R&G (RHYTHM...)(EX)

Personnel: Snoop Dogg (rap vocals); Daz, DJ Pooh, Treasure, Shon Don, J.A. Black, Keyshia Cole, L.T. Hutton, Ricky Harris (vocals); Craig Love, Mike Chav, Anthony Donelson (guitar); Ron Browz (keyboards); Quaze (congas, percussion, background vocals); Warryn Campbell (programming); Soopafly (vocals); 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Lil Jon , Nelly, Pharrell Williams, Bee Gees, Trina , Bootsy Collins, Charlie Wilson. Audio Mixers: John Frye; Dave Aron; Mike Chav; Nate Oberman; Shon Don; Patrick Viala; Phil Tan; Sha Money XL. Recording information: FBT Studios, Detroit, MI; Fever Recording Studios, North Hollywood, CA; Larrabee Studios, Los Angeles, CA; TekLab Studios, Cincinnati, OH; Tha Chuuch, Diamond Bar, CA; The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; The Tabernacle, Diamond Bar, CA. Photographer: Anthony Mandler. Following up one of his strongest records to date, Snoop Dogg returned in 2004 with an album he audaciously labeled a "masterpiece." Indeed, the rapper's seventh record finds the Long Beach, California native firing on all cylinders, with his usual slow-and-steady delivery freely flowing over tracks of all varieties. Easily Snoop's most diverse album, R&G slips from solidly street-oriented tracks to purely fun tunes, with moments both sensual and silly that add up to what's almost a concept record. Snoop has always been a master of squaring a mellow melody with his hardcore edge, but he reaches new heights on R&G, particularly on the Neptunes-assisted single "Drop It Like It's Hot" and the incredible early-1980s disco-soul sound of "Let's Get Blown." Snoop also reminds listeners just how hard he can hit on tracks like the relentless, chaotic "The Bidness" and the sinister 50 Cent duet "Oh No." If there were ever any questions about Snoop's stature as a premier statesman of rap, R&G effortlessly lays them to rest.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: CD
• Released: 11/16/2004