"Did you know that if you took two steps that way and then turn left, you can get the fuck out my face?"
Snoop is back not long after his recent collaboration with Dr. Dre. While some listeners have criticised the number of tracks, the album itself isn't overly long—clocking in at just under an hour, so run-time isn't an issue. It kicks off strong with the title track, where Snoop drops wisdom over a dark and soulful thumping beat. Though there are a few laid-back, vibey moments scattered throughout, the album shines more so when the energy ramps up and the bangers hit.
Unfortunately, the slower tracks like 'Can’t Get Enough' don’t quite land. On the flip side, the closing track stands out as one of the album’s strongest moments, sampling K-Ci & JoJo’s 'Life', which was written and produced by R. Kelly.
Some guest appearances don’t do the tracks any favours. LaRussell’s verse on 'Can’t Wait' detracts from an otherwise standout track that cleverly samples Five Star’s 'Can’t Wait Another Minute'. Akeem Ali also makes an appearance, but his voice sounds like bad Lil Wayne when he raps.
Other tracks, like 'What’s Hattnin?', feel undercooked in content and could’ve been left on the cutting room floor—and the same could be said for several others. The album starts strong, but loses momentum midway, struggling to maintain the same impact. It didn’t need to be this many tracks. And I can't believe many think 'Me N OG Snoop' with Sexyy Red is the best song. That says a lot.
Still, for what is Snoop’s 21st album, this is a solid, fairly consistent listen with a few tracks to save for later. There is more here that instantly caught my attention than on 'Missionary'. He is rapping extremely well, has his charisma and isn't just writing track after track of gangsta rap. There are plenty of head-nodding moments and quotable lines—some of which are due to Snoop reusing some famous bars.
Beats: ★★★☆
Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆
Hooks: ★★★☆
Best Tracks: Iz It a Crime?, Joy, Sophisticated Crippin’, West Up, Live Life
1. Intro
2. Iz It a Crime? 90
3. Joy 81
4. Unsung Heroes 74
5. Sophisticated Crippin’ 84
6. Can't Wait 72
7. Can’t Get Enough 40
8. Keep It Moving 70
9. Just the Way It Iz 64
10. You Want My All 60
11. What’s Hattnin? 54
12. Spot 60
13. ShutYoBitchAssUp 70
14. Cold Summer 54
15. Snoop Will Make You Dance 60
16. Life’s Journey 70
17. Me N OG Snoop 50
18. Let Me Love You 64
19. West Up 90
20. My Friend 62
21. Live Life 86
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