Surprise albums have become a the staple marketing strategy of the past 365, which has been quite exciting — for the most part. The latest out of nowhere release came this week from legendary Compton OG, DJ Quik, and buzzing CPT native Problem with their joint EP, Rosecrans. The name is a nod to Rosecrans Avenue, the main street that runs through several cities including Compton and Hawthorne in south Los Angeles County.
Much like the infamous street, the project’s lead song, “A New Nite/ Rosecrans Grove,” is long and varied, clocking in at just over 9 minutes in length. It features thick, west coast production you’ve come to appreciate from Quik over the years, with a host of video-game inspired elements infused. The track, which was my highlight of the EP — BTW — almost comes off as a jam session instrumentally. Lyrically, both artists give exactly what you’d expect; no surprises, but no disappointments, either. The Game, Wiz Khalifa, Candice Boyd and more appear throughout the concise six-song effort delivering strong bars.
This is top down, real-deal, summertime west coast hip-hop, coming from one of the most respected rappers in the history of the city. From his 15-year on wax beef with MC Eiht to his work with the West’s upper echelon, Quik has never really put out anything that wasn’t solid — in my humble opinion. And if you haven’t been following the upward trajectory of rapper Problem, it’s not too late to get on the train. These two rappers gel so well together that’s hard to imagine we won’t hear more from them as a duo. Give Rosecrans a spin; it gets two W’s up.
Early.
