Snoop is back and unlike his previous couple of releases before this album he is also back to filling it to the brim, just 25 seconds shy of needing a second disc. It plays like a blend of his more recent work, combining the soul and jazz touches of 'Rhythm & Gangsta', the harder and rawer edge of 'Tha Blue Carpet Treatment', and even a touch of 'Ego Trippin’' on more experimental tracks such as 'Superman' with Willie Nelson. While there are still a few weaker moments, there is noticeably less filler than in some of his past projects. There may be nothing truly great, but there are definitely songs worth revisiting, and the generous length surprisingly holds my attention better than some of his earlier albums, even the strong 'Tha Blue Carpet Treatment', which lost steam toward the end. The album falls off a cliff for four songs from 'Wet' to 'Superman', but everything else is fairly solid to enjoyable music. If you have enjoyed anything Snoop has released in the past five or six years, this one is worth a listen.
Beats: ★★★
Rapping/Bars: ★★★
Hooks: ★★★☆
Best Tracks: Wonder What It Do, Peer Pressure, I Don't Need No Bitch, This Weed Iz Mine, Gangbang Rookie, Raised in da Hood
1. Toyz N Da Hood
Bootsy brings the funk to a solid and energetic opener.
2. The Way Life Used to Be
A likeable, straight-up hip hop beat with a more-than-decent hook. One extra element here would have elevated. It feels a touch slow.
3. My Own Way
Mr. Porter delivers a strong beat and a catchy hook.
4. Wonder What It Do
Uncle Chucc’s soulful, feel-good chorus steals the show here. Slightly funky and full of charm. Recommended.
5. My Fucn House
Takes a sharp turn into hardcore hip hop territory. Sounds like it's trying too hard to be something and doesn't pull it off.
6. Peer Pressure
A smooth blend of retro flavours and modern touches with another solid hook.
7. I Don't Need No Bitch
Catchy production and chorus, even if the topic feels overused. At this point, the album’s off to a good start.
8. Platinum
One of the weaker Snoop Dogg and R. Kelly collaborations, though still decent. Kells brings the rapper swagger he was leaning into at the time.
9. Boom
Fun, high-energy pop-rap with replay value.
10. We Rest N Cali
Starts out okay but drags and loses steam as it goes on. Weak final verse.
11. El Lay
Another ode to L.A. that sounds fine but adds nothing fresh to the concept.
12. Gangbang Rookie
I've always liked this one. Jumps straight in with a bangin’ beat.
13. This Weed Iz Mine
I wonder if Wiz gets tired of rapping about weed. He got typecast hard. Borrows from 'The Boy Is Mine'. While the topic is tired, the upbeat and positive sound makes it likeable.
14. Wet
The first real misstep, where Snoop takes fewer safety nets. I prefer David Guetta’s remix to this version.
15. Take U Home
"I'm Too $hort, but I ain't got a small dick... just ask around/I fucked a lot of hoes in this town/I get down, I come long and wide." Jeez... $hort is another one typecast who always features on the same type of songs. This one is one of the worst moments.
16. Sumthin Like This Night
Reportedly an outtake from the 'Plastic Beach' sessions. Gorillaz produced and featured that has reggae vibes. I like the hook enough, but the production isn't all my cup of tea.
17. Superman
An experiment in the vein of 'Ego Trippin’', with guitar, harmonica, and Snoop easing into the track.
18. Eyez Closed
The only official studio collaboration between Snoop and Kanye. Unique within the album’s context and decent overall, though not a standout, as the ratings suggest it is.
19. Raised in Da Hood
Returns to bangin’ hip hop with a catchy hook and production that shifts in interesting ways.
20. It's D Only Thang
This one feels like it was made for an NBA video game. Production comes off as dated.
21. Cold Game
The obligatory introspective closer typical of many rap albums. Solid.
22. Sweat
iTunes pre-order bonus track. It's just the clean version of 'Wet'.
23. Wet (David Guetta Remix)
As I mentioned, I like this dance remix more than the original.
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