Snoop's Rhythm & Gangsta Misses a Beat

Usually when I'm listening to a Snoop Dogg album I'm transported to a West Coast fantasy land, laid back, riding low in a sleek blue Cadillac. Snoop's sound reminds me of my flyest uncle and his friends sipping on Cognac and carrying their money around in purple Crown Royal bags. He has aged like fine wine and Cuban cigars. However, as much as I wanted it, I didn't get that fantasy ride with this album. The single "Drop It Like It's Hot" is my joint! But it is only one of three tracks that inspire me to pop and lock. The other two are tracks "Bang out" and "Snoop D.O. Double G." The sizzlin' track "Let's Get Blown" is the only track I can relax and groove to. What's going on Snoop? Well after further observation I made a stark discovery. The problem is not our dear beloved Snoop D O double G. The lyrics are classic. Featured artists like Charlie Wilson and Bootsy Collins make this an album worthy of hip hop fame. And I can't forget about my favorite WBALLZ, DJ EZ Dick interlude. It has all the makings of a masterpiece. The problem seems to be a clash between the rhyme and the beats. The Neptunes are a cool mixed drink served as a chaser after an icy shot of Grey Goose Vodka and Red Bull on the rocks. Snoop Dogg is a smooth sip of Hennessy Privilege VSOP, heatin' up your insides all the way down... and everybody knows you shouldn't mix your light and dark liquor. The result is a head-spinning hangover. I understand that The Neptunes are known for banging out the hits, like "Beautiful" from Snoop's last album Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Bo$$ was definitely a hit. But on this album the beats are lacking. I'm sayin', cats from the underground trying to make a demo would have turned down some of these beats. Gratefully there are enough hot tracks on the album to drop some funky singles and keep the DJs saving our lives at penthouse parties from coast to coast. But the California funk and the paradise groove is lost on this one. Snoop Dogg's R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece is just a few strokes short of a masterpiece.

Article tags: Neptunes, Charlie Wilson, Bootsy Collins, Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Bo$$, Snoop Dogg, West Coast, Rhythm & Gangsta, Drop It Like It's Hot, Tha Row, Death Row 

del.icio.us digg Furl Reddit YahooMyWeb

Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/news/reviews/2004/11/cd_review_snoops_rhythm_gangsta_misses_beat/

Return to previous page