CD Reviews

Snoop Dogg – COOLAID (review)

Published

8 years ago

August 17, 2016

Anthony Bernardi

Snoop Dogg – COOLAID (review)

By Anthony Bernardi

Guess whose back in the L.B.C.! It’s the one and only dank-father, Snoop D O double G. Filling your lungs once again with the West Coast chronic sounds. Snoop and company dropped this new banger via his own Doggy Style Records on July 1st. COOLAID, the 14th joint from hip-hop’s living legend and he’s not afraid to remind you of his legendary status on the first track “Legend”. Snoop spits: “Ain’t no second guessin’, born to be a legend” amid samples from another rap icon, Ice Cube.

Clocking in at well over and hour this album boasts twenty tracks that feature the likes of fellow weed aficionado Wiz Khalif along with Too Short, Swizz Beatz, Trick Trick, Jeremiah, E-40, Jazze Pha, Suga Free, and October London.

After we are on point with the fact that Snoop is a “motha fucking legend”, the second track “10 Toes Down” kicks in. We get to hear Snoop share the mic with the Dirty Man himself: Too Short. “10 Toes Down” stays true to the old-school feel and delivers hard heavy bass drops that make you bounce along with the beat.

The next toke is “Super Crip” and it delivers what can only be described as horror-core track. It’s slamming with a heavy and creepin’ beat.

“Oh Na Na” featuring Wiz Khalifa, has the potential of making you want to just pull out your bag and blaze while listening to a track that is reminiscent of classic Bone Thugs–N-Harmony.

Snoop takes “dabs” of the past with a reworked beat from electronic pioneer Gary Numan’s, “Cars”. Snoop’s rendition entitled “My Carz” has him braggin’ about his clutch of cars in this smooth throwback track. Once you’re cruizin’ with the Dogg Pound, the album takes you further back on your “trip” through time. “Two or More” has a 70s funk feel, with sweet female vocals on the groovy hook.

The rest of the album falls in line with a retro groove created by the first half of the “joint”, including “Kush Ups” which once again features Wiz Khalifa. So… do ya think you can hang?

In the past decade or so we have witnessed drastic changes in the music industry, but the Dogg Father has proven with his release that there is no reason to teach an old dog new tricks. He has remained true to the original West Coast flavor, but has “cut” this album with a generous helping of old-school groove.
COOLAID has what you would expect from Snoop at this point in his illustrious career. In my “Humboldt” opinion I give it 3 blunts and a big fat roach out of “nickel bag”.

This is the perfect album for driving and smokin’ up. Let the beat drop and just cruise. Speaking of driving,
Snoop and Wiz Khalifa are currently road-trippin’ a 33 date tour which started in July and wraps up in mid-September. So pack your bowls and get your blunt wraps ready for COOLAID!

About Author

Anthony Bernardi

See author's posts

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

See author's posts

CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

2 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue

About Author

Ron

See author's posts

CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

Published

2 months ago

September 20, 2024

JJ Ulizio

9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.

Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

About Author

JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

See author's posts