Snoop Dogg – Top Dogg

Snoop Dogg
Artist: Snoop Dogg
Title: Top Dogg
Label: No Limit
Rating: 6/10

Snoop Dogg drops twenty-one tracks that last over seventy-seven minutes. The only problem is that it feels like it lasts longer than that. Practically every song has a different producer, and instead of giving the album a cool diverse feel, it seems more disorganized and all-over-the-place.

Snoop is still on top of his game, but the best tracks are those produced by Dr. Dre or D.J. Quik. “Trust Me” sounds like a track from the ’70’s. It fits Snoop’s laid back flow, but it gets boring during the chorus and really begins to lag. “Snoopafella” is Snoop’s little story where he plays Cinderella. It’s funny, but not great, with lyrics like “we got FUBU and you got rags.”

“In Love With A Thug” could be a radio single, but the chorus takes the song down a level. Snoop’s rapping is good, but the background vocals sung by Shawn Dogg are a downer. “G Bedtime Stories” is some gangster stories that will give the kiddies nightmares.

“Betta Days” is finally a chance to hear Snoop by himself, doing what he does best: rhyme. “B Please” is produced by the all mighty Dr. Dre. The beats are the best on the record. Not only is the production good, but finally there is a worthy guest star. Xzibit makes an appearance and brings a lot of heat. “Gangsta Ride” has the hook, a fresh guest appearance from Silkk The Shocker and Snoop moving the verses like you know he can. “Ghetto Symphony” is full of No Limit soldiers. Silkk The Shocker and Mystikal steal the show; Silkk The Shocker actually drops the best rhyme on the track. It sounds good, but unfortunately it doesn’t really go anywhere.

“Party With A D.P.G.” is a cover of the classic “Shining Star” from Earth, Wind, & Fire, but with a twist. “Just Dippin’” is not only produced by Dr. Dre, but Dre guests with a few rhymes that bring you back to ’93 when Dre and Snoop broke out with the single “Deep Cover”. You will be left reminiscing about the sounds of The Chronic .

You’d think that all the guest stars, sixteen total, would be great, but it ends up being the downfall. Snoop by himself is one of the best rappers in the world today. Top Dogg does little to boost Snoop’s mystique; too many guest stars interrupt his flow. Still, Snoop is on a level all his own. Hopefully the next album will be a true solo release.

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