Search - Snoop Dogg :: Ego Trippin

Not as Good as THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT; 3 ½ Stars

Musac Critic | 05/14/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First things first, EGO TRIPPIN' isn't as good as Snoop's last album, THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT. Also, it isn't a bad album by any means either - just a flawed album. Sure, "Sensual (Sexual) Seduction" gave Snoop his first top-ten hit since 2004's ubiquitous Neptunes helmed "Drop It Like It's Hot" reached #1 (not counting Akon's #1 with Snoop, "I Wanna F**k You"), but "Sensual Seduction" isn't enough to make EGO TRIPPIN', which is pretty good, a truly great or innovative album. Sure, Snoop rocks the vocoder out on "Sensual Seduction", but a vocoder doesn't make up for some of EGO TRIPPIN' laxer moments.



The album starts with the typical forgettable interlude, then follows with "Press Play", which is ultimately forgettable as well. Snoop ignites the flame with "SD is Out", an undeniably catchy track in which you feel Snoop is at least somewhat in his element. Sure, it isn't the second coming by any means, but it works. "Gangsta Like Me" follows in the same boat as "SD is Out" - it is catchy, though not as great as some of the best songs appearing on 2006's THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT. Similarly still, "Never Have 2 Worry" is solid, though not earth shattering. The background vocals are fantastic here and Snoop does still sound "relevant" if not 100% fresh this round. Finally, "Sexual Eruption" (or "Sensual" depending on the version), comes and revives some sense of true, inspired vitality within EGO TRIPPIN'. It is followed by another excellent track, "Life of Da Party" which features inspired guest turns from several rappers, with the standout being Too $hort. Snoop sounds like he has salvaged his image on this track more so than the earlier tracks. This track compares to the catchy nature that "Candy Drippin'" possessed on THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT, which makes this one of the best tracks of EGO TRIPPIN'.



"Waste of Time" is decent as well, if not as strong as say 2006's "That's That Sh**". Either way, Raphael Saadiq sounds particularly strong and soulful here. "Cool", a remake of a Morris Day and the Time hit, is good, even if it seems like it shouldn't appear on this album. But then again, EGO TRIPPIN' lacks the cohesiveness of Snoop's best, as later shown by the laughable country turn Snoop makes on the horrific "Medicine Man". Aside from semi-standouts from "Been Around the World", "Make It Good", and the celtic sampling "Why Did You Leave Me", the rest of EGO TRIPPIN' is merely average. "Sets Up" features excellent production from the Neptunes, but it doesn't allure one like the very best Neptunes hit would (in this case 2004's "Drop It Like It's Hot"). "Deez Hollywood Nights" is completely catchy, though utterly rediculous in which Snoop states that "Leonardo Di Caprio keeps a bad h*" - honestly, what? "Staxx in My Jeans" and "Ridin' In My Chevy" also disappoint hardcore Snoop fans. It makes you question if Snoop really is still "relevant".



Overall, I don't know if I'd spend $15 again to buy EGO TRIPPIN'. Sure, it has its good moments, but it is much more flawed than most of Snoop's other albums. I guess even a great recording artist like Snoop is allowed one slip-up, but my advice to S.D. would be to get The Neptunes as well as the producers from THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT to produce your next album as opposed to mostly Teddy Riley. Not knocking the production work, but I think Snoop has worked better with different collaborators. 3 - 3 ½ Stars."

Time to retire

W. Scales | ny,ny | 06/16/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"snoop dogg is a legend in rap with out a doubt. when he first came on the scene no one could deny his flow and delivery. he's been around for a while and seen many acts come and go. when i read the snoop cover xxl magazine and discovered he didnt even write his own lyrics on ego trippin and said "aritha franklin didnt write her songs and shes an icon why he cant do that". i lost respect for snoop, hollywood and reality tv has obviously gotten to him"

Crushed Ego

S. Haskins | Washington, DC | 03/20/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"To Snoop: You did well with giving us Blue Carpet Treatment, but on this one your ego got the best of you and the worse of our pockets. I believe you put a lot into it, but with the wrong producers. You should have stuck with Dr. Dre. I know you are the type to help out everybody and we all know that Teddy Riley and DJ Quick could use a dollar, but you have a reputation to live up to. I'm yawning on this one.



To the fans- I am not sure if you will like this one. Maybe one or two songs are good out of 21 that's on there. That is bad. This album was a waste of studio time. Sorry."