In the confines of San Bernardino County’s West Valley Detention Center, DJ Quik did some soul searching. It was the summer of 2006 and Quik was spending time in prison on a parole violation. The charges stemmed from an incident where he allegedly pulled a gun on his sister back in 2003. The production legend was ordered to serve 45 days in jail on the weekends, but after failing to report, he was thrown in the pen for five months.
Quik used his incarceration as motivation. Upon his release in October 2006, the self-proclaimed “mad scientist” went into the studio with longtime friend and collaborator AMG and formed a duo called The Fixxers. The veteran MCs soon released their first song, “Can You Werk Wit Dat,” to local radio and the record started to generate a buzz, catching the attention of Interscope Records. The monstrous label promptly signed The Fixxers making it the first time that either Quik or AMG had been signed to a major in almost 10 years.
DJ Quik and AMG helped lay the foundation for West Coast hip-hop. Quik’s influence dates back to his platinum debut in 1991, Quik is the Name. The veteran MC then went on to release six more solo albums in the next 15 years while also producing for everyone from 2Pac, to Snoop Dogg to Jay-Z.
AMG hit the scene in 1991 with his debut album, Give a Dog Bone. But 1992’s gold album, Bitch Betta Have My Money, was his coming out party. With pimped out lyrics and party anthems like “Jiggable Pie,” and the DJ Quik produced “Nu Exasize,” the album was hailed by many as a West Coast classic. AMG’s success, however, was short lived. His following two albums: Ballin’ Out Of Control (1995) and Bitch Betta Have My Money 2001 didn’t fair as well.
Now, after working together for over a decade, the Compton, CA natives are releasing their group album, The Midnight Life, this summer. XXLMag.com talks with The Fixxers to about what these veterans can bring back to the game.
How did the group form?
Quik: We always talked about it but never did it. We had obligations that wouldn’t let us together. We created these high maintenance worlds for ourselves that wouldn’t allow us to focus on it. But there’s a lull in the sound here and we realize, in a sense, that we play a part in the barometer of hip-hop on the West Coast.
How did this deal with Interscope for The Fixxers album come about?
AMG: They caught wind of what was going on. We had the radio stations smashing, “Can U Werk Wit Dat.” We actually went to Interscope first, then we were gonna do the deal at Warner Bros. It was one of those, who wants us type of thing. But the record has picked up speed. We started doing appearances and putting the songs into the shows we did. The crowd responded, the reps came out and saw it. It’s a good surprise and something that’s needed. The label [Interscope] was like, “Let’s see what these guys can do.”
What’s the vibe on Midnight Life? Is it more fun and partying?
AMG: Oh yeah, definitely. My thing has always been more of a party atmosphere. I keep it light because that’s the element [needed] to make this record work. Nobody is coming with deep messages. We’re not trying to save anybody. So I think the concept of this album is to just keep the party going. If you wanna learn something, you’ll learn it with or without a record. I don’t think records are here to teach you.
So this album isn’t going to be as heavily West Coast influenced as your previous collaborations?
Quik: Yeah, it’s not. We’ve done it before, over and over again. When the results don’t match the input — if you’re putting a lot in and getting a little out — I think it’s time to walk away from that slot machine and go gamble somewhere else.
AMG: I think we need to do something different besides the same old West Coast thing. We gotta get on some new dance shit. Niggas got a million styles. It just so happens when you get into the record business, you gotta make those certain records. A lot of Quik fans are saying, “It looks like you’re selling out. You’re making down South records.” But you gotta change. You can’t be walking around with bell-bottoms when straight legs are in.
Quik, many regard you and Dr. Dre as the best West Coast producers ever. But it seems Dre gets most of the mainstream attention.
Quik: Of course he will. Dre is a good businessman. He knows how to sell stuff. My thing is — I was always emotionally driven by the music. I think when you give so much of yourself to one thing, you become one-sided and out of balance. So I think that caused the industry to not respect me as much as other people. I’m not a ruthless guy. I’m not robbing anybody for their publishing. I guess you gotta be a shark in this game. I just wasn’t a shark. And I guess, me being dyslexic as I am, or whatever, I thought I didn’t know the business and that’s the furthest from the truth.
As veterans, how do you stay relevant in a game that changes so fast?
Quik: We’re giving people what they want, as opposed to trying to force a structure on people, like, “This is the way it’s supposed to be. This is real hip-hop.” They don’t give a fuck. If it don’t strike them for that moment, then they’re onto something else. We conformed into giving people party music — the feel good music they want.
Quik, last year you went to prison for five months. What happened there?
