DJ Zirk — Nuttin But Killaz

From the previous product, "2 Thick" (1994), it's not really clear what DJ Zirk's value is. In this tape, he reveals himself as one of the best producers in the Memphis rap scene.

After an intro with smooth and dark synth lines, dry and hard downtempo drum + snare, it comes "Mind Blowin". Classic cut: DJ Zirk flips an amazing dark vocal sample from the final part of an iconic Marvin Gaye track, "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", giving it a beautiful spin. The rhythm is worthy of being the main theme of one of the best horror thriller movies. Drum downtempo, slow and calm melodic delivery by Mr. Tinimaine, followed by the slow and fluid flow of Lil Kane and Primo. The next track boasts a very sick piano in the background, fantastic, combined with a dark vocal sample and a perfect downtempo drum. Terrifying beat, left to breathe for a long time, magnificent, even this is cinematic. 187 is inside that film, he's fully in the mood of the rhythm, flawless, Mr. Tinimaine and Primo follow him effortlessly, with excellent flows.

Lil Kane and Don Trigga are the performers of song number four, one of the few in which DJ Zirk puts his contribution on the mic. Dark and raw piano sample, lo-fi beat, good delivery. "What Do You See" is a posse with Lil Kane, Primo, Don Trigga and Wild Child, the guys are quite inspired on dry uptempo drum, good samples and accessible squeaky synths. An even greater posse follows: on a simple snare drum and skinny and dark samples, Mr. Tinimaine, Lil Kane, Primo, Don Trigga, Gangsta D, Lil Real and Gotti are on the mic. DJ Zirk returns in "Full of Smoke", together with Buckshot: splendid soulful sample left to breathe, lean midtempo drum machine, dynamic, fast, lively delivery of Buckshot, which eats the rhythm. He's certainly among the best MCs of this period. "Da Chewin'" sounds like one of the least successful songs of the edition, even if it's an instrumental one. Before the thanks, the album finds another great moment in "Shitz Pop Off": great dark elegant piano, lively and extroverted fresh drum, 187 performs inspired and dominant, well also Mr. Tinimaine, Lil Kane and Primo, then closes Buckshot with ease.

Self-produced, it's one of the finest releases in Memphis in '95. With ten tracks and just under fifty minutes of listening, the tape retains a good replay value. 8/10.