Snoop Dogg - Malice N Wonderland - CD Review

The Big Homie is back with his 10th studio album Malice N Wonderland.

Coming out tomorrow, December 8th, is Snoop Dogg’s tenth studio album, Malice N Wonderland. The album is fourteen tracks deep and features singles produced by some of my favorite producers in the history of the game, Dr. Dre and Timbaland. The lead singer single is produced by none other than The-Dream and Tricky Stewart.

Malice N Wonderland gets off to a great start with the Dr. Dre produced, “I Wanna Rock” which samples the early 90s Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock hit “It Takes Two.” The song happens to be one of my favorites from the album, though the accompanying video on the other hand isn’t anything to write home about.



The following two tracks, “2 minute Warning” and “1800” are obviously album fillers. The later features Lil John, but both I could have done without.

“Different Languages” is solid track that features Jazmine Sullivan gritty vocals on the hook.

The lead single “Gangsta Luv” is produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. The Dream sings the chorus on this ready for radio track. The song is a decent, listenable “chic song.”

On the seventh cut The Big Homie calls on The Little Homie Soulja Boy to join him on the track “Pronto.” The only thing that can be said about this song, is it isn’t the worst song I’ve ever heard. (Keep in mind I’m not throwing shade; I’m being factual.)

Danja and Timbaland produced the eighth track which is also the second single. What else could I do but love a song produced by those two and features Snoop spittin typical snoop lyrics over a fire track? This song is definitely a winner in my book.

Malice N Wonderland winds down with the tracks “Upside Down” which is listenable as well as the California infused track “Secrets” that features fellow California rapper Kokane. “Secrets” is one of my favorite tracks from this CD. It’s so east coast and so Snoop Dogg and so necessary to have a track like this on a Snoop album. Even though a song like this is expected and needed it feels more organic than obligatory which can’t be easy to pull off.

The final three tracks are let downs, though “Pimpin’ Ain’t EZ” featuring R. Kelly isn’t a terrible song I’m not a fan of it. The-Dream’s second appearance on the album is both disappointing and annoying on “Luv Drunk.” Brandy and Pharrell round out this CD with what sounds like a corny reprise to Snoop’s 2002 Neptunes produced hit, “Beautiful.” Snoop and The Neptunes usually equals an effortless hit, which is why “Special is so disappointing”

Over all this is a pretty good tenth effort by veteran rapper Snoop Dogg. Go ahead and cop this one, fam. I give Malice N Wonderland a solid B+ and a few extra plays on my iPod this week.

Juvenile - Cocky and Confident - CD Review

Its been over 10 years since Juvenile released 400 Degrees, the album that rocketed him to nationwide noteriety. Six albums later Juve the Great is back with his newest effort Cocky and Confident. [Released December 1, 2009]

Cocky and Confident gets off to a promising start with an intro track of the same name. Juve's flow is refreshingly energetic as the veteran rapper reprises that signature 'Nola bounce.

"Gotta Get It," the second track on the CD is also the second single and is typical Juvenile. Nothing more nothing less.

By the fifth track Cocky and Confident becomes boring and reptitious as Juvenile raps over track after track of snare drum and synthetic horn ladden beats.

By the time you get to cut six, the third single on the LP which features guest apperances by Shawty Lo, Dallas native Dorrough and Kango Slim Cocky and Confident is already well on its way down hill. Though this song delays the albums decline just a bit.

The albums' "chic songs" fall flat but none fall flatter than track eleven, "All Over You" which again features Kango Slim. Juvenile asserts his sexual prowess and recounts courting the object of his affection all while repeatedly referring to his love interest as "hoe." How sweet. The albums other chic song "Hands on You" is of a similar vein but features Pleasure P singing the hook.

The last cut, "Listen" is a cautionary tale that Juvenile's son. The track is nausatingly cheesy and quite frankly an irratiating, unneccessary and out of place addition to a mediocre album. The song's chorus is a cover of a pop song titled, "Listen to Your Heart" which was corny enough in its on right. Bottom line: Juvenile should leave the introspective raps to his contemporaries.

Over all after the novelty of hearing a full length effort by Juvenile subsides very early on.

Confident and Cocky receives a menial C- rating, a big ol' eye roll and a shoulder shrug.

Only die hard Juve fans need purchase this. All others, cop this at your own risk.