Quik: That was a real dark time in my life. I was fighting with my sisters. Some of the things they put me through, they probably didn’t really intend it, [but] they were trying to extort me. I always gave them everything and I told them I appreciated them for helping me buy equipment when I was younger. After we got older, I told them, “I really don’t owe you anything. You spent five or six thousand dollars on me when I was coming up. After I became successful, your money didn’t end. I was giving y’all money that I hadn’t even paid taxes on yet.”
[Then] I found out my sisters were trying kidnap my kids for money. So I was like, “Are you guys on crack now? Is that what this is? Are y’all trying to keep it from me? Do you think y’all [are] slick? You’re trying to play me. I’m not ignorant. I’m a genius.” So I could see what it was. It’s just that I’m left-handed and I’m a giver. I’m a philanthropist and I give from the heart. So I love you guys, but I’m not gonna let you hurt my kids. That’s retarded.
I had a strap on me for some dudes. I can talk about it now [because] it’s my situation. My sisters had incorporated some guys involved in the streets into the plot. I caught an assault case and I didn’t pistol whip my sister. She’s little, you don’t have to pistol whip her. But I had my pistol there to shoot them niggas in the face if I would have saw them. I would have blown their ass away. So I snapped. I was out of my mind. I went through therapy and anger management for it and did my jail time. To me, it was more like rehab [rather] than a prison sentence. It was like, go in here and find yourself. Don’t be crazy. Don’t be a victim of the system and don’t let them own your mind.
This entry was posted
on Friday, April 13th, 2007 at 10:11 am and is filed under Features, Main Feature
Share it:
.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
DIRECTORIES
NEW Jay-Z to Headline Bonnaroo Fest, Kid Cudi & Jay Electronica Added to Bill- 3 hrs ago
NEW Breaking News: Lil Wayne’s Jail Bid Postponed ’til March 2- 5 hrs ago
NEW XXL Gives Away Tickets to Haiti Benefit Show With Jim Jones & Styles P- 6 hrs ago
NEW Game Talks New DJ Drama Mixtape, Ashanti Collabo- 8 hrs ago
XXcLusive: N.O.R.E. on The War Report 2 - “Musically, This is Gonna be a Better Album”- 1 day
XXcLusive: Alchemist Says Eminem Working With DJ Khalil- 4 days ago
April 13th, 2007
at 10:28 am
E says:
First and WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 10:58 am
Ali says:
Is Quik throeing darts at Dre with “I’m not a ruthless guy. I’m not robbing anybody for their publishing. I guess you gotta be a shark in this game. I just wasn’t a shark.”
Interesting..
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 11:42 am
Holla says:
Damn, Quik is a nut job - talking about blowing peoples brains away and shit like that.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 1:31 pm
SANLEANDRO510 says:
Quik is a legend in this rap game. We need some party anthems at this point.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 1:34 pm
J.R.O. says:
I thought that was Prince on the homepage. lol
Quik is dope!
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 2:04 pm
Rob says:
Quik is one of the most amazing producers in the game.. People hate on him to damn much. Keep it up Quik..
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 2:08 pm
Dr Flav says:
Quik is a genius, you can put the instrumental to Tonite up against tracks nowadays. Always comes solid AMG Bitch Betta Have My Money album was a classic, hard beats and distinct voice/flow.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 2:41 pm
$$Eazy_Money$$ says:
quik is best producer ever. best body of work since I first heard sweet black pu**y in 1990
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 2:56 pm
John Cochran says:
Ol boy crazy as shit.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 3:13 pm
Bam 323 Cali Strapped CUZ says:
quic do your thang my nigga just make it good fo everybody
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 3:20 pm
DJ M.O.B. THE BLACK MESSIAH says:
MAN I LOVE QUIK, HE IS 1 OF MY FAVORITE PRODUCERS OF ALL TIME!!! IT DOES SOUND HE TOOK A FEW SHOTS @ DRE..BUT HEY IT IS WHAT IT IS!!
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 3:49 pm
BirdsFlySouth says:
DJ Quik is on the DL
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 4:27 pm
djanapalmore says:
dont trip quik u did what anybody would have done anybody else would probley did worse keep ur head up and god bless u ur number 1 fan i love u quik stay up fucc the haters
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 5:23 pm
Domjel says:
Amg comes across DUMB.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 6:03 pm
Fernando says:
Ha Ha……Quik is a god damn fool.
Those are some scandalous ass sisters. That would be weak to have to whoop your own family members ass for tryin to swoop your seed.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 6:23 pm
b-ease says:
DJ Quik is out of his goddamned mind.
