A decent summer album

Being friends with Pete Wentz always seems to pay off. Tyga, the cousin of Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy, hooked up with the Fall Out Boy bassist/entrepreneur through McCoy in 2007. Since then, Tyga’s received some mainstream attention for his performance of “This Aint A Scene, It’s An Arms Race” remix with rap monster Lil Wayne and McCoy during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, and signed to Wentz’s Decaydance label. Now the Compton, Calif., native has released his first album, No Introduction.

Although he’s straight out of Compton, don’t waste breath comparing him to his local natives N.W.A. Tyga is definitely more Kanye West or even Soulja Boy than he is Ice Cube or Dr. Dre. No Introduction features lots of tracks that are fun-loving, upbeat and great to dance to. Tyga doesn’t waste time calling out any of his peers, but instead has made an album just about anyone can find somewhat enjoyable.

“Coconut Juice” is the perfect example of Tyga’s dance-party motives. The lyrics are downright elementary (“Hold your cup high move ya body/ If you twist it scream it loudly/ ay, ay, ay hey”) and won’t ever be confused as good. However, the track features an above-average beat that’s sure to get people moving. A solid appearance from McCoy doesn’t hurt either.

Tyga shows a faux soft side as well on a few tracks. “First Timers” is a joint that could get the attention of MTV or radio just because he flows about teenage love throughout. The beat is a little too carnival-esque in parts, but Tyga’s flow is at a high point here. The track can barely be considered rap, but it could be “Cupid’s Chokehold” big if Wentz pushes it right.

His skills aren’t necessarily that impressive, but most of the tracks on Tyga’s debut are so catchy most people won’t notice. The production values are superb and the joints are light-hearted. And with the Wentz hype machine behind him, chances are Tyga and tracks from No Introduction will be everywhere very soon.