| Rhythm-al-ism | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | DJ Quik |
| Cover: | Rhythm-al-ism.jpg |
| Studio: | Skip Saylor Recording (Los Angeles) |
| Genre: | Hip hop, R&B |
| Prev Title: | Safe + Sound |
| Prev Year: | 1995 |
| Next Title: | Balance & Options |
| Next Year: | 2000 |
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 & AMG.
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".[1]
The cover art and some aspects of the album were inspired by L.A. rock band the Doors, confirmed by Quik himself via Instagram.
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.[2] Los Angeles Times gave the album 3 stars.
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.
(co.) Co-producer
Sample credits
Credits for Rhythm-al-ism adapted from liner notes.[3]
| Chart (1998) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 63 | |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 13 |
| Song | Chart (1998–99) | Peak position |
|---|---|---|
| "You'z a Ganxta" | US Billboard Hot R&B Airplay | 66 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 59 | |
| "Hand in Hand" | US Billboard Hot R&B Airplay | 54 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 66 | |
| US Billboard Rhythmic Top 40[4] | 38 | |
| "Down, Down, Down" | US Billboard Hot R&B Airplay | 51 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 59 |
| Region | Date | Label | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | November 10, 1998 | Arista Records | CD, Cassette, LP | |
| Canada[5] | November 23, 1998 | Arista Records | CD, Cassette | |
| United Kingdom[6] | November 24, 1998 | Arista Records | CD, Cassette |