Shortly after the groundbreaking releases of Dr Dre's "The Chronic" and Snoop Doggy Dogg's "Doggystyle," the two chart-topping albums that helped put West Coast "gangsta" rap on the map, Dr Dre's half brother Warren G followed with a classic record of his own. Released in 1994, "Regulate...G-Funk Era" is a 12-track, feel-good masterpiece by Warren Griffin 111. It continues to be one of the most underrated and influential rap albums to date, where the roots of the sound that many critics say "pollutes the airwaves" are traced back to. By utilizing the keyboard and turntables to perfection, as well as sampling soul, funk and jazz, "Regulate...G-Funk Era" provides a flawless example of the DJ's production skills that can be compared and closely ranked with those of his more famous half- brother.
Beginning with the lead single and most popular Warren G song to date, "Regulate" gets the album off to a solid start with a little help from Warren's childhood friend, Nate Dogg. Still considered to be one of the most well known street anthems and a constant karaoke favorite at parties, "Regulate" was originally recorded for Death Row Record's "Above the Rim" soundtrack, but was also promoted as the lead single off the self-proclaimed G Child's solo debut. The soulful collection continues to flow smoothly with the second track that also became a mainstream single played in regular rotation by hip-hop stations everywhere. Lyrically, "Do You See" is the deepest song. In it, the Long Beach native reminisces about occurrences on the streets of his hometown that he's become accustomed to witnessing. He explains that despite what he's been involved in - including a past of gang banging as a Long Beach Crip - all he really thrives on is to be a successful musician.
"I said, 'Snoop, things done changed, it's not the same / We need to get up out the game / Cuz we can get paid in a different way / Wit u kickin' dope rhymes and I DJ."
Although his lyrics aren't as complex and don't contain as many metaphors as most of today's emcees, such as Common and Jay Z, Warren G makes every track sound like a funky radio jam and keeps peoples' heads nodding with satisfaction.
With a heavy bass line that rattles listeners' eardrums and smooth lines to eloquently weave an urban tale about one of the earlier childhood days of the multi-talented producer, "This DJ" provides the cleanest production and rhythm on the '94 release. The song surrounds the listener with a feel-good atmosphere as the G Child uses his voice to perfection over the melody.
Following the release of "Regulate...G-Funk Era" rap fans everywhere had another reason, along with "Doggystyle", for fashion statements of blue Chuck Taylors and creased khakis to become commonplace at Snoop or Warren G concerts. However, despite being Dr Dre's half brother and one of Snoop Dogg's closest friends, Warren G never officially signed to the now-infamous Death Row Records. Instead, he signed with Russell Simmons' Def Jam, which is surprising to many West Coast hip-hop heads who figured the producer would side with his California friends.
Concluding with "Runnin' Wit No Brakes," the West Coast producer proves he needs no hesitation to finish his mesmerizing collection of pop beats, accompanied by autobiographical lyrics. He establishes himself as one of the elite rapper/ producers from the West along with Daz Dillinger, DJ Quik and Dr Dre.
-Staff Writer Sam Kovacevich
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