Snoop gets predictable

Snoop Dogg adds to the corpus of rap releases this year with his album, Bush. Pharrell Williams adds his signature style to much of the album, though he is credited with only one song. The 1970s style funk and disco flavours are back with this album.

The album has a big list of top collaborators — Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani, Rapper T.I., Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross and Charlie Williams. The sum total of the contribution is perhaps more than that of Snoop Dogg, who plays second fiddle in most parts of the album.

The album begins with “California Roll”, a soulful contribution from the legendary Stevie Wonder and Pharrell. Stevie plays the harmonica and has some background vocals while Pharrell sings a catchy hook. It talks about life in Los Angeles (“Baby you could be a movie star, hey in Los Angeles/ Get yourself a medical card, yeah in Los Angeles).

The next track, “This City”, continues to talk about Los Angeles (Grab your money, we’re getting out this neighbourhood/ Milk and honey, we’re gonna burn up Hollywood, ooh). “R U a Freak” is a funky track, while “Awake” features Pharrell singing a catchy bridge and hook. Pharrell is a shade better than Snoop on this peppy song. “So Many Pros” features Charlie Wilson an is another funky upbeat song. “Peaches n Cream” features Pharrell and Charlie singing a great hook. “Edibles” features rapper T.I. “I knew that” is a forgettable song on the album.

“Run Away” is a song featuring Gwen Stefani, who goads people to just enjoy life. The last song, “I’m Ya Dogg”, features Rick Ross and Kendrick Lamar and is rather a tame song. One does expect a fitting finale to an album.