Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg, finding time to record a ninth album despite his commitment to appearing in every stoner comedy in the last 15 years, is easily the most self-aware, larger-than-life rap figure of his generation. How else would you explain the song "Sensual Seduction" and the corresponding video? With quality reminiscent of videotape from the '80s, or just Snoop's own adult-themed work in Doggystyle, it perfectly captures the vintage samples and synthy sounds featured prominently in Ego Trippin'.

Now, let's explore the nuances of Mr. Dogg's ego trip. Intended originally to feature no guests (as if a rap record could ever do that these days) the album attempts to capture his gangsta life in the narrative "Neva Have 2 Worry" and the R&B retrospective "Can't Say Goodbye." These, along with the track "Why Did You Leave Me," are easily the highlights of the album, as they go beyond the gimmicks (the bling, hos and 'izzles) and act as good, honest songs

Snoop also finds time to experiment and offers an interesting song in "My Medicine" that features him rapping over a country music beat in a tribute to Johnny Cash. He sings to his heart's delight as he covers "Cool" by the Time, which-if you don't know-is a funk and dance-pop group from the '80s. Finally, in "Life of da Party"... no, wait. It's a generic club single. Sorry, Too $hort.

I am going to be honest though. I listened to the clean version of this album, meaning that instead of a "Sexual Eruption" I was only left with "Sensual Seduction," which, as any person knows, is not the same in literal or lyrical terms. Still, you can't tell me that the aforementioned track would be any less terrible. Thus, like every album since Doggy Style, Snoop manages to do barely enough to keep his music career credible.