UNITED GHETTO OF AMERICA 2

Additional personnel: Devin, Domination, Dru Down, E-40 , Gonzoe, Krizz Kaliko, Luni Coleone, Richie Rich, Tech-9, Kurupt, Bun B, C-BO. Audio Mixers: Shatiek; William Lucas. Recording information: Benny Studios, Akron, OH; Don Drama House Of Hits, Newark, NJ; Lyriccally Studios, Queens, NY; Master Mix Studio, Minniapolis, MN; Mike Dean's House Of Hits, Cypress, TX; Smoke House Studios, Hollywood, CA. Editor: Peter Yum. 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