In Thugz We Trust (Screwed)

Because of Yukmouth's label problems, it looked like his team-up with C-Bo would never see the light of day. Good thing it all worked out, since Thug Lordz is a great forum for these dark West Coasters. Don't expect a revelation. C-Bo and especially Yukmouth are still stuck on the same gangsta leans, spinning wheels, and every other tired topic that these thugs have beat to death. What separates In Thugz We Trust is that these boys are bouncing off each other here with a new quickness that's the way West Coast addicts always imagined. So much of the same-old posturing allows guests like Spice 1 and the great Killa Tay to really steal the show, but it's been years since Yukmouth or C-Bo have seen a track as live as "Killa Cali," and it turns their thugging from standard issue to compelling and urgent. They haven't seen production this inspired in a while either, although the varied tunes and moods suggest it's more C-Bo's influence than Yuk's. Not much here for backpackers or glittery R&B lovers, but the West Coast faithful get an album they can bump the whole way through. Having waded through tons of full-lengths for their one or two phat tracks, they deserve this. [The album was also available in a typically sludged screwed & chopped format.]