Tha Eastsidaz stays true to its formula in its sophomore, which attempts to run in the wake of its debut the year before. Perhaps too faithfully, because it sounds very similar to the first. Battlecat is again the busiest producer, joined by Jelly Roll, Meech Wells, Keith Clizark, The Alchemist, Hi-Tek, Fredwreck, Quazedelic, Rick Rock and Swizz Beatz. Guests are Nate Dogg, Kokane, Soopafly, LaToyia Williams, Suga Free, Tha Angels, Bad Azz, Butch Cassidy, RBX, Kurupt, Ruff Dogg, King Lou, Mixmaster Spade, Mac Minister, Rick Rock, Daddy V, Lil' Mo and Mobb Deep.
The music is sharper than the other record, the drum isn't that bad, and the samples are less memorable than usual: the production is quite solid and compensates for a bland lyricism focused again on gangsterisms and bravado, even if in the cover the trio renounces blue in place of shiny suits. It's an honest album, Kokane carries it on hook after hook after hook after hook to the end, it's omnipresent, almost like he's an unofficial fourth member. There are some new tracks and noteworthy guests, but overall, the effort is a copy of the debut, which already didn't feel completely essential on its own. Published by Dogghouse and distributed by TVT, it boasts a better ranking than its predecessor (#4 in the pop chart, #2 in the rap chart, #1 among independent releases), and earns gold certification. 5.5/10.
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