| My Balls and My Word | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | Young Bleed |
| Cover: | My Balls and My Word.jpg |
| Recorded: | 1996–1997 |
| Next Title: | My Own |
| Next Year: | 1999 |
My Balls and My Word is the debut studio album by American rapper Young Bleed. It was released on January 20, 1998, through No Limit/Priority Records. The production was handled by Happy Perez and Beats by the Pound, with Master P and C-Loc serving as executive producers.[1] It features guest appearances from Lay-Lo, C-Loc, Master P, Lee Tyme, Lucky Knuckles, Fiend and Mystikal. The album was a success,[2] reaching number 10 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. In March 1998, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.[3] [4]
Soren Baker, writing for Chicago Tribune, said that "Young Bleed subtly and gently mocks the stereotype of laid-back Southerners." The journalist highlighted "thick bass lines", "rapid drum loops", and Young Bleed's vocal performance. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic thought My Balls and My Word was a "conventional late-'90s gangsta record", criticizing it for its lack of originality. Steve Juon of RapReviews viewed it as the label's compilation album, but believed that Young Bleed "elevates it substantially". Similarly, Elliott Wilson of The Source magazine thought it was "more a family affair than a solo release", but believed that the rapper "fails to carry the weight without his friends". He commended the production, noting "slinky basslines, swirling keyboards and eerie strings".
| Chart (1998) | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[5] | 194 | |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[6] | 45 |