2008 Woodie Awards
Snoop Dogg's ego unwarranted on lazy release, Ego Trippin'
Kyle Thacker
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Entertainment
04/10/08 - Snoop Dogg's lanky figure has been caught in America's headlights for some time now. The Doggfather was first introduced to the entertainment world in the early 1990s, appearing with Dr. Dre on the "Deep Cover" soundtrack with a song of the same name. He's been in the spotlight ever since. Snoop Dogg has become as American as apple pie. Although, I would imagine Snoop's apple pie would be of the Amsterdam variety with some dank herb baked in alongside those Red Delicious' and Granny Smith's.
During Snoop's career he has become more then merely a celebrated rap artist. It would appear that his rap career has even taken a backseat to all of Snoop's other endeavors. From his acting career to his "-izzle"-laden vernacular, it's as though all talk of Snoop is about everything except his rap career.
It seems that Snoop himself may share the world's lack of focus on his rapping.
On Ego Trippin', the rapper's ninth studio release, he seems lazy. Chalk it up to the indolent effects of smoking pot- or maybe it's just that Snoop doesn't really have to try anymore. His persona has become bigger then himself. Snoop's laidback delivery and "slicker then the lane you're bowling on" voice is undeniable.
While listening to Ego Trippin', I found myself paying more attention to Snoop's flow than to the actual lyrics.
However, when one does tune into what Calvin is saying, it leaves something to be desired. His lyrics have slipped over the years. Snoop doesn't say much you couldn't find flipping the radio dial through any of your local hip-hop stations. You could easily find yourself finishing some of his lines on the first listen.
That's not to say Ego Trippin' is unlistenable or even a bad album. There are definitely some high points. The first song of the record, "Press Play," produced by West Coast stalwart DJ Quick and featuring Dogg Pound member Kurupt, is a pretty solid track. With a syrupy beat and a chorus laden with horns that recalls Jay-Z's recent "R-O-C Boys," Snoop really shines, reminding people it's not all reality TV and legal troubles with Snoop D.O. Double G from the LBC.
The inspirational "One Chance (Make it Good)" is one of the better songs on the album. It has Snoop doling out some wise advice in the form of "Yeah man, if you got a real one/ You better hold on to her/ See 'cause a real man will come along the way/And smooth knock her..." Now I understand why he has his own reality show called "Father Hood," his parental advice needs to be heard by the nation.
It seems that where Snoop is most disappointing is on tracks such as "Staxxx in my Jeans" and "Life of the Party." These songs also happen to be tracks that seem to pander more toward a contemporary club sound. It's when Snoop ignores convention that he is at his best. Songs like the single (and awesome video) "Sexual Eruption" and the Johnny Cash inspired "Medicine" display Snoop Dogg's versatility.
Ego Trippin' is a decent album at best. Let's just hope Snoop finds a little more time for his next one.
During Snoop's career he has become more then merely a celebrated rap artist. It would appear that his rap career has even taken a backseat to all of Snoop's other endeavors. From his acting career to his "-izzle"-laden vernacular, it's as though all talk of Snoop is about everything except his rap career.
It seems that Snoop himself may share the world's lack of focus on his rapping.
On Ego Trippin', the rapper's ninth studio release, he seems lazy. Chalk it up to the indolent effects of smoking pot- or maybe it's just that Snoop doesn't really have to try anymore. His persona has become bigger then himself. Snoop's laidback delivery and "slicker then the lane you're bowling on" voice is undeniable.
While listening to Ego Trippin', I found myself paying more attention to Snoop's flow than to the actual lyrics.
However, when one does tune into what Calvin is saying, it leaves something to be desired. His lyrics have slipped over the years. Snoop doesn't say much you couldn't find flipping the radio dial through any of your local hip-hop stations. You could easily find yourself finishing some of his lines on the first listen.
That's not to say Ego Trippin' is unlistenable or even a bad album. There are definitely some high points. The first song of the record, "Press Play," produced by West Coast stalwart DJ Quick and featuring Dogg Pound member Kurupt, is a pretty solid track. With a syrupy beat and a chorus laden with horns that recalls Jay-Z's recent "R-O-C Boys," Snoop really shines, reminding people it's not all reality TV and legal troubles with Snoop D.O. Double G from the LBC.
The inspirational "One Chance (Make it Good)" is one of the better songs on the album. It has Snoop doling out some wise advice in the form of "Yeah man, if you got a real one/ You better hold on to her/ See 'cause a real man will come along the way/And smooth knock her..." Now I understand why he has his own reality show called "Father Hood," his parental advice needs to be heard by the nation.
It seems that where Snoop is most disappointing is on tracks such as "Staxxx in my Jeans" and "Life of the Party." These songs also happen to be tracks that seem to pander more toward a contemporary club sound. It's when Snoop ignores convention that he is at his best. Songs like the single (and awesome video) "Sexual Eruption" and the Johnny Cash inspired "Medicine" display Snoop Dogg's versatility.
Ego Trippin' is a decent album at best. Let's just hope Snoop finds a little more time for his next one.