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HIP-HOP
Ying Yang Twins
"U.S.A.(United State of Atlanta)." TVT Records. 23 tracks.
Grade: B+

The Chinese philosophical concept of yin and yang involves two contrasting and complementary forces. But on their latest disc, "United State of Atlanta," the Ying Yang Twins seem to possess more than just two personalities. All are in fine working order, though.

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'U.S.A.(United State of Atlanta)' by Ying Yang Twins
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Early in the pair's sprawling hip-hop treatise on the state of the city and the world (and the world's bedrooms), the don't-bore-us-get-to-the-chorus and party-hearty aesthetic of crunk takes a back seat to a more serious sound and vision. The soulful croon of Anthony Hamilton elevates the loping groove of the religiously inclined "Long Time." "Live Again," with a vocal assist from Maroon 5's Adam Levine, is the sympathetic and touching tale of a stripper who aspires to a better life. Immediately after that, the Twins reference the war on terror, the Atlanta courthouse shootings and the U.S. prison system.

Then we're on to the skit "Sex Therapy 101," and things get anatomical. The first of two versions of current hit "Wait (the Whisper Song)," "Pull My Hair" and "Bedroom Boom" are all explicitly sex-obsessed. And for much of the rest of the album, sex is never far from the surface.

It's the banging, arms-in-the-air party anthems that are the Ying Ying Twins' strong suit. "The Walk," "Badd" and "Shake" will set the feet twitching. Their hooky simplicity and deep grooves beg to be cranked up to 11.

In just a little over an hour, D-Roc and Kaine make you do a little thinking, give you the vapors and send you to the dance floor. It's a great ride, if you can avoid getting whiplash from the frequent changes of direction.

— Shane Harrison

Also out this week

"We Will Become Like Birds" from sweet singer-songwriter Erin McKeown; "Destination Unknown" from (Ron) Sexsmith & (Rheostatic's Don) Kerr; "Red" from "American Idol" Season 3 contestant John Stevens; "One Step Closer" from jam band String Cheese Incident and soundtracks from "Six Feet Under" and "War of the Worlds."