The album cover, based on a photo taken back in 1992, is confusing. It suggests a sort of retrospective compilation, but, while Neva Left is intentionally enveloped in old school vibes; Snoop Dogg makes several references to 1990s rap culture; this is an album of new songs. Conceptual exceptions include a Remix of Vapors that’s even more unnecessary than the original remake and a Remix of Lavender by BadBadNotGood that’s basically just him (Snoop) rapping to the original instrumental. Elsewhere it’s mostly “official gangsta shit”, as Big Tray Deee so eloquently puts it, from the former gangbanger who now has a VH1 cooking show with Martha Stewart.
Snoop can get away with that though. It’s admirable how he’s managed to successfully diversify himself with different people since the days of his rap world debut without giving up his hood persona. Even if you’re just now getting back into his music, it’s true he’s Neva left the game since that aforementioned photo was taken. The quality of his albums is another case. Doggystyle, Last Meal and Blue Carpet Treatment stand as high-lights, but most are just okay; this one included. Let Us Begin is notable if only because it features a verse by KRS-One and Trash Bags works as a drunken ode to strippers, but songs like Swivel and Big Mouth are ruined by wack hooks.
my rating : 3 of 5
2017