SNOOP DOGG "Ego Trippin'".

Usually when I review a CD here there are two things I try not to do, one is gush (because that’s just boring), two is I really like to listen to a CD for a few days, because flaws start to become more apparent over time. Although Ego Trippin’ isn’t perfect it’s not exactly accurate to call it flawed. Because of that, I felt like there wasn’t any real need to delay posting this.

I like this CD a lot. What I like most about it is it’s concept. It’s concept is what keeps it from reaching classic status in the traditional sense, but it’s concept is what makes it unique, interesting and fun, at least for us grownups who can relate to what Snoop was doing here. However, it’s because this isn’t something that everyone can identify with I say it isn’t a classic in the traditional sense. If that makes sense.

Led Zeppelin I, Songs In The Key of Life, Thriller and The Joshua Tree are classics because everyone can identify with them regardless of age, race or social status. While some young people may like this, even love it, they may not truly get it (at least not on every level), but that’s the beauty of music, it brings people together and can be all things to all people and I think Ego Trippin’ reps that to the fullest.

Yeah, I know… I’m talking about a Snoop Dogg CD. He stays so true to his late 70s and 80s concept that I think a lot of younger listeners who were never exposed to that era of music can come away from this with a clue. I think that’s a beautiful thing. A large piece of the credit has to go to Producer Teddy Riley who provided the majority of the beats. I think his involvement was the masterstroke. If you want to cop that sound, who else is there to bring in? Teddy also updates it in spots, bringing a little bit of Dr. Dre to Let It Out, for example.

The other producers also deserve kudos, Raphael Saadiq is always amazing. The young guys like Notts, Polow Da Don, The Neptunes, DJ Quik and Scoop Deville also did their thing. When Raphael and Teddy are in the room, those cats are the young guys. Most of the tracks bring in those classic soul and disco elements but they don’t sound dated or kitschy.

They update the sound while staying true to the vibe. Snoop has always tipped his hat to that era. His detractors will say he’s been doing this since day one. However, this CD feels like a natural progression. It shows artistic growth and maturity much like Mary J. Blige’s The Breakthrough.Snoop’s found that sweet spot between commercial viability, retro cool, gangster credibility and it’s a beautiful thing for his fans, both young and old.

Standouts amongst the 21 tracks are Gangsta Like Me; Scoop Deville’s floor burner, Life Of Da Party; Cool, which is credited to Prince; Been Around Da World; Sexual Eruption; Let It Out; Raphael’s Waste of Time; The Neptunes’ Sets Up and the gangster rap meets country cut, Johnny Cash dedication My Medicine. Ego Trippin’ is an interesting and entertaining juxtaposition of classic 70s/80s synth driven disco and soul and contemporary gangster rap. As good as he’s been the last few years Snoop provides his most interesting and relevant work since his debut.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦◊ 4 out of 5 diamonds.