The album features guest appearances from various rappers, including 2 Chainz, ASAP Rocky, Ty Dolla Sign, Quavo, Mozzy, Jay 305, Big Sean, YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Nicki Minaj.

On August 2, 2018, YG released a trailer for the album, inspired by Dos Equis's The Most Interesting Man in the World ad campaign.

Reuniting with long-time producer DJ Mustard for around half the album, YG is largely content to low-ride in his lane, swaggering across Bloods-allegiant bangers (electrifying "Suu Whoop") and incisive tell-alls from the hood ("Too Brazy" "Deeper Than Rap").

"[14] Jack Riedy of Consequence of Sound said, "Though it doesn't quite reach the heights of his first two, his new album, Stay Dangerous, is another solid project from one of the best on the West Coast.

"[18] Jackson Howard of Pitchfork saying "For YG, an artist we've come to expect the unexpected from, someone currently standing at a career-defining intersection, Stay Dangerous is an exercise in predictability.

"[16] In a mixed review, XXL's Chris Gibbons stated: "Stay Dangerous doesn't quite feel like the grand statement of Still Brazy or My Krazy Life.

"[20] In another mixed review, The Guardian's Rachel Aroesti stated: "YG doesn't cover his subject matter with a huge amount of wit or creativity.

"[1] Zachary Hoskins of Slant Magazine said, "The rigid codes of masculinity governing hardcore rap, though, keep YG's lyrics from showing as much range as Mustard's beats.