Nearly a year and a half after the release of his last album, 'Top Dogg', Snoop Dogg is back on the scene with the release of what could be his last album? Likely not, but the entitled 'Tha Last Meal', might lend one to think so. The biggest surprise/relief with this album, is the lack of No Limit influence. The album has a definitely Dogghouse feel, resulting in an album true to Snoop Dogg's original style and providing a ear pleasing listen from start to finish. The producers are top notch with Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Meech Wells, Dogghouse, Battlecat, Scott Storch, and a dissappointing Jelly Roll rouding out the crew. As well, my current pick for hottest new west coast producer, Soopafly, produces one of my favorite tracks, "Loosen' Control". Soopafly also produced two of my favorite tracks on Xzibit's latest album, 'Restless'. I'm really feelin' his style. Kokane remains Snoop Dogg's #1 sidekick, appearing on 8 of the 17 tracks. Other featured artists include Eve, Nate Dogg, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Tha Eastsidaz, Master P, Butch Cassidy, Bad Azz.

The first single, "Snoop Dogg" is hot. Timbaland proves his production's still on point with this gem. I guarantee that after a couple of listen's you'll be humming the chorus. "Loosen' Control" is a laid-back tale of falling so deep in love, that you let all your thugging background fall away, forgetting your rhymes. The Dr. Dre produced, "True Lies" makes use of Bill Clinton's famous testimony as an intro. Then flows into a smooth groove based on the catchy line of "lies, lies, stories and alibies, big mac in the land of the small fry." "Y'all Gone Miss Me" is flows fluid via a west coast indo-laced beat.

Snoop Dogg impresses yet again. This album isn't amazing, but it is enjoyable. With the possible exception of "Stacey Adams,""Wrong Idea" and the No Limit produced, "Back Up Off Me" you won't find yourself skipping through any tracks. Snoop Dogg's west coast gangsta style continues to dominate the hip hop scene. If you're a Snoop Dogg or Dogghouse fan, this album is a must get. If you're looking for an album that's an easy listen, pick this one up.

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(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written January 21, 2000