Renowned for his collaborations with esteemed artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and 2Pac, DJ Quik stands as an indomitable figure in the realm of music production. Hailing from Compton, this West Coast G-Funk maestro recently graced the No Jumper Podcast where he delved into his involvement in 2Pac‘s seminal third studio album and shed light on his decision to forgo charging for the use of his sampled music.

With a deep-rooted belief in the integrity of the artistic process, DJ Quik voiced his conviction against charging fellow musicians for sampling his work. He candidly expressed, “I didn’t charge artists. I didn’t charge money because I don’t believe you should charge an artist to sample your s***. Like, I let a lot of s*** slide because that’s the game. I’ve had instances where I’ve sampled someone’s work and it didn’t clear, and ultimately, I had to pay for it.” The virtuoso producer harbored a compassionate disposition toward the burgeoning talents, choosing to extend a forgiving hand instead of enforcing strict financial retribution.

“I let the young n***** slide. I don’t go hard on them,” he affirmed. It is within this context that DJ Quik’s magnanimous act surfaces—one that involved the sample clearance for the captivating track “If I Die 2Nite,” nestled within 2Pac‘s chart-topping opus, “Me Against The World.” Helmed by the talented Easy Mo Bee, the song ingeniously incorporated elements from DJ Quik‘s timeless 1991 hit, “Tonight.” Even as a youthful 24-year-old at the time, DJ Quik exhibited no hesitation in granting the necessary clearance, allowing his music to become an integral part of 2Pac‘s masterpiece. Nonetheless, DJ Quik‘s benevolence and profound adoration for hip hop occasionally left his legal counsel in a state of discomfort, as they endeavored to ensure he received just compensation for his artistic contributions, which, in turn, guaranteed their own share of the proceeds.

A year would pass before DJ Quik and 2Pac would find themselves collaborating once more. Preparing for his momentous return and debut on Death Row Records, DJ Quik embarked on a short journey from his residence to the nearby studio, where he immersed himself for two consecutive days. During this fruitful period, the duo crafted a remarkable piece titled “Late Night,” albeit hindered by unresolved clearance issues surrounding the sampling of Donald Byrd’s resonant composition, “Wind Parade.” DJ Quik regarded Byrd’s creation as one of the most distinguished examples of jazz music, replete with immense respect and admiration for the genre. Furthermore, the creative partnership birthed another noteworthy tracks, “Things R Changing” & “Words 2 My First Born,” during a session that seemingly refused to come to an end. Such was the synergy between these two luminary talents—unyielding and inexhaustible.DJ Quik‘s unwavering stance on granting artists the freedom to sample his music without financial constraints exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the spirit of artistic collaboration and expression. While his lawyers often advocate for his financial interests, the artist himself remains steadfast in his belief that nurturing and supporting young talents in the industry outweighs the short-term gains that monetary compensation may provide. As the legacy of DJ Quik continues to flourish, his actions stand as a testament to his genuine love for hip hop and his unwavering dedication to its vibrant community.

VIA: RapVerse