He may have bragging rights with a successful television show, porno (Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle) and at least a dozen hit records, but rapper Snoop Dogg’s ninth album, Ego Trippin’, might actually bruise his ego.
The Doggfather gets a lot of props for the innovation and risk-taking he took with this album. The first single, “Sexual Eruption,” has become a smash hit and features the rapper actually singing. Surprisingly, Snoop pulls it off, and it is showcased throughout the album. Snoop doesn’t forget what made him famous in the first place, though, as he brings his signature gangster flow back on songs like “Whateva You Do” and “Sets Up.”
What’s missing here are solid production and guest appearances. The majority of the album is produced by QDT Muzik, a production team consisting of DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg and Teddy Riley. As a result, the bulk of the album sounds the same. Previous producers Dr. Dre and The Neptunes don’t have much involvement—Dre is nowhere to be found and The Neptunes produce only one track this time around.
Guest appearances from artists like Too Short, Mistah F.A.B, Pharrell and Everlast just don’t stack up against previous collaborators such as Akon, The Game and R. Kelly.
Any Snoop fan will find this to be an average album, though it’s definitely not a classic like his debut album, Doggystyle. I for one appreciate Snoop’s willingness to expand his horizons with his music, but I’d prefer that he write his own lyrics next time, as he uses a lot of guest writers on Ego Trippin’.
Three out of five stars
Discussion
All comments are moderated by Kansan.com staff. For our full user policy, click here.
Share your 2¢
Requires free registration.