DJ Quik Recalls Studio Session With Jay-Z & Beyoncé: "An Out-Of-Body Experience"

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 20: DJ Quik performs during 93.5 KDAY Presents 2019 Krush Groove Concert at The Forum on April 20, 2019 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Quik recalls Bey "offering you motherf*cking water, fruit, and sh*t."

Jay-Z and Beyoncé are formidable artists individually, but as a couple, the powerhouse hitmakers are untouchable. They've collaborated with hundreds of artists from all facets of the industry and even more openly desire to work with them in the future. DJ Quik is a Hip Hop legend in his own right, but he, too, couldn't help but be a tad star-struck when he was in the studio with Jay and Bey.

The California icon shared his story while visiting the All the Smoke podcast. It was 20 years ago when Quik collaborated with Jay for his The Black Album project. He called it an "amazing, out-of-body experience" to be in close quarters with the couple. “It’s like, ‘Wow.’ You really made it when you’re in the studio, Beyoncé’s offering you motherf*cking water, fruit, and sh*t. And just chilling."

DJ Quik Details Studio Session

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop.) (L-R) Jay-Z and Beyoncé attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean "Diddy" Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

“That session was just like you could imagine it’d be," Quik continued. "Jay is quiet. He ain’t the kinda dude to walk around the studio writing and thinking or something. He sit there and just let the music get in and whatnot.” Young Guru was "at the controls," he added, while "I’m on the beat, [Beyoncé] is over there chilling. Cool as shit, so humble, sweetheart, right?"

"Jay will just be sitting there humming, making these little sounds and sh*t. And he’d just cock his hat to the side, and it’s like, ‘Alright, Guru, I’m ready.’ When he cock his hat, he go in there and just start nailing that sh*t. I ain’t see this motherf*cka write not one lyric.”

Jay & Bey's Next Era

Hov and Bey have been busy, if not with their crafts, then in business. Fans are preparing for what is slated to be the most significant world tour in the last few years as Beyoncé is preparing to embark on her Renaissance travels. She recently became the artist with the most Grammy wins, and Jay-Z was at the ceremony to watch his wife accept her honor. Meanwhile, ever so often, Hov creeps on a track with a surprise verse that sets the internet on fire. His diversified portfolio keeps his schedule stacked; from sports to politics to spirits to management, the Knowles-Carters stay at the top.

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.