The Frank & Jess Story (Co-starring Roscoe)

Named for the sibling leaders of the infamous James Gang, The Frank & Jess Story unites veteran Los Angeles rapper Kurupt and his up-and-coming brother Roscoe. Over the course of a career that is approaching 20 years, Kurupt has earned his stripes as one of the West Coast’s most fearless and reliable ambassadors. “Game Been Missin” and “Bustin” showcase Kurupt in prime fighting form, while his brother jolts the songs with a youngblood’s bravura: “Y.A. all up in your mouth like dentistry / I may be industry but I stay in the streets.” While “Break It Down Like” and “Lap Dance” deliver some plush strip club songs (with assistance from the genre’s godfather, Too Short), the three songs featuring unhinged G-Funk crooner Kokane are the epitome of West Coast style. Kurupt and Roscoe will be forever loyal to the culture that raised them, but with age comes responsibility, and regret. On “I Got U,” an older, wiser Kurupt admits his mistakes and his hopes for a secure future: “The streets don’t affect me like they used to, dog / Concrete, I try to stay solid stone.”