In the overall scheme of things, the demise of a certain Snoop Dogg has to go down as one of hip-hop’s great tragedies. He has never, ever recaptured his stunning from that he was in during 1991-1995. Fuelled by classic performances on the single “Deep Cover” as well as a sustained kick-a-- performance on “The Chronic”, his debut album was easily the most anticipated release since, well since never. And this classic album? 1993's “Doggystyle” is the name.

Track Listing.

1. Bathtub (Intro)
2. G-Funk Intro. Feat Rage. (*****)
3. Gin and Juice. Feat Daz. (*****)
4. Tha Shiznit. (*****)
5. Lodi Dodi. (****)
6. Murder was the Case. Feat Daz. (*****)
7. Serial Killer. . Feat Tha Dogg Pound, RBX and D.O.C. (****)
8.Who Am I? (What's my Name?)(*****)
9. For my N----z and my B----s. Feat Tha Dogg Pound (*****)
10. Ain’t No Fun. Feat Kurupt, Nate Dogg and Warren G (*****)
11. Doggy Dogg World. Feat Tha Dogg Pound and The Dramatics (*****)
12. Gz and Hustlas. (*****)
13. Pump Pump. (*****)

The era of completely flawless hip-hop albums is completely extinct now, and it becomes even sadder that this is so when you pop “Doggystyle” into your CD player. Quite simply, 12 tracks of pure Westcoast hip-hop is what you get in this classic set, with not a weak effort present. It makes it very hard to start somewhere. But I suppose “Who Am I (What’s my name?)” is one of the better places. The famous lead single from this famous album, this established Snoop DOGGY Dogg on the map. A stunningly steady, deep bassline with jazzy horns underpinning pushes this track along as an electrifying chorus screams out “Snoop Doooo-ooggy Dooooo-oooog”, and Snoop illustrates just why he was so acclaimed on “The Chronic” with witty, flowing braggadocio in his trademark style.

Because this album gained a quick hip-hop cliché after its release (“the most anticipated release since “Doggystyle”, was the line for virtually every debut/sophomore album released after), we all knew the capabillities of Calvin Broadus. With a fantastically smooth flow and ebbing delivery, his lyrics vary from hilariously witty, to menacingly aggressive, to technically superior, he doesn't disappoint. “Tha Shiznit” is quite a demonstration of Snoop’s evident lyrical talent: over Dre’s nonchalant, jazzy production he sustains an excellent freestyle for approximately four minutes. "lodi Dodi". is an excellent tribute to legend Slick Rick, as Snoop tells a very funny story about a man's relationship with his girlfriend.

“Murder was the Case” is one of the highlights of the album, as the Dogg Father rhymes charismatically about making a deal with the devil (who is played by Daz) to save his life after getting shot: “As I look up at the sky/ My mind starts trippin, a tear drops my eye/ My body temperature falls/ I'm shakin and they breakin’, tryin’ to save the Dogg/ Pumpin’ on my chest and I'm screamin’/ I stop breathin’, damn I see demons/ Dear God, I wonder can ya save me/ I can't die, my Boo-Boo's bout to have my baby/ I think it's too late for prayin, hold up/ A voice spoke to me and it slowly started saying:”. I gotta say this is one of Dre’s all-time best beats, as well, with an eerie bassline, “apocalyptic” syncopated sound-effects and dark, whiny synthesizers.

Of course, guests swarm all over “Doggystyle”. The cast of talents from "The Chronic" are all recalled for duty: Snoop enrols Tha Dogg Pound (Daz & Kurupt), RBX, Nate Dogg, Lady of Rage and Warren G to lend some supporting vocals. “Ain’t No Fun” is another one of the LP’s standout classics. With a soulful, funky beat pushing it, an ALL-TIME CLASSIC Nate Dogg hook, and mildly-misogynistic, party rhymes from Snoop, Kurupt & Warren G. The relaxed vibe of the aptly titled “Doggy Dogg World” is great to chill out too, Kurupt and Daz both light up the mic, and Snoop drops hilarity: “Ya know, some of these n----z is so deceptive/ Using my styles like a contraceptive/ I hope ya get burnt, it seems ya haven't learnt/ It's the nick nack patty wack, I still got the bigger sack”.

“Serial Killer” is menacing and aggressive gangsta rap fare, as you may have guessed from the title, and rapper RBX drops a phenomenally good verse here: "Deep, deep like the mind of Minolta, now picture this/ Let's picnic inside a morgue”. It is still a certified crime that he never got the recognition he deserved later on in his career. “For all my N---z & Bit-hes” is the unofficial debut of Tha Dogg Pound, so Daz and especially Kurupt drop heat. Kurupt rhymes: “Fly motherf--kers can't see Kurupt/ Hell-raising like Pinhead, beware I'm tearing sh-t the f--k up/ Slow your roll, like your legs was broken/ Who's joking? Rakim never joked, so why should I loc?”. All of these guest artists are all excellent in their own way, but no matter how good they are they are blended in nicely into tracks so they never overshadow Tha Top Dogg. Which is good.

Dr. Dre’s production is unrivalled during “Doggystyle”. The grooves are so deep, with a great mixture between moody, menacing gangsta rap beats, soulful slices o’ G-Funk and damn straight out hybrids of all of the above. Jazzy basslines, whiny snyth melodies, scorching saxophones – Dre combines all of these elements quite wonderfully during this album. Take “G’z & Hustlers” for example, featuring a wonderfully energetic yet bluesy beat over which Snoop drops zany, hilarious braggadocios rhymes. Or maybe the classic G-Funk of the single “Gin & Juice” with its fat, rolling bassline and high-pitched synths, tickles your fancy.

And there is nothing much wrong with “Doggystyle”. Snoop blazes up every track, his guests are almost as impressive, Dre’s production will never be any better, the lyrics are consistently varied and enjoyable, there’s NO filler whatsoever… damn, this is a bona fide hip-hop classic which entered Snoop Doggy Dogg into hip-hop legend. No matter who you are, cop this, as its well worth it. This is a “Doggy Dogg World” you want to experience.


Recommended: Yes