From references to Compton's Tree Top Piru Bloods in his songs to dropping the "c" from Quik because it stands for "Crips," DJ Quik (born David Blake) leaves little doubt about either the authenticity of his gangsta rap or which side he's on.

Quik grew up in Compton as a gang member; he left that life for music, but still remains true to his roots and old connections. In 1991, when he was 20, Quik recorded his debut album, Quik is the Name; it and its follow-up, Way 2 Fonky, went gold.

Dissatisfied with his life and his musical direction, Quik signed with Death Row Records and made CEO Marion "Suge" Knight his manager. The results were Quik's best album, 1995's Safe + Sound, which draws heavily on the influence of Parliament-Funkadelic. Rhythm-Al-Ism followed in 1998, and two years later he resurfaced with Balance and Options.