay DJ Quik either. "I think that's when I lost my rough edges, I lost the gangster and became like an R&B pretty boy. "The name Rhythm-al-ism alone tells you what I was doing. I was mixing up rhythms. I was meshing R&B with hip-hop and jazz. And a little bit of comedy".
The cover art and some aspects of the album were inspired by L.A. rock band the Doors, confirmed by Quik himself via Instagram.
Critical reception
Rhythm-al-ism received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. People at Allmusic rated the album at 2 and a half stars and wrote that Considering its guest list—packed with enough star power (El DeBarge, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Peter Gunz, Hi-C, AMG, and 2nd II None) to fill a "Wrestlemania" card—Rhythm-al-ism promises more than it actually delivers. Its cleverest moments ("Medley for a 'V' (The Pussy Medley)") address colloquialisms for genitalia and all the wonderful things it's good for. "Down, Down, Down," "I Useta Know Her," and "No Doubt" (rhymes with: "I got something for your mouth") are plain nasty. Just what rap needs: one more guy boasting about his majestic penis and how good he is at treating women like gutter trash. Los Angeles Times gave the album 3 stars.
Commercial performance
The album debuted at number sixty three on the US Billboard 200 and spent 29 weeks on the chart. It also debuted at number thirteen on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and spent 39 weeks on the chart as well. The album was certified Gold on July 27, 1999 by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies.
Track listing
(co.) Co-producer
Sample credits
"We Still Party" contains samples of "Verb: That's What's Happening" by Zachary Sanders. "Speed" contains samples of "Mom" by Earth, Wind & Fire, "Rapper Dapper Snapper" by Edwin Birdsong and "You and Love Are the Same" by The Grassroots. "Whateva U Do" contains a sample of "So In Love" by Smokey Robinson. "I Useta Know Her" contains a sample of "Flash Light (Extended)" by Parliament. "Down, Down, Down" contains a sample of "So Fine" by Howard Johnson. "You'z a Ganxta" contains a sample of "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang. "Get 2Getha Again" contains a sample of "Do It, Fluid" by The Blackbyrds.
Personnel
Credits for Rhythm-al-ism adapted from liner notes.
2nd II None – composer, performer, primary artist
AMG – composer, performer, primary artist
Del Atkins – bass
Robert Bacon – guitar
Agnes Baddoo – stylist
Kenneth Crouch – fender rhodes, piano
El DeBarge – composer, guest artist, performer, primary artist
Dee – background vocals
DJ Quik – bass, composer, drums, executive producer, mixing, percussion, primary artist, producer, synthesizer Sheppard Lane – executive producer Nate Dogg – composer, guest artist Charles Green – horn Bernie Grundman – mastering Peter Gunz – composer, guest artist, performer, primary artist Playa Hamm – guest artist, performer, primary artist