On his debut album, MONEY'S MY MOTIVATION, Oakland representative Kafani comes with a lighter version of the hyphy movement, one that's a bit more polished and radio-friendly than his fellow Bay Area purveyors. While Kafani does offer traditional frenzied hyphy--as always, fueled by breakneck drum-tracks and zooming synths ("Like Ooh," "Thizzin," "Everybody Knows My Name")--he's not afraid to try his hand at R&B-influenced ballads as well ("Cutie Pie," "Hatin' On Me"). MONEY'S MY MOTIVATION features production by Bedrock, Amp Live, DJ Montay, Erk, and Amir Rashad as well as guest appearances from Keak Da Sneak, Unk, Samm, San Quinn, Skywalka, Kaz Kyzah, Pranksta the Kidd, and Kashmere.