Which is worse rappers that want to be gangsters, or gangsters that want to be rappers? Most likely the latter, because what saves rappers that want to be gangsters, is while even though they may be faking the funk, they at least possess some inkling of musical talent, (Dr. Dre). On the other hand, these studio gangsters can, at times, weave clever lyrics into their otherwise stale subject matter of sex, drugs, women, and money (Jay-Z).

     However, in the case of Snoop Dogg s Eastsidaz posse, two thirtysomething (read: pushing forty) O.G. crips, Tray Dee and Goldie Loc are definitely two who were bangin in the streets before on wax, and it shows. This Tweedle-Dee / Tweedle Dum duo of A-Alikes (or shall we say, “C-Alikes” ) are two too-late gangsters, with simple styles that probably would have changed the game, had they debuted during the Cold Crush era.

      While Snoop may not exactly have the ear for breaking talent that Dre or Jay has, he nevertheless still has the ability to carry his artists through the tumultuous task of making catchy singles ( “I Luv It” , “G’d Up”), and an album that still remains listenable. However awful or unbelievably campy the rhymes from Goldie Loc and Tray Dee may be, (“Look baby I know you done did what you had to do / I was in a red neighborhood draped in all blue”), a solid list of producers, guests, and the looming presence from Snoop holds it all together.

       Some of the album’s most memorable moments come in the forms of  “Eastside Ridaz” and “Cool”, two incredibly funky tracks from Ohio’s Hi-Tek, each featuring the combined talents of the DPG’s resident crooners, Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy, and Kokane, who like usual, add plenty of extra flavor to each song. And while Nate Dogg was the star of Kurupt s recent Space Boogie, Kokane shines the brightest on The Eastsidaz Duces and Trays. The soulful feeling he adds to the Alchemist produced “Friends” works very well, as Goldie Loc and Tray Dee break down their views on trust and friendship. Adding a dash of Kokane to “Connected” , another Alchemist banger featuring Mobb Deep, and “Everywhere I Go” , a riot inciting Swizz Beatz anthem, sees equal success. While Mr. Kane’s hooks initially seem corny, by the third listen you ll be singing along, no matter how foolish you feel. 

       The album s other memorable moments include posse cuts such as “Gang Bang For Real” and the anti-Death Row “Dogg House In Your Mouth”, as well as the usual catchy west-up anthems such as “Crip Hop” , “Welcome 2 The House” , and “I Pledge Allegiance” . Production from Battlecat and Fredwreck reaffirms the west coast’s position on the map, even if Dr. Dre isn t here to tighten things up, or oversee the project. 

    At twenty tracks deep, the album slows down as it closes out with less than stellar selections such as “So Low” and “Late Night” . Also forgettable are dedications to the two most important women in their lives, mama ( “There Comes A Time” ) and Mary Jane ( “Sticky Fingers” ) neither very convincing as “Break A Bitch Til I Die” precedes them.

    If Dr. Dre’s 2001 is the blueprint for millennial west coast gangsta rap, this remains another one of it s illegitimate offspring. Certainly not as tight as recent albums from Xzibit, Kurupt, or D12, it’s definitely a step above the Eastsidaz debut, and is light years ahead of Death Row’s Dogg Pound 2002 album. Yet this album is definitely one for enthusiasts of the west coast, as more pretentious hip-hop listeners won t be able to stomach the rhymes. While The Eastsidaz might not be the most talented crips to ever rock a mic, the end result comes out musically dope, but most likely only due to the company that they keep.