DJ Quik facts for kids

Quick facts for kids DJ Quik
DJ Quik in 2015
Born	David Marvin Blake (1970-01-18) January 18, 1970 (age 55) Compton, California, U.S.
Other names	Danté Blake Mr. Quik Da Quiksta
Occupation	Rapper songwriter record producer disc jockey
Years active	1987–present
Spouse(s)	Alicia Hill ​ (m. 2005)​
Children	3
Musical career
Genres	West Coast hip-hop gangsta rap G-funk
Labels	Ingrooves Mad Science Fontana Ark 21 Bungalo Arista Death Row Profile

David Marvin Blake (born January 18, 1970), known by his stage name DJ Quik, is an American rapper and record producer from Compton, California. He is famous for his work in the G-funk style of West Coast hip-hop. His stage name comes from his talent for making songs very quickly.

DJ Quik has worked with many famous artists, including Snoop Dogg, Tupac, and Shaquille O'Neal. As an artist, he is best known for his 1991 hit song "Tonite".

Early Life and Music

David Blake was born in Compton, California. He grew up listening to funk and soul music. He was inspired by artists like Roger Troutman and George Clinton. Roger Troutman even taught him how to use the talkbox, an effects pedal that makes an instrument sound like it's talking. The talkbox became a signature part of DJ Quik's sound.

When he was in 8th grade, Blake got a turntable and started making his own homemade music collections, called mixtapes. He began performing as a DJ at shows around Southern California. During his teenage years, he made some choices he later said he regretted.

Music Career

Starting with 'Quik Is the Name'

DJ Quik's mixtapes became popular, and several record labels wanted to sign him. In 1990, he signed with Profile Records.

His first album, Quik Is the Name, came out in 1991. It was a huge success, thanks to hit songs like "Tonite" and "Born and Raised in Compton." The album sold over a million copies, earning a Platinum award from the RIAA. After his debut, he also produced an album for the group 2nd II None.

More Successful Albums

In 1992, DJ Quik released his second album, Way 2 Fonky. It also did very well, with popular songs like "Way 2 Fonky" and "Jus Lyke Compton."

His third album, Safe + Sound, was released in 1995. It reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 music chart. During this time, Quik began working with Suge Knight and Death Row Records. This led him to produce music for some of the biggest names in hip-hop.

Working with Superstars

DJ Quik played a big role in creating Tupac's famous album All Eyez On Me. Although he was only credited for producing one song, "Heartz of Men," he also helped mix about half of the album. He also worked on albums for Snoop Dogg, but did not always get official credit for his work.

In 1997, DJ Quik discovered a rapper named Suga Free and produced his first album, Street Gospel. The album was recorded in just 28 days and became a classic among many rap fans in California.

Creating a Unique Sound

DJ Quik's fourth album, Rhythm-al-ism, came out in 1998. It featured guest artists like Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg. He continued to produce for many other artists, including Deborah Cox and Jermaine Dupri.

His fifth album, Balance & Options, was released in 2000. After this album, he left his record label. In 2002, he released Under tha Influence on a new label. That same year, he produced the hit song "Addictive" for the singer Truth Hurts. The song used a sample from a Hindi song, which led to a legal issue that was later settled.

DJ Quik also worked with many other famous artists, including Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, and Ludacris.

Starting His Own Label

In 2005, DJ Quik started his own record label, Mad Science Recordings. He released his album Trauma on this label. It sold over 100,000 copies, which was a big success for an independent album.

In late 2007, DJ Quik formed the group the Fixxers with fellow rapper AMG. He also formed a production group called QDT with Snoop Dogg and Teddy Riley. In 2009, he released a collaboration album with Kurupt called BlaQKout.

Later Work

DJ Quik's eighth album, The Book of David, was released in 2011. It featured artists like Ice Cube, Bun B, and Kurupt. The album was a success, reaching number 5 on the Top Rap Albums chart.

In 2016, he released an EP with rapper Problem called Rosecrans. The next year, they turned it into a full album with more songs and guest artists, including The Game and Wiz Khalifa.

Discography

Studio albums

• Quik Is the Name (1991)
• Way 2 Fonky (1992)
• Safe + Sound (1995)
• Rhythm-al-ism (1998)
• Balance & Options (2000)
• Under tha Influence (2002)
• Trauma (2005)
• The Book of David (2011)
• The Midnight Life (2014)

Collaborative albums

• Blaqkout (with Kurupt) (2009)
• Rosecrans: The Album (with Problem) (2017)
• Chupacabra (with JasonMartin) (2024)

Filmography

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

Awards

See also

In Spanish: DJ Quik para niños