Snoop Dogg is back with his most focused and hard-hitting album possibly since Doggystyle. Paid Tha Cost to be Da Bo$$ is surrounded by irony, as it is Snoop's first album since having quit smoking the chronic. The result makes one wonder if the current quality of rap music might improve if some artists laid off the chronic and drink, but I doubt we'll ever know for sure.

Snoop Dogg's usual funk-flavoured gangsta style is well complemented by many guest appearances; most impressive are Goldie Loc, Ludacris, Nate Dogg and Lady of Rage. The beats play for a diverse and captivating sound with input from a multitude of producers including Hi-Tek, DJ Premier, Jelly Roll, Battlecat, and The Neptunes.

'The One and Only' is a catchy tune featuring amazing sampling and production by DJ Premier. 'Hourglass' is a funky fresh track with Goldie Loc dropping a mammoth verse. The Jelly Roll produced, 'You Got What I Want' is a harder track featuring Ludacris, Goldie Loc, and Uncle Charlie Wilson. 'Batman & Robin' is a funky guitar laden track produced by DJ Premier, sounding similar to Saukrates' 'Money Or Love'. 'From Long Beach 2 Brick City' is the only true 213 reunion (Nate Dogg & Warren G), but is an odd combination as it yields the most upbeat club-oriented track and features Redman.

Paid Tha Cost to be Da Bo$$ bring back memories of the Snoop Doggy Dogg of old and helps erase the stain created by his No Limit Records days. For the most part, Snoop Dogg lays down the g-funk like I crave, and leaves me satisfied.

Click here to buy the album at amazon.com.