snoop dee oh gee

The A.V. Club on Snoop’s seminal album Doggystlye from their list of respectable rock and rap acts that peaked with debut albums:

Snoop can always be counted on for great singles, but Doggystyle boasts a cohesion and consistency otherwise missing from the marijuana enthusiast’s ferociously uneven oeuvre, thanks to Dr. Dre’s fussily perfectionist production and a supporting cast of Death Row role-players (Daz, Kurupt, Lady Of Rage, Nate Dogg) who thrived in guest spots, but floundered in the harsh glare of the solo spotlight. In the winter of 1993, Doggystyle brought a tantalizing taste of the eternal Southern California summer to a thankful hip-hop nation.

I added the emphasis on the last sentence. That album’s greatness was measured for me by how many times it was stolen. I think I re-bought it at least two times before I gave up.