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DJ Quik is one of the greatest rapper/producers that Los Angeles has ever produced. It's a tradition that has produced Madlib, Daz Dillinger The Alchemist and Dr. Dre. Thus, it came as a complete shock yesterday when Quik announced on Twitter that he was selling his production equipment and calling it quits for the foreseeable future.

While XXL would very much like Quik to recant his stance and return to making music, we would still like to congratulate Quik on one of the most fruitful careers in hip-hop history. In celebration of his retirement, XXL is looking back at 15 of his best songs that showcase how special a talent he was.

"Quik Is The Name" - Quik Is The Name (1991)

After building a big buzz for himself on the streets of L.A., Quik's big break came with the release of his 1991 album, Quik Is The Name. The album would eventually be certified platinum after selling 1 million copies. On the title track, we find Quik kicking his trademark rapid-fire rhymes over a funky sample of Cameo's "I Just Want to Be."

"Born & Raised In Compton" - Quik Is The Name (1991)

"Born & Raised In Compton," Quik's first single, borrows its signature funky alchemy from Isaac Hayes "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic,"Hardcore Jollies" by Funkadelic "She's Not Just Another Woman" by 8th Day. Meanwhile, the song looks back at Quik's life growing up on the Compton streets.

"Tonite" - Quik Is The Name (1991)

Over a slow-rolling, sexy bass groove, "Tonite" was the highest-charting song of Quik's career landing at No. 49 on the Billboard 100 chart.

"Way 2 Fonky" - Way 2 Fonky (1992)

The title cut from 1992's Way 2 Fonky takes the time to address his beef and lash out against Bronx Rapper Tim Dog for dissing his hometown on "Fuck Compton."

"Just Lyke Compton" - Way 2 Fonky (1992)

As the influence of west coast sound began to permeate the rest of the country, Quik made "Just Lyke Compton" in which he claims the impact of his hometown of Compton on cities such as St. Louis, Oakland, San Antonio and Denver.

"Safe + Sound" - Safe + Sound (1995)

1995's "Safe + Sound" finds Quik taking the listener back in the days on how he managed to keep himself save from the street life by managing to get paid.

"Dollaz + Sense" - Safe + Sound (1995)

After years of keeping quiet regarding fellow Compton rapper MC Eiht's perceived shots in his direction, Quik unleashed one of the most vicious diss tracks in hip-hop history against Eiht on "Dollaz + Sense."  The song's most famous line, "You left out the G 'cause the G ain't in you," remains one of the most quotable diss lines ever.

"Get At Me" - Safe + Sound (1995)

Sampling classic 70s funk band Cameo, "Get At Me" finds Quik practically dancing over the track as he addresses scandalous women, jealous haters and men who disrespect him.

"You'z A Ganxta" - Rhythm-al-ism (1998)

Over a sparkling, slow-grooving jam, "You'z A Ganxta" switches his sound up to decry the mindlessly destructive ways of being a gangster.

"Hand To Hand" - Feat. 2nd II None & El Debarge - Rhythm-al-ism (1998)

After the death of close friend Tupac Shakur and The Notorios B.I.G, DJ Quik was looking to move on past his previous gangster reputation. On Rhythm-al-lism, Quik started to mix R&B grooves with his tradition sound. "Hand To Hand" is a perfect example of the smoothed-out synthesis he was looking for.

"Quik's Groove VII" - The Best Of DJ Quik: Da Finale (2002)

One of the highlights of any Quik album are the intricate instrumental tracks that he sprinkles throughout the album. Perhaps, his finest was "Quik's Groove VII" from his excellent greatest hits album, The Best Of DJ Quik.

"Black Mercedes" - Feat. Nate Dogg - Trauma (2005)

Although, it failed to make a dent commercially 2005's Trauma was considered a bit of a career renaissance for Quik. The best song on the album is "Black Mercedes" a pounding banger featuring legendary hip-hop crooner Nate Dogg.

"Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues)" - Feat. Kurupt - BlaQKout! (2009)

Quik teamed up with fellow west coast legend Kurupt for a collaborative album, BlaQKout!, in 2009 and released "Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues)" as the lead single. This track features a slinky Middle Eastern vibe and the Cali veterans kicking loose, playful rhymes with each other.

"Fire & Brimstone" - The Book Of David (2011)

The opener from 2011's incredible and underrated The Book Of David,  Quik spits one of the most vicious and spiteful verses of his career against those in his life that have wronged him.

"Nobody" - Feat. Suga Free - The Book Of David (2011)

"Nobody" featuring Suga Free is an ode to the good life and not caring what anybody else thinks. It was one of the last great solo songs in Quik's illustrious career.

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