DUBB UNION - Dubb Union (Snoop Dogg Presents) | Review By: Conan Milne


Release Date : September 2 2008

Label : Koch

Rating: 4/5

 

Dub Quotable: Updating distinctive West Coast funk for 2008, their sound has the potential to unify listeners clutching relentlessly to memories of yesteryear, and others in tune with Hip-Hop’s present output.

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With tensions occasionally bubbling between new and veteran West Coast Hip-Hop cliques, Dubb Union bridges the gap. Guided by original Death Row inmate Soopafly, Damani and Bad Lucc represent the numerous talents desperate to prove themselves capable of succeeding Suge’s former empire. On debut album Westurn Union, the group heightens the significance of their moniker. Updating distinctive West Coast funk for 2008, their sound has the potential to unify listeners clutching relentlessly to memories of yesteryear, and others in tune with Hip-Hop’s present output.

Opener “Hata Talk” confronts unfounded criticisms leveled at the Union, immediately dismantling assumptions of a lack of chemistry. Showcasing their bond, each member spits a verse lauding their companions. Damani, for example, details Soopafly’s established career over his sinewy production, spouting, “Even though he’s a Crip, there’s pimpin’ in his Blood!” The genuine affinity is further confirmed when Bad Lucc touches on Damani “poppin’ Prada with Snoopy,” while Soopa passionately announces Lucc as the “rap LeBron.”

With high-end fashion empires and modern-day b-ball icons referenced on the first track alone, it’s evident that Dubb U’s lyricism is evolved beyond stale odes to Impalas and forty ounces. A similar maturity is detectable in the refined production of Soopafly. On lead single “Westurn Union,” his refreshingly minimalist approach meshes shuddering bass with coy, ticking drums. ‘My black card calling, the ballin’ is limitless,” scoffs an exuberant Damani over the concoction, while energized guest Daz encourages all to “get liver than live!”

Another Soopa helmed effort, the hilarious “Don’t Like You, Girl,” dismisses irritating tagalongs over a jittery, whistling backdrop. “I wasn’t calling you – I was calling your friend,” sighs a despondent Lucc. If his words seem blunt, Soopafly’s verse is a throwback to the in-your-face sleaze of Snoop’s “Ain’t No Fun” in comparison. “Nah, baby, you the ugly one,” he chirps, adding, “I want that fine thang, not an orangutan!” Damani keeps things playful when he concludes, “No disrespect, not trying to put you down / But you’re only cute – from the neck down!”

Beyond such carefree and comedic offerings, the album has plenty to offer veteran West Coast listeners. While jheri curls and sagging khakis aren’t on display here, hometown pride certainly is. The shimmering “Dippin’ Through” is the type of cruising anthem California has been adeptly delivering since The Chronic. The somber echoes of “Struggle,” meanwhile, will resonate with the more worldly wise, as a grown Lucc raps, “Funny friends? Lose ‘em / Hating ‘cause I’m on the up / Lucc couldn’t use ‘em,” before adding melancholically, “Life’s a bitch and she kisses me.”

Damani, Soopafly, and Bad Lucc have delivered an entertaining and largely cohesive album that deserves to be recognized. The only real disappointment is that, considering the obvious in-house compatibility, the experienced Soopafly did not handle all of the project’s production. Ironically, that aside is a testament to the album’s greatest strength. It confirms that, given the opportunity, legendary OG’s and eager New West affiliates can make beautiful music together.




 

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The views expressed here are those of the authors and not
necessarily those of Dubcnn as an organisation.
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