R&G (Not To Be Confused With G&R)

I recently bought Snoop Dogg's latest album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece. While not a masterpiece, it's another solid addition to Snoop's discography. Dr. Dre's production is nowhere to be found on this album, but there is great production on this album. "I Love To Give You Light" (the intro to the album) is a great little song produced by The Alchemist. I really wish this wasn't the only song he produced. The Neptunes contribute several productions (Snoop is on their label now) and they are among the strongest on the album. "Drop It Like It's Hot" is a wonderfully catchy song with a deceptively simple beat. "Let's Get Blown" is very smooth. "Perfect" could be titled "Beautiful Part II" (Snoop even says that on the end of the song) but it's pretty good nonetheless. "Signs" (which features Justin Timberlake) is not bad while "Pass It Pass It" is a funny ode to weed. There are other good songs as well. "Ups & Downs" features a sample from The Bee Gees while Lil' Jon and Trina make an appearance on "Step Yo Game Up."

It's ironic that this album's weakes songs are the ones that are "typical" Snoop. Songs like "Can I Get A Flicc Witchu" (which features Bootsy Collins) are kind of annoying. The album is titled R&G because of the balance of R&B based songs with Snoop's normal gangsta style. Surprisingly, the Rhythm is better than the Gangsta. Yet, this is a very good album from Snoop. Even the weakest songs on this album are 10 times better that crap like "Woof!" from The Game Is To Be Told, Not To Be Sold. He continues to show just how versatile he is.