HALFTIME: Evan Nabavian's Tentative Favorite Rap Song of 2011

Written by Evan Nabavian of 'Metal Lungies'.

DJ Quik & BlaKKazz K.K. - "Poppin"
(The Book of David; 2011)

When I listen to 'Hard In Da Paint' and 'B.M.F.', I feel like I can topple a government with a kitchen knife. Lex Luger's bullheaded aggression can be very satisfying, but not as much as 'Poppin' by DJ Quik, which sounds like it could replace the music that plays in Kill Bill when Uma seizes up with deadly purpose. The beat sounds like holy retribution. The slightly goofy hook (“Up in the morning I keep it pop-pop-poppin'”) could suit dance floors if it had happier sounds behind it, but the foreboding drone and the heavy drums are pure malice. Quik's every move is calculated, down to the gunshots that accent every line. His targets? The game, his sister, and those who would compare him to Dr. Dre. He's cold and subdued – almost casual, giving K.K. even more impact when his roaring verse drops.

I saw Quik live last month at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. He bounced around his catalog a lot and did a thorough Nate Dogg tribute, but he was especially excited when 'Poppin' came on. There are a lot of angry rap songs, but few as focused and dangerous as this.