Ying Yang Twins

Towards the end of The Official Work, there's a little interlude where The Ying Yang Twins set some things straight. They claim that the reason their fans stick by them is because they consistently think outside the box. However, despite their thought process, their new album isn't too far removed from previous efforts. Once again, The Ying Yang Twins dissect club life and women. They don't skimp over strip clubs, tipping etiquette, big booties and sex in hotels with big-bootied women. There's the obligatory ode to weed, rife with clichés, as the title "Cheech and Chong" would suggest. However, the organ groove on that track has a nice, mellow pace, and it's a bit different than most of the album's "School of hard knocks" approach. The boys even promise to open up a can of "Whoop Ass" if you don't watch out. The album has throwback elements to spare.

However, there is one moment that would hint that it's not all sex, clubs and other elements of "crunk" for the Twins. "Wind," the album's slow, pulsating closer shows a more intellectual side of the duo. They run through a heartfelt diatribe on how "cold" the world is, and how bullets have no name. It's a worthy last gasp at seriousness, but it's still a last gap nonetheless.

—Michael D. Ayers
09.01.08