Snoop Dog | B+

Doggumentary is Snoop Dogg's first album in three years, and it proves itself worthy of more than just a few thorough listens. Part of the album's lure lies in its extensive list of featured artists — Kanye West, John Legend, Young Jeezy, T-Pain, R. Kelly, Wiz Khalifa and Willie Nelson all jump on tracks with Snoop, heightening the album's diversity.

The opening track, "Toyz n Da Hood" featuring Bootsy Collins, is a comical way to launch off the album. In many of Snoop's songs, he lets his witty personality shine through, making various whimsical comments companioned with his unique down tempo flow. "And if ya didn't know/I'm the big Snoop Dogg," the long-time rapper claims on his single "Boom" from his 11th studio album. The track features T-Pain, and it has a classic, melodious T-Pain hook that make it destined for radio play.

"Eyez Closed," featuring veteran artists Kanye West and John Legend, is one of the more grave songs on Doggumentary. Snoop raps about what it takes to be successful in the rap game and how he has stayed true to himself through the duration of his career. "There's only winners and losers/ain't no in betweens/you either hit the hall of fame/or your fall with shame/and you ain't gotta wonder where my place at." The song puts emphasis on Snoop's dexterity in the rap game.

Snoop Dogg's entry back into the rap game with the release of Doggumentary will not leave fans unsatisfied. Its only weak spot resides in the slight lack of nostalgia in some of Snoop's tracks. He does a sufficient job of keeping up with the pace of the current rap game but doesn't necessarily pay homage to the past styles of his music. Inclusively, the album has a lot to offer, ranging from its lyrics to its feature artists. It's definitely an album that will be put on repeat.

Photo Credits: 1 Koi Sojer from starpulse.com

 2 Winston Burris from starpulse.com