Snoop Dogg, as we probably all know, is quite a character. He was discovered by Dr. Dre, became a famous rapper with the highly-acclaimed “Doggystyle,” and used that success to propel himself into the pornography business. And (so I hear) he enjoyed much success in this area. After much research (by research, I mean going down the Kostka 2 hallway to glance over a friend’s private collection), I have discovered that Snoop has thrived from such videos as the award winning(!) “Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle,” to “Girls Gone Wild Doggy Style” aside heavyweight Joe Francis. But now, in digression from the clever album and movie titles, this genius of geniuses has discovered a way to participate in both sides of the “game” with the creation of “Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Bo$$”. In this not-so-revolutionary album, Snoop Dogg has spliced the degradation of women and pimpin’ like a “tru playa” with hip-hop beats and random “izzles.” But he’s really good at it.
It seems that Snoop has experienced many trials and tribulations since his previous album, as he seems to seesaw between the hardcore-pimpmaster style Snoop Dogg that we all know and love, and a new, more modest Snoop, open-to-love and happiness, which he could only have acquired through the intriguing world of pornography.
For example, on one track, “Wasn’t Your Fault,” Snoop tells an enthralling story about a messy breakup, and offers advice that “you shoulda put your foot in her like a pimp is supposed to do”. At this point, it seems as though he has given up on love. However, a few tracks later, the tear-jerker “I Miss That B****” featuring E-White, tells a classic tale about being in love. After sorting through the intelligible ranting of those unfortunate playas “who lost they special someone,” an indistinct beat is heard, most likely to symbolize the confusion that occurs in the lives of these brave men.
All joking and playa hatin’ aside, Snoop actually does come through with an entertaining set of songs. In “Lollipop,” an apparent rip-off of the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize,” Snoop illustrates his talent by successfully rhyming the word “navel” without losing his “gangsta” image.
My favorite song of the set is “From Long Beach 2 Brick City,” mainly due to the help from Redman and his dirtiness. This song tackles vital subjects with such eloquence, explaining, “the way you shake your booty / it makes me want your booty / the way you shake your booty / sure looks good to me.”
Ludacris is also featured in the album in “You Got What I Want.” Apparently, he, too, “came to pimp”. He gives substantial evidence to this claim, as he proclaims, “B**** I got it made / Just pick one of my hoes, and I got it layed.” Good times.
Snoop also entertains with some upbeat, club bangin’ music in “Hourglass,” which is another art apparently mastered while in the pornography busines.
Snoop’s beats are, I hate to say, unbeatable; and his style and content are just as great. This album may not have all-time classics like when Snoop Dogg was Doggy and his first solo album came out, but I would still suggest this album to any follower of Snoop Dogg. Somehow unsurprisingly, Snoop Dogg also includes a few “smoke-up songs.” Of course, a case can be made that the entire set is a “smoke-up album,” but there are few other possible purposes for the creation of “Paper’d Up.” The only drawback is the album’s repeat value. I mean, you can only hear about how its “pimps up / hoes down” so many times.
Ultimately, I applaud Snoop Dogg. Not only has he come on strong with another hit album, but he has also displayed to the American public the positive influence pornography can have in our current society. Snoop Dogg has created a new form of entertainment appropriately named “porn rap,” targeted it towards the young people of America, and slaps a parental advisory sticker on the cover just for kicks. So this is why, in case anyone was still wondering, he has his own set of action figures, and you don’t.
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