Balance & Options

Leaning less on samples than he did with his previous work, DJ Quik creates a progressive soundscape for his laidback fifth album. On “Pitch In On A Party”, a funk synth drives a floor-filling groove. “Change Da Game” feels as bouncy and carefree as summer, with a fuzzy guitar in the background and handclaps propelling the song’s rhythm. But it’s not all good times—“Tha Divorce Song” features an acoustic guitar and a head-nodding beat that belies James DeBarge’s bruised lyrics.