Classic Long Beach G-Funk; brings back shimmering memories.
Nate Dogg was one star, who, as far as releasing an album, got lost in the shuffle. With Death Row's president Suge Knight getting in various troubles with the law, Nate was having trouble getting his album released. This two-disc set, having the first disc recorded in 1995 for Death Row Records and being released in 1996. The second disc is composed of material recorded in 1998 for Nate's currently defunct Dogg Foundation Records. The second disc is actually the better of the two, although the first disc is amazing. Nate Dogg, unlike almost any other in the rap category, sings in the smooth manner of a jazz or blues singer. In fact, a large portion of this album is very jazzy, and shows Nate's roots have always been the blues. His style is more original than anyone else's; he has a voice smoother than glass, and as he often says, you can tell he loves to sing. His smooth voice goes perfectly with the cool production from the likes of Daz Dillinger, Soopafly Priest, Warren G, and many others, including the unlikely production resources of Kurupt, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and even Nate himself, and great guests such as Kurupt, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Warren G, Daz Dillinger, Big Syke, Tupac Shakur, his sister Pamela Hale, and many more for this swinging album.The first disc has many highlights, including the Teddy Riley-produced "The Hardest Man In Town", which features another unlikely resource of production, considering Riley's forte is R&B production, and he comes up with a beat that sounds like Daz or Dr. Dre. Nate's beautiful singing rounds the song. The funky "G-Funk" features Nate at his best, singing about what the greatest form of hip-hop means to him. "First We Pray" features Kurupt, and its soulful guitar beat and great lyrics make it classic Death Row material. The deep production of "My World" is amazingly interesting, and Nate's singing flows well over piano and guitars. "Crazy, Dangerous" is one of the greatest tracks on the album, produced by Johnny "J", who did tracks for Tupac. The soulful singing and guitar make this a must-listen. The second single, "These Days", is classic material with Daz Dillinger putting in a guest rap and Nate Dogg dissing B.G. Knocc Out & Dresta in his smooth "I caught you slipping" sort of laid-back GQ demeanor. "Bag Of Weed" is a comical track featuring Tray D, and a great, hypnotizing chorus. On another comical side, "Dirty Hoe's Draws", Nate joins DJ's and some other great singers including Butch Cassidy and Val Young for a slow jamming track you'll never forget. "Scared Of Love" is a jazzy track with a great trumpet and piano, plus Nate singing beautifully. Another classic is "Me & My Homies", which features Tupac Shakur, a classic friend song, with smooth keyboards and great lyrics. The swiftly-paced "Because I Got A Girl", is classic Nate Dogg, with its funky percussion-laced beat with keyboards and beautiful singing. The first single, "Never Leave Me Alone", is another classic song, produced by Kurupt, and featuring the playful rap of Snoop Doggy Dogg over a swinging beat. The prophetic "Where Are You Going?" is a slower song that really is great even though it drags out. This disc is great to listen to, especially if you love Death Row, but the second disc is even better.
Highlighting tracks on the second disc include "Dedication", a short introduction to the album, where Nate disses Death Row's management, angry about the way he was treated there. "Who's Playing Games?" is a funky party track (everyone loves DPG in party mode), and "I Don't Want To Hurt No More" ticks like a clock with a great beat and Nate's heartfelt lyrics. "Just Another Day" is a funky Nate production, and filled with great singing. My favorite is "She's Strange", which is a piano and keyboard-laced swing track, featuring Barbara Wilson, who's sultry voice is perfect for the song. "Almost In Love" is also a pretty ballad, with a great concept of Nate almost falling in love with a lady until he finds out who she really is. "No Matter Where I Go", is a classic Nate Dogg track, filled with organs and lively instruments. "Friends" is a 213 reunion, with fellow members Snoop Doggy Dogg and Warren G, for a track about homeboys and a slower beat. "Puppy Love", on the other hand, is a party track which features Daz, Snoop Doggy Dogg and Kurupt for a party track. The third single, "Nobody Does It Better", is a classic single featuring Warren G, a perfect duet between the two, up there with the classics "Regulate" and "Annie Mae". Another winner is "Sexy Girl", which features keyboards and guitars, plus a great hook and a rap from Big Syke. "Dogg Pound Gangstaville", is a classic DPG track with a funky beat and Kurupt and Snoop Doggy Dogg coming in for an appearance. The last track is the great "Never Too Late", with it's trumpets and keyboards, a great blues track.
To conclude my review, I would recommend this to anyone. Whether you like jazz, blues, rap, hip-hop, soul/R&B, or all, you will love this set. It's for any music lover.
Outstanding material.
Nate Dogg brings us the kind of music you'll never hear anywhere else.GFunk, a mix of jazz, funk and dance that is unique.Nate also has an exquisite voice.This album's a masterpiece:too bad Nate didn't release it earlier.He talks about everything, from the gang life..., hustling, love life and fame.The best tracks: GFunk, My World, These Days, Bag oWeed..., Scared of love,Me N'My Homies(with 2pac!),My Money, Whos playinGames , I don't wanna Hurt no More, Just another day, She's strange,Almost in Love, Puppy love, It's goin Down Tonite, sexy Girl, DoggpoundGangstaville, and Never too Late.This album should have been on the charts. It moved me and will move you.
Hip Hop's Most Talented Soul Singer
Top of the line quality music. This is one of those cd's that at first takes some adjustment if your a hardcore rap head, but can be attained. Nate Dogg has the smoothest, cleanest, most expressive & unique voice out there in rap music. This cd right here gives me chills, because nate's voice is so melodic and touching. The cd is a banger, not a radio cd, but a cd to ride to or just smoke out to. A westcoast breezy for when your riding on the 405 freeway w/ the windows all the way down, cool breeze flowing & the cali sunshine smackin yo face.
Nate Dogg is awesome!!!!
Nate Dogg is one my favorite singers... well hes my fav. i love all his songs and if someone doesnt like his music is crazy!!!!
Nate Dogg Comes into His Own
If you are a fan of the classic G-Funk era of Dre's"Chronic", Snoop's"Doggystyle", Dogg Pound's "Dogg Food", then you have to have this album. One disc of material "The Prodigal Son", was supposed to be released back around 95 or 96, but due to "disagreements" with Suge Knight and Death Row records, it was never released. So Nate formed Dogg Foundation Records and recorded a new album called "Ghetto Preacher" and released both discs together as G- Funk Classics Vol. 1 and 2 in 1998. "The Prodigal Son" is the better of the 2 discs, featuring all his Death Row labelmates at the time- Snoop, Dogg Pound, Warren G,etc. Every song on this album is a winner and had it been released 2 or 3 years earlier it probably would have been a bigger hit. The "Ghetto Preacher" disc is also good, but does have a few weak tracks. Nate Dogg is a good singer and has his own brand of smooth R&B and funk. These albums are now available seperately and they are both worth getting, especially "The Prodigal Son".
