“W.A.W.G. (We All We Got)” Marks Tha Dogg Pound’s Triumphant Return to Death Row Records (Album Review)

Long Beach, California emcee/producer Daz Dillinger & Philadelphia, Pennsylvania emcee Kurupt together known as Tha Dogg Pound returning to Death Row Records for their 9th LP. I really shouldn’t have to say much about their 1995 full-length debut Dogg Food since it’s widely recognized as one of the last great albums that Death Row ever put out, but their comeback effort DPG 4 Life from a few years ago was easily their worst due to being plagued by tacky pop rap tunes. Nevertheless, I was certain W.A.W.G. (We All We Got) had to be the duo’s true return to form.

After the intro, the first song “Smoke Up” featuring Snoop Dogg produced by Rick Rock is this banging g-funk opener for all the west coast heads to light one up to whereas the title track featuring Tha Eastsidaz unites both groups together for the first time talking about having only each other. “Imma Dogg” takes the g-funk route once again thanks to DJ Battlecat reminding themselves of the Doggs they are leading into “Need Some Space” talking about needing their space over a cloudy Mike & Keys instrumental.

“Favorite Color Blue” is this playful club banger dedicated to their roots as Crips while “Inside of Her” picks up from there with a chilled out pop rap jam. “House Party” featuring Snoop Dogg pulls inspiration from Zapp a bit talking about going to the clubs, but then “After Hours” featuring DaBaby & Snoop Dogg warmly expresses their desire for it all even though my only complaint about it being DaBaby’s unnecessary verse at the beginning.

The electronic influences on “LA Kind of Love” feel outdated despite the west coast lyricism while “Grown Up” featuring Snoop Dogg heading for a delicate trap direction to the beat talking about everyone wanting to be grown. “The Weekend” turns the g-funk influences back up courtesy of Soopafly making time for their partners while “Always on My Mind” featuring Snoop Dogg bouncily refuses to give up. “Who da Hardest?” by the N’Matez & Snoop Dogg ends the album jumping over a DJ Premier instrumental flexing their prowesses.

Dogg Pound really couldn’t fumble on W.A.W.G. (We All We Got) much like they did with DPG 4 Life a few years ago especially since it’s their first album of newly recorded material to be released through Death Row in almost 3 decades & thankfully, Snoop helps give Daz & Kurupt their best offering in a while. They return to their roots stylistically on top of demonstrating their growth after being in the game so long, only having each other at the end of the day.

Score: 8/10