If there’s one thing you can say about YG, it’s that he’s super-friendly on the microphone. He’ll damn near hand out a verse to anyone if the price is right. Over the course of his near-decade career, he’s created a ton of hits for himself, and other artists that all carry that lucrative, West Coast gangster energy. We’ve handpicked five of the best, even though, admittedly, they are all as hard as can be.

5. “Big Bank Take Lil Bank” by YG feat. 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, and Big Sean

This is the fun-loving YG that makes party tracks so vivacious. His star collaboration track with Big Sean (props to his Kaepernick reference) 2 Chainz, and Nicki Minaj is a certified smasher. YG anchors the thing with a nonsensical collection of bars about jack shit, but the sheer craziness and energy of his delivery make it the best part of the song. This is YG in rare form and we love every minute of it.

4. “Last Time That I Checc’d” by Nipsey Hussle feat. YG

Nipsey Hussle’s the epitome of self-made progress. “Last Time That I Checc’d,” which came out earlier this year, repeatedly hones in on the fact that he built his empire himself. His achievement is amazing, but the content of the song comes off as slightly preachy. That’s when YG brings that trademark nonsensical flow and lines that really take a load off and may elicit a laugh or two. Props to YG bringing the balance and really elevating this song from good to great.

3. “I Got a Question” by YG feat. Lil Wayne

Now, this is a YG song that’ll make you think; much different than the swaggering, shoot-em-up records that populate his discography. Here, YG is angry and confused. He questions the establishment, his girlfriend, the police, all trying to find answers about the way that his daily life is scheduled. He talks himself into solving his problems, and just as he wraps up, Lil Wayne comes in with a smooth autotuned verse that reminds us of just how brilliant he is. This is one of YG’s favorite tracks.

2. “Don’t Come to LA” by YG feat. SadBoy Loko, AD, and Bricc Baby

This track starts off Still Brazy on a dangerous note. All those fake rappers and the bullshit that comes to the West Coast, it’s done. Now. YG’s turf is dangerous; you have to check in or else you get stomped out. Here, his brutal reality is especially apparent in his swaggering opening verse. When he opens up the microphone to AD ad Bricc Baby, they deliver some new spectrums to the mantra that YG delivers, and they’re just as necessary to round up a complete picture.

1. “Toot It and Boot It” by YG feat Ty Dolla $ign

This was the song that introduced most of the world to YG. Here, he was rough – almost unlistenable at certain points as he slurred through his words and verses without much attention to detail. The song’s sole saving grace was Ty Dolla $ign’s uncredited chorus that made it one of the best songs of 2009. This collaboration kicked YG’s career into high gear and will always hold a place in any true fan’s heart.