Warren G Album: “Return of the Regulator [Bonus Track]”

Warren G has always been and will always be among my favorite hip hop artists, one of the West Coast's most ingenious producing minds. His 2001 album "The Return of the Regulator" is his weakest effort, but one that's still worth a listen for his fans in my mind. This album succeeds in most of the areas that his earlier efforts do, but fails in a few notable areas. His first three albums, 1994's classic

, 1997's

, and 1999's

were all marked by his wonderful production, his signature g-funk sound with rich instrumentation, laidback vibes and a soulful, slow-rolling feel that evoked images of his sunny California home. On "The Return of the Regulator," the sound is a little different, adjusting to the evolving West Coast sound following Dr. Dre's influential

album. The beats are generally more upbeat and less smooth than before. Personally I find the beats here to be weaker than on any of his other LPs, but his musical talent remains. He still fills his tracks with clever arrangements, and they're always catchy, even if they don't have the irresistable soulfulness he's known for.

"The Return of the Regulator" has many good songs, but few really great ones. Time and time again, Warren has proven able to craft true anthems and classic songs, and there are none to be found on this effort. That's not to say it's not a solid album though, because there aren't any noticeably bad songs either. Overall, it's just not as memorable an album. Part of this is due to the subject matter. Warren's always been a producer first and a rapper second, but this is brought to the forefront here. Usually, he makes do by rapping about his Long Beach, California hometown and reminiscing over growing up, and his likable character makes his verses appealing. This doesn't happen enough here, and his crew of guests too often lacks the big names of his earlier albums, replacing them with more ordinary MCs like Mista Grimm, Boss Hogg and Damone. "The Return of the Regulator" is Warren G's weakest album, but despite its flaws it still showcases his talent as a producer and artist.

The album opens with a full-length intro, which consists of a simple, bouncy beat, Warren's commentary, and a verse by Damone. "Lookin' at You" is an eerie Dr. Dre production with an appearance from Ms. Toi on vocals, Warren's verses are a bit lackluster but it's a solid cut. The joyful-sounding "Here Comes Another Hit" features Nate Dogg on the hook and a verse from Mista Grimm for an early, energetic highlight. "Somethin' to Bounce To" is also upbeat and sunny, Soopafly and Warren display nice chemistry without any substantial lyricism. "This Gangsta S... Is Too Much" isn't quite as memorable, despite a cool beat and guest by Butch Cassidy. "Young Locs Slow Down" is probably the best song, featuring Butch Cassidy at his eerie best and WC with a nice guest as well. The beat is somber, catchy, and clever, using a twangy guitar line. The album takes a turn for the worse at this point, beginning with "Speed Dreamin'," an awkward collabo with George Clinton and Mista Grimm, and "Yo' Sassy Ways," a forgettable 213 collabo. After the okay posse cut "It Ain't Nothin' Wrong With U" comes one of my favorites, "Ghetto Village." This song makes use of a famous Stevie Wonder sample, and Warren speaks of growing up in his Long Beach neighborhood over a clever laidback beat. "They Lovin' Me Now" is cool, but like too much on this album, not substantial enough to be truly memorable. "Streets of LBC" is likably unsettling, and "G-Funk Is Here to Stay" is alright but just doesn't quite work. The album closes with a deep, well-executed ode to Warren's mother called "Keepin' It Strong." It's a more soulful, somber version of "Ola Mae" from

.

"The Return of the Regulator" has a few flaws, but the catchy production for the most part makes it a solid album that I recommend to his fans. The title and cover art recall his classic debut, and this album would never be compared to it. I highly recommend each of his other LPs, and this one should only be owned by those who already own and love his other four. If not for the wonderful quality of his earlier records, this album would be remembered as a better effort.

My Favourite song right at the monemt would have to be "somthing to bounce to" this is basically the only good song on Warren G's disappointing release, ghetto village is alright and the intro soundz quite good, but the rest of the album doesn't sound good at all, warren g use to keep it g-funk, now he got dr dre to produce tracks and dre is getting a bit boring producing everyting now.

soumthing to bounce to is a work of art and the rest is striaght up wrong.

Warren G is a great producer and arguably the father of the G-Funk era. He is a master at the West Coast beat scene but is overshadowed by Dr. Dre, who is sometimes overrated. Warren G keeps it laid back style with the nice sunny tracks perfect for cruising. Production wise I have concluded that this is his best album even though Regulate was more influential and monumental, the beat structure is naturally better on this album. Musically, Warren is headed in the right direction, and with the right promotion this album would have taken him to the top of the game. But unfortunately this album was released at the wrong time in the heart of the Winter. December. And even his sunny Grooves couldn't melt the ice. But now that it is summer time oh yes you best believe its getting dusted off.

Since Warren G isn't really a rapper he recruits his buddies to help him out on the album. Nate Dogg, Mista Grimm, Toi, Dr. Dre, Butch Cassidy, W.C., George Clinton, Snoop, Kokane and Boss Hog. The album contains two useless worthless pieces of skits. But it is a minor problem overall. My favorite songs include Streets of LBC, They Lovin Me, Yo Sassy Ways-a smooth 213 collaboration, Here Comes Another Hit...and basically the whole album. The best song by far is Ghetto Village where he uses a wonderful sample of Stevie Wonder's Village Ghetto Land. What a great song. Keepin It Strong was the only mishap. I understand it was a tribute song to his mother but this song was very soft; it sounds like Barney's theme song in terms of softness. His Ola Mae tribute on I Want It All was much better.

Overall a classic album from Warren G. If you are a laid back type of person and enjoy sunny days just chilling on the porch with friends and cousins than this is the perfect album for you. 5 Stars.

CD was rockin.

CD arrived in a very timely fashion.

CD arrived in excellent condition.

Da regulator returns G-Funk style! A wee bit better than I Want It All & a total class above Take A Look Over Your Shoulder, Warren G takes me back to the days when he asked if i could see what he saw, and when Nate hit da eastside of the LBC on a mission tryin' to find him, in so many ways. That'z all i gotta say, G-Funksterz!