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. ~ David Jeffries