BlaQKout — DJ Quik & Kurupt (Mad Science): The last time these guys were hip-hop household names — if even then — was when they were second-tier strivers enjoying the West Coast’s Dre/Snoop-inspired moment. That was more than a decade ago, or multiple generations in hip-hop terms. But this ostensible comeback album is loose and fierce and unconcerned with proving a damn thing. BlaQKout’s 13 tracks clock in at under 42 minutes with no skits, no fat, no fooling around. And it just so happens that the longest track — the 4:22 “Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues),” wherein Quik introduces his West African sample unadorned for a few seconds before hooking a beat up — is not only the best thing here, but maybe the best hip-hop record of the year. That BlaQKout’s not really about much of anything but itself just adds to the old-school vibe. (“Hey Playa! [Moroccan Blues],” “9X Outta 10,” “Ohh!”)
Grade: A-
“Hey Playa (Moroccan Blues)”
