The production was handled by Angelo "Stone Tha Lunatic" Trotter IV, DJ Romeo, Eddie "Coze Tha Grinch" Goodman, Jason Roberts, Jesse "Tootie" Lars, K.T., Stan "The Guitar Man" Jones and DTTX.

Fabian Alfaro, who appeared on the debut, left A Lighter Shade of Brown before the recording sessions.

[7] The Washington Post deemed the album "considerably stronger in both beats and lyrics" than the debut.

[9] The San Antonio Express-News considered it "a satisfying mix of Latino pride, social consciousness and plain fun.

"[10] The Los Angeles Times noted that "the production values ... are much improved, with crisper beats and more riveting raps.