SNOOP DOGG
Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
Producers: various
Doggystyle/Geffen
Release Date: Nov. 21

Resident West Coaster Snoop Dogg returns to his roots for his eighth album, coupling the fancy, commercialist rap he has chosen of late with catchy, thought-provoking tracks. The smooth intro "Think About It" has a jazz-club feel, while the bass-thumping "Candy" (featuring E-40, MC Eight, Goldie Loc, Daz and Kurupt) is amp-you-up music at its best. Also present are run-of-the-mill ladies jams "So Special" featuring Brandy and "That's That" featuring R. Kelly. But sonically, "Blue Carpet" is a West Coast record in every sense, as Snoop reunites with Dr. Dre for several tracks, including the ponderous "Imagine." Ironically, the Ice Cube-featured "LAX" and "Gangbanging 101" featuring the Game are the least alluring songs. But even with those missteps, Snoop has found a happy balance between pop and hardcore. -- Clover Hope