Releasing an album in the midst of “a death of a dynasty” would be tough for anyone. The Young Gunz attempt to avoid the sophomore jinx and keep the diamond high on Brothers From Another.
This album is perhaps another argument for people who fail to listen to lyrics, as production is both the gift and the curse for this disc. The YG’z spend much of the CD trading verses about hip-hop’s current favorite subjects: broads, beef and material riches. Neither Chris nor Neef have progressed much since their freshmen debut, “Tough Love” and while neither emcee is terrible, they have a ways to go before claiming greatness. 112’s crooning on “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” has the makings of a hit radio single, as well as “Don’t Stop (YG Party).”
“Grown Man Part 2” with a near show stealing guest appearance from Kanye West and John Legend find the pair talking about grown up life with last year’s college drop out and one piano playing ordinary person. What is grown man shit you might ask? Sex of course! The Gunz flow well over the West produced track and while it’s not exactly grown man shit, it sounds good.
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The album’s best and most personal track is “What We Go Through”, both flow easily over this laid back track, pondering life and loss. Chris comes strong on the song’s second verse with another tale of life lost too soon, “It’s just ill how my nigga left/Why he ain’t have his vest/Why they have to put them fuckin holes through my homie chest/Why his momma gotta stress/Take away her joy, think about her boy/And all she think about is death.”
Even the albums gems aren’t enough to save it from the abyss of inconsistency; the YG’z sound out of place on the Daz assisted “Tonight” as well as “The Way It Goes”. “We Still Here” featuring Memphis Bleek may just be one of if not the worst R-O-C collaborations ever. There is a lot here for the teeny boppers, but serious hip-hop heads should leave the Young Gunz to the young ears.
