DJ Quik's latest album, the aptly titled 'Balance & Options', provided the perfect balance between good and bad, and provided the listener with the option of enjoying the album. DJ Quik's production and mixing abilities might outweight those of the masses, but it took the help of EPMD's Erick Sermon to cut a gem. "U Ain't Fresh" was the freshest track on the album, as the Quik-Sermon collaboration simply sizzled. However, the rest of the album wasn't so hot.

DJ Quik perpetrates an indo-laced LBC style with reliance on mainly low-key contributing artists such as: Suga Free, Digital Underground, Raphael Saadiq, James Debarge, AMG, Mausberg and others. This did not work to his advantage because three of the best tracks included the bigger-names: Erick Sermon on "U Ain't Fresh", Suga Free on "Do I Love Her?" & Digital Underground on "Do Whutcha Want". "Sexuality" had a club-feel and was by far the best solo song, but "Quikker Said Than Dunn" was also impressive.

Overall this album, was average. The impressive tracks were equally balanced by the disappointing songs. If you enjoy an LBC, club-style album, then you might want to give this album a try. Otherwise, DJ Quik might want to return to the lab, and not be so quick to release his next album.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written June 21, 2000