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Name: Warren G
Album: "Regulate...G-Funk Era"
Released: July 7th, 1994
Category: West Coast, G-Funk
Rating: 5/5
Reviewed By: Incognito on 1/2/01
1. Regulate (featuring
Nate Dogg) - Fuck an intro, this song says it all. In
my mind "Regulate" stands as a flat out classic. Warren
G automates Dr. Dre's hardcore "g funk" sound, and transforms
it into something more laid back, and soulful that fits
right into California's atmosphere. Him and his Long
Beach City homie, Nate Dogg, formally introduce their
own brand of "funk", with the infectious production
from Warren himself, and the ghetto singing style of
Nate Dogg. Warren G's story telling lyrics are smooth,
and easy to understand, rapping about his past altercations
on the dark streets of Long Beach. It's the best track
off the record, if not the best song Warren G has ever
recorded. 5 out of 5.
2. Do You See - Another
dope, mellowed out song that showcases Warren G shining
to his fullset in many ways. His production is great,
and his raps tell an interesting tale of him as youngster
growing up with Snoop, and Nate Dogg.
"Cause we can get paid in a different way, wit you kickin
dope rhymes and I DJ". Warren's own hook is catchy as
well, "Do you see what I see...everyday as Warren G,
do you here what I here...but it's so hard to live through
these
years." In this song, Warren takes us back to the period
in his life when he was just another hustla on the streets
lookin to make money in a better way. 4 out of 5.
3. Gangsta Sermon (Interlude)
- A funny skit that seems to be making fun of Reverend
Jessie Jackson.
4. Recognize (featuring
The Twinz) - Warren G's Long Beach cohorts, The Twinz
make their unexpected debut here, on this track. It's
basically their song, Warren drops a quick verse, as
he handles the beat, which is navigated by a distorted
bass for the backdrop. Though hard to tell apart, Trip
Locc and Wayniac drop good enough verses that will make
you wanna here more of them, and you will. A good song.
4 out of 5
5. Super Soul Sis (Performed
by Jah Skillz) - Future 5 Footz member, Jah Skillz also
makes her debut on this album. Here, she gets the song
all to herself, getting a chance to display her clever
rhymes, "Step back, because I happen to be on that plus
tax, I got more subscribers than HBO or Cinemax." The
beat yet again is soulful, and funky, composed by Warren
G himself. This is one of my favorite beats on the record,
and believe it or not, one of my favorite songs too.
Warren also samples Snoop's voice for the hook...nice
track. 4.5 out of 5.
6. '94 Ho Draft (Interlude)
-The second interlude, that's about a draft with ho's
and shit.
7. So Many Ways (featuring
Wayniac) - One of the more better songs off the
album next to "Regulate", this features a nice, but
confusing hook. The beat is dope, made up of a heavy
bass, and high pitched keys. Warren G and Twinz member
Wayniac support the beat with their own dose of street
raps. Another tight song. 4.5 out of 5.
8. This D.J.- A
classic Warren G song, where he takes you for a ride
back in time to show you his origin. Probably the most
laid-back track on the album, Warren raps in retrospective
about his childhood up intil now as an accomplished
rap artist. The beat is funk at it's coolest level,
making it appeal to everyone. 4.5 out of 5.
9. This is The Shack
(Performed by the Dove Shack) - Shit, this song is on
some major funkiness. Another one of Warren G's prodigy's,
The Dove Shack straight outta the LB come to do their
thang. Again, Warren lets his protege's shine by themselves,
as he laces the beat, which is way tight. For me, it's
the least interesting track on the album, but still
pretty average in my opinion. The hook is a little too
much for me...I don't like it. For those who are curious,
The Dove Shack members consist of C-Knight, Bo-Roc,
and 2Scoops who so far have 2 albums under their belt.
3.5 out of 5.
10. What's Next (featuring
Mr. Malik) - This song starts off with a quick
ABC rhyme that catapults into a more heavier feel where
G just rips shit up with his raps. This is a dope song,
but god dam...Warren G needs to learn how to spell,
for real. "I said what's next, what's next, what's in
N-X-E-T, it's me, Warren to the muthafuckin G", LOL,
self explanatory. Besides that lil error, Mr. Malik
comes in for a tight performance helpin out with the
hook. Overall, another good song with some more dope
production. 4 out of 5.
11. And Ya Don't Stop
- One of the best songs on the album, Warren displays
classy rhymes that are solid throughout the track. It's
all Warren G here, his production is on point once again
just like the whole record. His raps are simple, but
still catchy, "The LBC, and that's my local, check it
out, check it out, check it out now." This song is a
favorite of mine..."Ain't nuttin but a Long Beach thang!"
4.5 out of 5.
12. Runnin' Wit No Breaks
(featuring Jah Skillz & The Twinz) - "Have you ever
heard of a nigga called Warren G?" The finale is a regrouping
of Jah Skillz, and The Twinz along with their mentor,
Warren G. This beat is almost some classical shit, definitely
tight to def though. Jah Skillz, and The Twinz are impressive,
and Warren G drops a line as well. Ending the album
off on a good note, with another dope Warren G track.
4 out of 5.
After a suddle appearance on his older brother's ground
breaking album, "The Chronic", and dropping a quick
verse on Snoop's "Doggysytle" album. Warren G came into
his own and created a product that was as cool as the
other side of the pillow. The name said it all, "G-Funk",
combining Dr. Dre's funkadelic sounds and sprinkling
it with elements of of soul and R&B music, then
topping it off with the flavor of California gang life.
"Regulate...g-funk era", almost came out of nowhere,
with a feel that seemed it didn't have anything to do
with his hardcore counterparts, Dre and Snoop. Though
it still was very much in the same realm of music. This
album is one of the dopest hip hop records to hit, churning
out the classics, "Regulate", and "This D.J.". Warren
G also showcases new Long Beach talents that use the
same g-funk sound as well, The Twinz, and The Dove Shack.
This is just his first album, and he'll continue to
build over this foundation he has created.
This
is a must have cd for any west coast rap fan. Warren
G's talents behind the sound board many times are overlooked,
though he packs a great sense of music with smooth production
that reflects his Long Beach lifestyle. Classic.
-Incognito
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