What makes Under tha Influence by DJ Quik notable?

The album peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant entry into the early 2000s hip-hop scene. Not only did it further establish DJ Quik's influence, but it also showcased a resurgence of G-funk aesthetics during this period, impacting subsequent artists in the genre. Released in 2002, Under tha Influence was DJ Quik's fifth studio album, following his successful 1998 project, Rhythmalism. By this time, Quik had solidified his reputation as a leading figure in G-funk and West Coast hip-hop, demonstrating both commercial success and artistic maturity in his production and lyrical style.

Who is Under tha Influence for?

Under tha Influence works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic flow, sharp narratives with vibrant grooves and for late-night cruising.

How many songs are on Under tha Influence?

Under tha Influence has 15 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Under tha Influence

DJ Quik · 2002

66 min · 15 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funky grooves and smooth rhymes, showcasing the West Coast hip-hop sound at its peak.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Come 2nyte — This track epitomizes the G-funk sound with its lush instrumentals and smooth vocal delivery, making it a quintessential party anthem.
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Put It on Me — Featuring catchy hooks and playful lyrics, this song highlights Quik’s ability to blend humor with serious themes, showcasing his lyrical dexterity.
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Get Loaded — With an infectious groove and party vibe, this track captures the carefree spirit of the album while reflecting Quik's signature production style.
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Gina Statuatorré — This track stands out for its storytelling approach, weaving personal narratives with engaging rhythms that reflect Quik's mastery of character-driven lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and composition typical of G-funk, but its cohesion is slightly uneven.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a laid-back tone before transitioning into more rhythmically complex songs.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, typical of G-funk's interactive style.
The production includes live instrumentation alongside samples, creating a rich texture that varies from track to track.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamic flow
sharp narratives with vibrant grooves
for late-night cruising
extended outro for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek straightforward listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2002, Under tha Influence was DJ Quik's fifth studio album, following his successful 1998 project, Rhythmalism. By this time, Quik had solidified his reputation as a leading figure in G-funk and West Coast hip-hop, demonstrating both commercial success and artistic maturity in his production and lyrical style.
Stylistic neighbors: Warren G· Dr. Dre· Snoop Dogg