Strength in numbers

Ying Yang Twins

“U.S.A. (United State Of Atlanta)” (TVT)

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The Atlanta-based rap duo of D-Roc and Kaine heard the rumblings. Even after three hit albums and a string of smash singles, including “Salt Shaker” and “Whistle While You Twurk,” the Twins are inexplicably looked upon by many in the rap community as one-hit wonders who only make party music.

On their fourth and most ambitious album, the pair spend some of their time on the rousing party music that they’re best known for. But for much of the rest of the album, D-Roc and Kaine flex their creative muscles, often with positive results. “Wait (The Whisper Song)” and the equally arresting “Pull My Hair” feature the Twins rapping in relaxed yet forceful tones over skeletal production.

On “Long Time,” a soulful song about repentance featuring crooner Anthony Hamilton, and “Live Again,” a tune about a stripper who regrets her career path (featuring pop band Maroon 5’s Adam Levine), the Twins tackle serious subjects, something they’ve done sparingly for most of their career.

These songs don’t pack the musical punch of the Twins’ party music, but they still command attention.

-- Soren Baker