Album Review: Chupacabra by DJ Quik & JasonMartin (Problem)
Album Review: Chupacabra by DJ Quik & JasonMartin (Problem)
DJ Quik and JasonMartin return as a duo to restore the feeling from California with their long-awaited follow-up from ‘Rosecrans’ in almost seven years.
Two notable figures in the West Coast rap scene from different decades. DJ Quik became prominent during the 1990s G-funk era, whereas Problem gained recognition in the 2010s for his standout guest verses. Quik’s skills as a producer and JasonMartin’s (formerly known as Problem) lyrical abilities make them a powerful duo. They previously collaborated on the 2017 release Rosecrans. Now, they are back with their second full-length album in almost seven years, Chupacabra, which promises to let them further strengthen their unique chemistry and showcase their best qualities.
DJ Quik and JasonMartin had already packed schedules before announcing Chupacabra. In 2023 alone, Problem released two albums, I Owe Myself and A Compton Story, showcasing his consistent music production. Meanwhile, DJ Quik is set to open for Snoop Dogg’s Cali to Canada tour, running through the summer, which includes sharing multiple performances with Warren G. Quik hasn’t been very active musically in recent years, with his last collaboration album being Rosecrans in 2017 and his previous solo project, The Midnight Life, dating back to 2014. However, with the tour and the release of Chupacabra, 2024 is looking like a year of resurgence for Quik.
But how do we get here? With dust-covered spurs, a worn leather jacket, and a sunburnt sense of solitude, this scene epitomized DJ Quik’s envisioned retirement. That is until a bright red Compton emblem lit up the sky, accompanied by resonant ad-libs from the mountains beyond. Before Quik could even start furnishing his new abode, JasonMartin showed up. A laptop listening session in the empty living room evolved into a month-long spontaneous studio hangout, transforming the retirement haven into a creative G-funk hideaway for artists such as The Game, Jay Worthy, and a host of seasoned L.A. veterans. When Quik thought he had left the scene, they pulled him back in.
The end product, Chupacabra, is a groovy, layered, and mesmerizing work that’s also quite funny. “Eazy Call” features the duo cruising through Crenshaw and Jefferson in a three-wheel coupe that re-works 2Pac’s “Heartz of Men” featuring The Game and Big Hit. “Cold Ass 2 Step” creates a tense funk atmosphere reminiscent of a million flies buzzing around a can of malt liquor inside a Chevy Impala. “Workout” is a block party hit that pulls sounds from 1987 (Rodney O), 2003 (Lil Jon), and even the distant future of the 31st century.
JasonMartin is the anchoring element, showcasing a flexible, energetic, and sharp flow over Quik’s detailed and rich production. Jason delivers the coolest performance on “Since I Was Lil,” a west-meets-south cypher featuring veteran rap artists Bun B, Curren$y, and Jay Worthy. Hearing Quik rap again is exciting, especially as he crowns himself the horse-powered matador confronting many detractors. In their conversations, the Compton natives joke around—Jason humorously blames his poor eyesight on his “vintage eyes,” but they continually stress their professional commitments honed over the decades.
The lineup of guest artists is inspired and practical. Suga Free arrives on the vintage “Cold Ass 2 Step” to assert that not even Pope Francis could save him boldly, while George Clinton lays down wisdom about cursed livestock and legendary monsters on “Two Hi (Waves). “The Game appears rejuvenated, contributing to three of the first four tracks (especially on the title track), and Quik demonstrates flawless chemistry with sophisticated musicians like Thundercat (“Chupa’s Groove”), Channel Tres [“Two Hi (Waves)”], and CeeLo Green (“Ditto”).
Jason returns to the microphone alongside Jay Worthy and Larry June with the track “Gurbs & Youngs,” delivering a smooth tribute to those groups of people. “Fresh White T,” starring D. Blake and Shiro, comes before DJ Drama’s “Quik Message” interlude, merging guitars and hi-hats with a bold declaration of their uniqueness. Jason also joins forces with Barney Bones again on “AYO,” a KAYTRANADA production destined to energize dance floors. “Ditto” showcases a blend of rap and singing about needing space and time. Concluding with “Soul Circus/Chupacabra Outro,” Ab-Soul wraps things up with a beautiful soul sample.
“The Damon Wayan in with us, the living color will fade to black
I raise the stakes, you SDA. Miss with that bullshit or get smacked.”
The chupacabra is a fitting symbol for their combined artistry—mysterious and otherworldly, frightening the goats away from their very bones and often not receiving the recognition it deserves. Chupacabra merits consideration as one of the better rap albums of the year, made even more impressive because it was created serendipitously.
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Cold Ass 2 Step,” “Chupa’s Groove,” “Ditto”