Yukmouth Albums (14)
What The Critics Say
Yukmouth certainly doesn't lack for arrogance; swagger spills from his ever pore. Coming off a three-year delayed album that came and went to, at best, tepid reviews, the one-time Luniz stronger half returned the next year in 2009, declaring himself The West Coast Don. Yukmouth's spot as a skillful MC has rarely been in question: with a subtle growl backing up a smooth flow and a knack for the tautly simple rhyme, he's been a talent waiting to break out since the Luniz's haughty 1995 debut with its timeless single, "I Got 5 on It." Unfortunately, it's never wholly come together for the Oakland rapper. The record is certainly a step up from its predecessor, Million Dollar Mouthpiece, if not particularly a career reviver. The affair is loaded with top-shelf guest stars, as pretty much the whole hyphy universe pops in at one point or another: E-40, Keak da Sneak, even the late Mac Dre is resurrected on "Pimpin 4 Real" (one of the strongest tracks with its hazed-out passion and subtle, twisting melody). Crooner Ray J adds a sultry touch to the sinister single "Im a Gangsta," while ninth-day wonder T-Pain pretty much phones it in on "44." It's the sort of hit-or-miss contrast that rules the uneven The West Coast Don. Low-rent, sparse production is the rule of the day, which is unsurprising, and on the best tracks (see "They Like My Swag") the simple hooks swirl hypnotic, while on tracks like "West Coast Geez" the beats just sit there lifeless. Yukmouth's lyrics follow that pattern, alternately invigorated and uninspired. However, there's definitely more urgency in his flow than there's been in a long time. It's still no breakthrough, but The West Coast Don is not the worst record to hear pumping out of a summer stereo. ~ Jason Thurston, All Music Guide
'United Ghetto's Eye Candy'
Release Date 2/20/2007
Tracks 20
Label Sumo
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What The Critics Say
The soundtrack to Yukmouth's Eye Candy DVD -- basically soft-core porn with more booty shots than ever thought possible -- finds the Yuk and his friends having a party delivering party tunes, mostly about freaky sex. Yuk isn't on here as often as the cover art would make you think and the guest list features Mista FAB, Too Short, C-BO, Keak Da Sneak and then a bunch of other names that only a West Coast mixtape maven or loyal Smoke-A-Lot soldier would recognize. The album is fun in chunks, but at 20 tracks and running over 70 minutes long, all the booty worship is numbing. Needless to say, hardcore Yukmouth fans only. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Million Dollar Mixtape'
Release Date 2/12/2007
Tracks 38
Label Godzilla
See Album Tracklist and Review
'The Center of Attention'
Release Date 4/11/2006
Tracks 16
Label Urban Life Music
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Million Dollar Mouthpiece'
Release Date 10/25/2005
Tracks 18
Label Asylum / Rap-A-Lot
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Originally scheduled for release as early as 2005, Yukmouth's Million Dollar Mouthpiece album finally saw the light of day in 2008, featuring production work from Mike Dean, Traxamillion, the Slapboyz, and Nan Dogg. Highlights include "Hey Boy," "The Best Thing Goin" (featuring Too Short and Devin the Dude), and "East Oakland" (a Droop-E production featuring numerous rappers). Overall, Million Dollar Mouthpiece is unimpressive; in fact, it seems tossed together, as if Rap-a-Lot were cleaning out its closet and decided to finally issue this long-shelved album, compiling whatever Yukmouth material it could gather up. Then again, Yukmouth hadn't released a truly impressive album in years -- not since his days with the Luniz, some would argue -- so Million Dollar Mouthpiece isn't exactly a disappointment either, considering the low expectations. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
'United Ghettos of America, Vol. 2'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 20
Label Rap a Lot/Asylum
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Minus some high-profile guest spots on other rappers' albums, Yukmouth has made little impression outside of rap's hardcore inner circle since his days with the Luniz. With the guest stars often overtaking the man and an overstuffed track list, United Ghettos of America, Vol. 2 isn't going to change that much, but the hardcore get a better album than usual and it's a shame some of these tracks won't even make it to radio. "We Just Wanna Thug" is bright electro with a great N.O.R.E. appearance, E-40 and Yuk nail it on "Kalifornia G'z," "I Love Dro" is a worthy smoking song, and the cinematic "American Me" is just about the most exciting moment Yukmouth has served up by his lonesome. Chalk it all up to the guest stars. Not that their raps are better; it's just that Yukmouth seems more inspired when he's bouncing his skills off others (been that way since the Luniz). Also of note is the presence of Mike Dean, the producer/engineer who has been behind a bunch of great rap albums from the South and Texas. He's mastered the whole album and given it a thumping, claustrophobic feel, right in line with the best underground crunk the South has to offer. Yukmouth may be West Coast but he's going South in a good way on United Ghettos of America, Vol. 2, and it's great to hear him so inspired. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
