Their relationship dates back to 1988, before he sought refuge with a major label. It included the successful singles "Way 2 Fonky" and "Jus Lyke Compton." The year 1992 would also see him produce on Paid the Cost the debut album by rap duo Penthouse Players Clique.īefore recording Safe + Sound, DJ Quik had previously scrapped an album, which he said was so horrible that he had to smash the masters.Īs DJ Quik began to work on his third album, he started working with Suge Knight again. He later released his second album entitled Way 2 Fonky in 1992. None of his successive albums reached the success of his debut, though they have been well received. The album was led by the success of his two top 20 R&B singles, "Tonite" and "Born and Raised in Compton." The album ended up being number 10 on the album charts, and was Platinum by the RIAA. His debut album, "Quik Is the Name," was released in 1991. They began to send letters to Ruthless Records, asking for them to cease and desist. This left Profile Records with no other choice. Quik later went on to regret his contract with the label and was offered an advance of one million dollars by Eazy-E.
He signed to Profile Records in the summer of 1990, reportedly as the label's first six-figure signee. He would later go on to say that after his success in the rap world many of his family members "popped up".Īfter gaining a buzz for himself in the streets from his self-made mix tapes, he began to gain the interest of many major labels, including Profile Records and Ruthless Records. For a period of about three years he was homeless after his mother lost her home, due to foreclosure. In the 11th grade, Quik dropped out of high school. He was a member of the Westside Tree Top Piru Bloods. He then began doing shows DJing around Southern California, many of which ended in rival gang related altercations. He began selling homemade mixtapes (notably The Red Tape, 1987) after he received a turntable for his 8th grade graduation. By age 12 he was already playing instruments, and by the age of 21, he was a platinum-selling artist. David's love for music began at 2, as his mother had an extensive record collection.
Out of respect for his beloved friend, Roger Troutman, he retired the talkbox. He was chiefly inspired by funk and soul artists, such as Roger Troutman (who even taught him the use of the talkbox, which became a trademark for Quik's sound throughout his career) and George Clinton. Blake was born on Januin Compton, California.