I wish I had read ANY of the articles that i flipped past over the last ten years or so. I must have missed out on alot of intentional comedy. Damn…
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 7:19 pm
THAT_BOY_NOAH says:
i remember that bitch betta have my money album.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 9:26 pm
bill bixby says:
Fk All You Haters Quik Is A Legend. This Nigga Is Not Crazy Any Real Man Would Do What It Takes To Protect His Family That New Joint Is Hot Id Rather Listen To Quik Than These Other Niggas. He Is The Greatest Producer Ever. Listen To His Catalog No Other Hip Hop Producer Comes Close. He Ghostproduced Alot Of That Deathrow Joints That Were Some Of Your Favorites. Cant Wait 4 The Album.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 9:45 pm
M.dot says:
DJ quick sho ain’t nappy.
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 11:12 pm
jojochicago says:
If Quick gives us the hotness that he’s gave Jay Z and Pac and not all that G Funk bullshit, him nd AMG will give people musically what is missing in this rap game…fun lyrics and hot ass beats. don’t disappoint! I heard the first single and its the Business, keep it up! And Quick…stay away from them crazy ass sisters of yours!
Reply
April 13th, 2007
at 11:13 pm
jojochicago says:
yeah!
Reply
April 14th, 2007
at 3:06 am
Davizz says:
I wonder if the sisters story is true, it would be crazy and I woul understand why Quik was so mad, damn!!!
Reply
April 14th, 2007
at 4:12 am
stoneyisland says:
somebody tell quick he look slike Jermains steweart with his hair all pretty like that. Next thing you know he will be singing “we dont have to take our clothes off”
Reply
April 14th, 2007
at 4:35 am
radiohead says:
Quik is a real nigga, but he got some of the goddamn worst people as sisters :(
Reply
April 15th, 2007
at 9:15 am
Dooce says:
Sounds like The Fixxers ain’t really trying to fixx shit, just have a good time. I guess that’s all the the g, but are they saying they’re not focused on positive messages? Either way, Quik is the Name so pay attention. Oh, and leave his weave alone unless you are looking to fuck him (no homo).
Reply
April 15th, 2007
at 9:23 am
Zee Productions says:
Tupac & Biggie - Deadly Combination Zeemix
Nas - Hope Zeemix
Eminem ft 50 Cent - You Dont Know Zeemix
Eminem - Jimmy Crack Corn Zeemix
Nasty Nate - Piece Of Me
Produced by Zee…Hottest Production coming from a 16 year old in the UK
http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ZEEPROD
Reply
April 15th, 2007
at 3:23 pm
REALTALK says:
damn that nigga quik looked like a str8 bitch on the homepage
Reply
April 15th, 2007
at 3:25 pm
Tha Real says:
dam i thought that quik waz a girl lol
Reply
April 15th, 2007
at 8:35 pm
TheRefriedMexican says:
I would rather of seen Quik do a whole album with Suga Free. On the West Coast when somebody talks shit we don’t call it “throwing darts”. Thats East Coast. Here we call talking shit: TALKING SHIT
Reply
April 16th, 2007
at 8:18 pm
Dean says:
DJ Quik is the greatest producer of all time.
I think Quik had a falling out with SugaFree,which sucks but AMG is just as good.
I’m gonna get this album as soon as it comes out.
His sisters cause him nothin but problems, he should break all ties with them.
Quik’s always been a little weird with style remember the cover of Rhythm-al-ism
Reply
April 17th, 2007
at 10:04 am
EA's says:
that nigga look gay as fuck .how is u a gay DJ .Columbus,Ohio is the best place in the world
Reply
April 17th, 2007
at 7:46 pm
B.I.N.G.O.(Sekshun 8 ent.) says:
Quick at it again! thats what the fuck im talking bout. Niggas dont know Quick is a muthafuckin pionier for this westcoast shit ya dig. And low key he clowing them south niggas by snatching they lil style and fliping it. “Can you work with that, Can you work with that Can you work with that……” that shit bangs fuck what yall talking bout.
ocho and out, BING
Reply
April 17th, 2007
at 8:23 pm
B.I.N.G.O.(Sekshun 8 ent.) says:
http://www.myspace.com/bingodamack
Reply
April 19th, 2007
at 5:30 pm
mikol08 says:
Quik is the dopest and humblest producer and rapper on the west coast. His new jam “Can u werk wit dat” does have a crunk feel to it but it still has the “quik essence”. Now AMG is dope too, not to be forgotten.
All of his personal shit should be irrelavent to his music and not be asked about so much. So dont forget that “MIDNIGHT LIFE” this summer, cuz i wont. peace.
