Snoop Dogg has been in the rap game for about fifteen years and he has survived because of his versatility.   Whether on Death Row, No Limit or Doggystyle Records he finds a way to keep himself in the spotlight.   Now after finding success last album with Pharrell Williams and the Neptunes on Beautiful, Snoop Dogg has joined the Star Trak team and has dropped R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, a collection of bumping beats and fun lyrics.

This album is 20 tracks (one interlude) and feature production from Hip Hop's best like the Neptunes, Hi-Tek, Daz, Lil Jon, Soopafly and Ron Browz.  

Highlights from the album include the first single Drop It Like It's Hot featuring Pharrell, "The Bizness", "Bang Out", "Let's Gets Blown", "Oh No" featuring 50 Cent, "Signs" with Charlie Wilson (of "Beautiful" fame) and Justin Timberlake and "Girl Like U" featuring Nelly. Snoop talks about leaving his girl, smoking non-tobacco products, love and lust, even ventures into the singing realm albeit briefly.

This album has different sounds all over it but the same Snoop Dogg we have come to love.   Though it's disappointing not hearing Snoop over a Dr. Dre beat, this album isn't for the garbage can at all! Snoop will have people grooving, laughing and partying on this album and the Neptunes connection seems to be a nice home for Snoop's diverse styles and lyrics.  

Snoop Dogg's latest LP is a solid effort that you can bump in your car and/or home and enjoy.   Not on the high level of the classic Doggystyle, R&G is status quo for a long time favorite: nothing groundbreaking but nothing to be heartbroken about..

Any questions, comments, suggestions email Clayton Ruley at clayton@geoclan.com.