R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece [PA] - Dogg, Snoop (CD 2004)

Remember when Snoop Dogg had skills? After tantalizing hip-hop fans for a year and a half on collaborations with his mentor Dr. Dre, Snoop (Doggy) Dogg released the most anticipated hip-hop debut of all time, "Doggystyle", and didn't disappoint. His laid back, relaxed flow suggested a more menacing version of hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick. Dr. Dre's production was impeccable. We looked forward to many more years of classic hip-hop from the lanky kid from Long Beach. Then sh*t blew up. There was the murder case. Then Dre left Death Row, Snoop made an awful album for Suge and co., then spilt for...

So I was gonna review Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, but I really don't like that one and don't wanna give it another listen. So I figured, why not take you way back -- OK, a coupla years back, to the album Snoop dropped before that? In retrospect it's kinda sad that Snoop apparently decided to try and appease his fanbase after R

When Snoop Dogg came out with the enjoyable summer jam "Beautiful" a couple years ago, many of his fans thought he was selling himself out to make some money. In actuality, he was realizing that he was getting old. He couldn't be the gangsta who threatened undercover cops in his younger years nor he could continue in the same mindset without seeming uncredible and generic. While he still continues dabbling in the gangsta lifestyle, his image has mostly changed into the smooth-as-whipped-cream, constantly-preening pimp. Instead of hanging out with degenerate-looking gangstas, he now hangs with.

Snoop Dogg is probably the most consistent rapper in hip-hop today. Now I'm sure that audacious statement was received with many an eye roll but it's less of an opinion and more of a fact. It's safe to say that Snoop was in top form on his 94 debut, Doggystyle. His menacing gangsta rhymes carried by his laid-back flow matched with Dre's flawless production poised Snoop to be the biggest force to be reckoned with in hip-hop. Suffice it to say, that album was a fluke and every subsequent album since has left Snoop in the category of a one-trick pony. His relaxed flow has always stayed intact...