Reply
April 20th, 2007
at 12:50 pm
mike speez says:
I hope this album will move units because these duds have been around 4 a mimute.quick and AMG are westcoast and that single is fucking banging out of my 06 charger like crazy.Much love quick and yeah i live in your hood TTP u know what it is blood.
Reply
April 21st, 2007
at 6:17 pm
SOUTHERNBREED says:
DJ Quik is a Legend and one of my favorites.
he got the beats that you can dance to and bang to!
it would’ve been interesting to see Quik and Pac do a whole album together!
everytime they did a song together it was fiya!
“Heatz of Men” from All Eyes On Me and
“Late Night” on Better Dayz!
Keep Doing ya thing QuiK and I’ma Keep gettin ya Music!
Reply
April 24th, 2007
at 7:38 pm
ivan says:
props to quik and AM
Reply
April 30th, 2007
at 11:21 am
MANNYFRIZZLE says:
Whats good Fam…lets quit the fandango and get this money! Holla at me quik lets take it back like it used to be all im gonna say is “WHY YOU BULLSHITIN” http://www.myspace.com/mannyfrefresh
Reply
May 1st, 2007
at 2:08 am
Ric says:
“Its late but can’t go ta sleep cuz yo pussy gorgeous!!!” The song is fire! Quik has always been a lil off as far as personality and style but thats what makes him different from everybody. What other rap producer can put out instramental that could be considered a jazz classic( the quik’s grooves)? Whatever mood you in you can find a couple songs in his catalog that match it. thats why i fucs with him…….
Reply
May 9th, 2007
at 6:04 am
Mark says:
Quik & Amg do yor thing! Please fix the game!!!
Reply
May 9th, 2007
at 6:04 am
Mark says:
Quik & Amg do yor thing! Please fix the game!!!
Reply
May 9th, 2007
at 8:06 am
==lokj== says:
lkjhuhpi
Reply
May 19th, 2007
at 9:02 pm
Dontae Dynamite says:
As I read all the comments that were left here I can see that there are more lame ass haters in the world than I could have ever imagined. How you gonna hate on DJ Duik? Quik is the reason I produce tracks now. The game needs a DJ Quik for balance and options.
Reply
May 23rd, 2007
at 10:31 pm
philliesweet says:
Lets b totally honest with ourself people…despite his wack family members, and single-minded individual opinions of dj Quik. He is, and will always B Americas Most Complete Artist.
Reply
June 9th, 2007
at 4:46 pm
MR.CHEAPSKATE says:
THE FIXXERS IS DOPE. WHAT UP WITH THE RETARDS WANTIN’ A POSITIVE MESSAGE? WHEN I’M @ THE CLUB I WANT MUSIC I CAN PARTY TO SO U LAMES NEED TO SAVE THE WORLD ON YA ON TIME AND LET G AND QUIK DO WHAT THEY DO.
Reply
July 6th, 2007
at 2:04 pm
BIG GAME 805 says:
THE FIXXERS IS COOL !! I MEAN YOU CANT HELP TO BOB YA’ HEAD TO “CAN YOU WERK THAT” JOINT. AS FAR AS QUIK SAYING THAT HE’S ON SOME MORE DANCE SHIT..UMM I GOT TO SAY MISS ME WITH THAT HOMIE. THE WESTCOAST SOUND IS STILL UNIQUE. I GOT LOVE FOR THE SOUTH AND WHAT THEY’RE DOING AND ALL..BUT..THEY BEEN DOING SINCE DAY ONE. SO I FEEL IF WE THE “WESTCOAST” GOT OUR OWN SOUND THEN REPRESENT IT !! PUT YOUR OWN TWIST ON IT!! JUST KEEP IT WEST, WEST YALL !!
Reply
August 4th, 2007
at 5:05 pm
BEN-G 714 says:
1st off if you mutha’fuckers don’t have anything nice to say, than don’t fucken comment its obvious that you lame brains dont know shit about good musician. thanx 2 quik we have great music we can kick back & listen to!!!! all of his shit bangs, keep up the good work MR.Quik & AMG (R.I.P. Mausberg) keep it compton!!!!!!!
Reply
October 12th, 2007
at 12:48 pm
rythm21 says:
the fixxers are crazy thankz to them the rap game is still going thankz to Quik and Amg the song that got me hooked was trouble keep on doing what you guys do thankz the fixxers
Reply
November 5th, 2007
at 5:26 pm
Milan says:
Quik iz a legend.. He wdnt throw dartz at Dre.. I think people are takin it that way coz they jus want tha next beef to kick off in tha industry.. But comin from London wher Quik aint as known to my age group, i feel moved by hiz production!
Peace !
Reply
December 19th, 2007
at 9:54 am
motorhead says:
‘yeah’..50..
Reply