In 1998 Quik released Rhythm-al-ism his fourth studio album on Profile Records. The DJ Quik production on this album was considered to be refreshing compared to the stereotypical West Coast G-Funk sound that had dominated most of the early 1990s, as he incorporated elements of jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, and even rock and roll to create instrumentals that caught the ears of many listeners. The album fell short of commercial expectations, but was praised by many underground rap fans in California, and is seen as a “street classic” by many of them. It reached number 27 on the Billboard R&B albums chart. Their relationship saw Quik serving as the producer on his debut album, Street Gospel. DJ Quik later discovered Suga Free, a pimp turned rapper in 1997.
He also worked with Shaquille O'Neal on his You Can't Stop the Reign album. The success of the Quik-produced single 'Let's Get Down' prompted House of Music to sell over 1 million copies.
The year 1997 saw Quik produce a track on House of Music, by Tony! Toni! Toné!. THE ORIGINAL G-FUNK CREATOR! YOU NEED THIS!
