Dom Kennedy: Yellow Album

June 21^st marked the official beginning to summer, which means now, more than ever, rappers are dropping projects in hopes of them becoming the soundtrack to a blazing summer.  With the release of “Yellow Album”, California’s favorite independent MC-Dom Kennedy serves up braggadocios rhymes, mellow beats and smooth flows that are sure to be heard at a barbeque near you this summer.

Dom has never been touted for his superior lyrical skill; instead he combines a cool confidence and easy going flows to spin tales of his love for the ladies, blowing money and living the life of an underground superstar. Dom is at his absolute best on the summer anthems “We be Thuggin” and “My Type of Party”. On “My Type of Party”, Dom is in his ultimate comfort zone as he boasts lines like “Phone by Motorola, I fuck with honeys that’s older /I got money that’s older, 18 karat, that’s golder
Interviews on the phoner, living life like a stoner. Coupled with a mellifluous instrumental from up and coming producer THC; it’s evident why Dom chose the song as the tape’s lead single.

Recent rumors of Dom Kennedy signing to MMG reach a fever pitch once Rozay rides shotgun with Dom on the soulful “Gold Alpinas.” Ross forces Dom to step his lyrical game up which results in one of the tape’s most memorable moments. Bay Area legend, Too Short joins Dom to put their respective pimp hands down on “Don’t Call Me’’, an ode to clingy women. While Ross and Too Short bring solid contributions to the tape, its Kendrick Lamar’s (continuing his verbal assault on whatever he touches) verse on “We Ball” that takes top honors for best collaboration on the tape.

Dom’s limited subject matter (women, smoking, partying) is the only drawback of the Yellow Album. About halfway through the tape you get a sense of longing for some of the introspection Dom exhibited on his critically acclaimed mixtape, From the Westside with Love. However, Dom delivers a well crafted project that is sure to set the summer on fire. Mission accomplished.