The West Coast has been a powerhouse in the last couple of years especially when it comes to rap. A coast that has never lost its sound, but has modified it over and over again to fit the times. YG is a perfect example of the expansion of their genre and how it looks over a span of 3 decades. What began with Ice T’s “6 in the Morning”has now transformed into Kendrick, The Game, A.D. and more. We of course cannot forget about Nipsey Hussle who not only personified the West through his music but through the way he lived as well. One of his closest friends in the industry put out an album and we get to see the evolution of YG.
Since high-school I’ve been listening to YG. As one who just finished listening to Ice Cube’s “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted” album, you could say gangsta rap was on repeat in my car and headphones. Little did I know that he has been rapping since 2005 so it took around 9 years for him to finally put his album out. Each time I see things like that it reassures you that it’s a process and through hard work you can make it too, it’s just not guaranteed. H released a single back in 2009 with Ty Dolla $ign and created a buzz for himself in his city and that landed him his first record deal with Def Jam. It would be 7 whole mixtapes before YG put out his first album in 2014. Compton California is a well-known area and where YG was born and raised. However, both him, Nipsey, Snoop, Jay Rock, and more show how it’s possible to make something of yourself no matter where you’re from. With that let’s get into some of his previous work.
Since 2014 there’s been a wave of people talking like they’re in fact a blood and I credit that to YG. I don’t credit him with it becoming corny what so ever. I give him the recognition for making that way of talking as wide spread as it is. The problem lies when those not about that life or don’t even know anything about it say it trying to be cool it becomes annoying and disrespectful. We start off with “My Krazy Life” which is, to simply put it, “West Coast”. This project has records like “BPT”, “Bicken Back Being Bool”, “My Nigaa”, and “Who Do You Love”(featuring Drake). It was his debut album and it made a splash everywhere. HIs second album could be controversial, nothing to do with the content, but because it’s a soundtrack. I will count it now as it stands because it is a body of work. Other rappers such as 50 Cent have made soundtracks as well and it is a part of their discography. There are a couple new tracks on “Blame It On The Streets”, and even a Nipsey feature but it is still West Coast as hell. “Still Brazy”” is where I really became a fan of YG and it was only 2 years after his debut, but he still sounded hungry. With “FDT” on the album, aka (FUCK DONALD TRUMP), he had another song with Nipsey that was captivating on it. Lastly but certainly not least is “Stay Dangerous”. This is my favorite project of YG’s because it seemed personal and well thought out. For some reason I just liked it more the more I listened to it. I don’t think it’s his best but it’s my pick for the one I like the most.
ALBUM REVIEW
This album was originally supposed to be a surprise album, but with the recent death of Nipsey that was 2 months ago it was pushed back. Nonetheless it is here, and it is in loving memory of Nipsey. YG has been known for his music and affiliations but I must say his fits should be taken more seriously. No one’s black shoe game is more on point in the world than YG, and he doubles down on that point in Track 1, “Hard Bottoms & White Socks”. The rapper proclaims he is the face of rap and not just in Cali but of all of rap. He reiterates that he is not a fake and that his team is taken care of because of rap and that they’re still banging but got bread at the same time. It was a very subtle track with a piano that and a what sounds like a hi-hat and snare. Track 2starts off totally different with that notorious melody and he’s talking about everyone frontin like they got money but don’t really got it. “Bottle Service”is the most fitting name as in real life it is the most pointless things. Paying upwards of $300 a night for bottle service makes no sense to me unless there’s a huge party, and it seems to irk YG as well. Track 3, has YG let us enter in his world a little bit. He goes over the theme and doesn’t forget to mention how dark it is and what it took to get to where he is now. Track 4is one of the singles for the project. Go Loko seemingly has the addition of Hispanic gang members and their culture as well. YG enlists Tyga and John Z to be featured on the song as well. Track 5right after that we get the single off the album which is “Stop Snitchin”. I love the message of the song, but I feel like the beat was too good for the message. This feels like it could’ve been a party anthem, or a summer anthem and it probably will be. I just don’t agree with putting the two together. However, YG is possible talking about Tekashi 69 and how he supposedly is giving the police information on his crew. Track 6is a mellow one with a nice underlying rhythm by the bass on loop. YG is quiet on the track and so is his features Valee and Boogie. Track 7is a great place to be halfway done with the album, it’s “Keisha Had a Baby”featuring Rose Gold. He tells the story of a girl that everyone liked but had a baby with a basketball player, but he ends up cheating on her in the end. It sounds like something out of the early 2000’s and it brought back nostalgic feelings as well.
Track 8 gives you a 90’s type of feel with the slower West Coast sound. However, you still pitched voice in the background like how Dre used to do back in the day. DJ Quick would be perfect for this type of beat but it’s 2019 and Meek and YG did this beat justice. The song is titled “Heart 2 Heart” and they both give you details of their lives and have open and honest dialogue on the record. Track 9 follows suit and is a slower beat and it’s the perfect one to talk about how a girl broke your heart. YG is every guy in this song where they may have been one to dog girls out in the past but this time the tables have turned, and he got played by someone this time. KAMAIYAH!!! is on Track 10. If you couldn’t tell by the all caps and exclamation marks I’m a fan of hers and think she’s underrated and could be used on so many West Coast records. G-Eazy makes an appearance on this record too and I’ve been listening to him more and more lately and think he’s dope too. This is just an overall good track for the Coast and should be played at functions all summer. KAMAIYAH!!!is also back for Track 11 as well in a more laid-back version of the previous track. YG and herself are joined by RJ, Mitch, & Ty Dolla $ign. On Track 12 YG gives someone else the spotlight to someone else and let’s Day Sulanrap the entire time. Even though it’s a minute track it’s still a great look to be on one of the most prominent West Coast rappers’ albums.
Track 13is YG’s tribute to Nipsey at the funeral that took place in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. You can hear YG talk about conversations they had and what the future was supposed to hold for the both of them. It’s a somber way to end the album but very much needed at the same time. Track 14 is the“Stop Snitchin” remix with a short verse from Dababy it’s great to see him get more and more recognition with time. This is also what I meant earlier with that being used with different content and the song being a better song as a whole in my opinion.
SCORE
STANDOUT TRACKS
- “BOTTLE SERVICE”
- “KEISHA HAD A BABY”
- “HEART 2 HEART” (FT. MEEK MILL , ARIN RAY & ROSE GOLD)
- “PLAY TOO MUCH” (FT. SAFE)
- ★ “DO NOT DISTURB” (FT. KAMAIYAH & G-EAZY)
RATING — 7.7/10
I’m not sure if this album was supposed to sound any different before the death of Nipsey. I do not think so due to the fact that it was suppoed to be surprise album. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed all YG albums so far, his first one is still his best to me. I would put this album right above “Stay Dangerous” and after “Blame It On The Streets”.
