Make Way for the Motherlode
Make Way for the Motherlode is the debut studio album by the American West Coast hip-hop recording artist, Yo-Yo. Make Way for the Motherlode was released on March 19, 1991 through East West Records and Atlantic Records. The album featured production by Ice Cube, Sir Jinx, and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. Make Way for the Motherlode charted well on the Billboard Charts, peaking at number 74 on the Billboard 200 and number 5 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Make Way for the Motherlode had two singles, including "You Can't Play with My Yo-Yo" and "What Can I Do?", both of which featured Ice Cube. The background vocals for "You Can't Play with My Yo-Yo" were sung by MC SOULA.
Make Way for the Motherlode | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | March 19, 1991 | |||
Recorded | 1990–1991 | |||
Genre | West Coast hip hop | |||
Length | 43:54 | |||
Label | East West America | |||
Producer | ||||
Yo-Yo chronology | ||||
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Singles from Make Way for the Motherlode | ||||
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Critical reception
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Robert Christgau | A−[2] |
Alex Henderson of AllMusic wrote: "As positive as Queen Latifah but as abrasive in her delivery as MC Lyte, Yo-Yo showed some potential on her debut album, Make Way for the Motherlode."[1] Robert Christgau commented that: "By loosing Roxanne Shante's tough talk on Queen Latifah's leadership seminar, Ice Cube's no-shit sister doubles her chance of teaching "intelligent black women" how one respects oneself. Her most salient theme is an ass she's not inclined to give up on the first date, and when she succumbs, she lives to regret it at speeds that'll set you on yours. Sir Jinx's soul-thick, jazz-inflected production suits her gritty drawl and wayward mouth. And if they should split she'll figure out another way to get over."[2]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Yo-Yo
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Stand up For Your Rights" (featuring Ricky Harris, Tamika Ingram and Threat) | 1:00 | |
2. | "Stompin' to the '90s" |
| 4:07 |
3. | "You Can't Play With My Yo Yo" (featuring Ice Cube) | 3:34 | |
4. | "Cube Gets Played" (featuring Ricky Harris) | 0:19 | |
5. | "Put a Lid on It" |
| 3:04 |
6. | "What Can I Do?" (featuring Ice Cube) |
| 4:13 |
7. | "Dedication" (featuring LA Jay & Ricky Harris) |
| 0:52 |
8. | "Sisterland" |
| 3:38 |
9. | "The I.B.W.C. National Anthem" (featuring Dawn, Diamond & Sparkles) | Yo-Yo | 1:44 |
10. | "Make Way For the Motherlode" |
| 3:47 |
11. | "Tonight's the Night" (featuring Dazzie Dee) |
| 3:38 |
12. | "I Got Played" |
| 2:45 |
13. | "Girl, Don't Be No Fool" |
| 4:40 |
14. | "Ain't Nobody Better" |
| 4:22 |
15. | "Outro" (featuring Ricky Harris) |
| 0:23 |
16. | "More of What I Can Do" (featuring Sir Jinx) |
| 1:48 |
Total length: | 43:54 |
Notes:
- Some CD editions list the outro with the incorrect running time of 2:10
- Featured artists are not listed
Charts
Chart (1991) | Peak position |
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US Billboard 200[3] | 74 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[4] | 5 |
References
- Henderson, Alex. "Make Way for the Motherlode – Yo-Yo". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
- Christgau, Robert. "CG: Yo Yo". RobertChristgau.com. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
- "Yo-Yo Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- "Yo-Yo Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.