What has changed in rap in these thirty years? Maybe Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, thirty years after the seminal “Doggystyle“they asked themselves.
Their answer is “Missionary”: not only a tribute to the roots that made them icons, but also a demonstration of their ability to maintain a prominent place in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
The album opens with a flight attendant-style announcement, in which those who feel easily offended are asked to abandon the trip, while others are encouraged to sit back and enjoy 15 tracks that celebrate the best of G-Funk.
Produced entirely by Dr. Dre, Missionary stands as a manifesto of artistic ambition: classic West Coast sounds are enriched with a new alchemy that blends powerful beats, enveloping melodies and bold arrangements.
While staying true to the gangsta aesthetic, with references to murder, marijuana, sex and women, Snoop shows a renewed energy and vocal mastery that hasn't been felt in a while.
The collaborations present in the album are not simple luxury contributions, but true pieces of a mosaic that celebrates the essence of contemporary urban.
Gorgeousfeaturing Jhené Aiko, mixes R&B hooks and shimmering pianos, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and intensity, while Outta Da Blue hark back to the past with a drum sample from Saturday Night by Schoolly D and a reference to Paper Planes by MIA
In Last Dance With Mary Janethe late Tom Petty's harmonica merges with Snoop's lyrical homage to cannabis culture, resulting in a country-style song that is both nostalgic and innovative. Another Part of Mewith Sting, reworks the historical one Message in a Bottle by the Police, as well as in Sticcy Situation Suzanne Vega is recalled with Tom's Diner While Gunz N Smoke brings together 50 Cent and Eminem in a track that pulses with energy and recalls the past. Method Man's contribution to Skyscrapers adds further value to the record.
Dr. Dre called this the “best music I've ever made.” However, I wasn't expecting anything revolutionary, and my expectations were confirmed.
Snoop and Dre remain masters of their craft, and although Missionary doesn't reach the iconicity of their previous works, it represents a tribute to their career and ability to remain relevant in the music scene after three decades.
TO LISTEN NOW
Gorgeous – Fire – Gunz N Smoke
TO BE SKIPPED IMMEDIATELY
A tour into the world of Snoop and Dre is a pleasure to take. Just look at the album cover to understand their essence!!!
SCORE: 7.25
Foreplay (ft. BJ The Chicago Kid)
Shangri-La – Rating 7.50
Outta Da Blue (ft. Dr. Dre and Alus) – Rating 7.50
Hard Knocks – Rating 7.50
Gorgeous (ft. Jhené Aiko) – Rating 8.00
Last Dance With Mary Jane (ft. Tom Petty and Jelly Roll) – Rating 6.50
Thank You – Rating 7.00
Pressure (ft. Dr. Dre and KAAN) – Rating 7.00
Another Part Of Me (ft. Sting) – Rating 6.50
Skyscrapers (ft. Method Man and Smitty) – Rating 7.00
Fire (ft. Cocoa Sarai) – Rating 7.50
Gunz N Smoke (ft. 50 Cent and Eminem) – Rating 7.50
Sticcy Situation (ft. KAAN and Cocoa Sarai) – Rating 7.50
Now Or Never (ft. Dr. Dre and BJ The Chicago Kid) – Rating 7.50
Gangsta Pose (ft. Dem Jointz, Stalone, and Fat Money) Rating 7.00
The Negotiator – Rating 7.00
