The summer is here, and with that comes care-free rap anthems to divulge in as we soak in the rays from the sun. Leimert Park representative Dom Kennedy looks to start off the summer right with his new mixtape, Yellow Album.

Dom successfully creates a set that allows him to project his talents best while capturing the essence of summer. Production wise, this mixtape is full of BBQ bangers that will ring out of stereos all season, as the California native enlists a class of rising beatsmiths in THC, Chase N. Cashe and more. Early on, "Been Thuggin," produced by rap group Fly Union, breathes life into the tape, and soon "Girls On Stage" offers the smooth, mellow sound that typically allows DK to create his best work.

Dom has found his comfort zone lyrically, and effortlessly creates tracks that allow the listeners to get a better feel of the Cali native personally. His stoic demeanor shines brightest on cuts like "We Ballin," alongside Compton native Kendrick Lamar. Dom brings along Maybach Music head honcho Rick Ross to create a track that is the epitome of his unique brand of Left Coast Cool on "Gold Alpinas."

Conceptually, the project showcases Kennedy's many ways to show love to the ladies. He carefully chooses artists to collaborate with that that will kick solid verses while not straying from the theme of the project, exemplified by Too $hort on "Don't Call Me." Even so, the project does have its dull moments and, at times, it can leave fans seeking for a wider range of subject matter to give more substance to the mixtape. Nonetheless, the self-proclaimed Leimert Park Legend whips up a project that will be welcomed with open arms by his fanbase.

Yellow Album showcases Dom Kennedy's laid back, yet still engaging flow. Though it's not his strongest work to date, the release again reminds that Dom Kennedy has what it takes to make him an ambassador for the New West movement. —Christian Mordi (@Mordi_TheComeUp)

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