[New Releases] SNOOP DOGG

SNOOP DOGG

“Bush”

Label: Columbia Records

Genre: Hip hop

Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams made magic together more than a decade ago, and now the rapper and producer are doing it again.

Snoop Dogg and Williams, who collaborated on the infectious hit “Beautiful’’ and the chart-topping “Drop It Like It’s Hot,’’ is impressive on “Bush,’’ Snoop Dogg’s 13th studio album. Williams, the Grammy-winning hitmaker, laid down the tracks for the entire album with the help of his Neptunes partner, Chad Hugo.

Snoop Dogg continues to venture away from his gangsta rap persona, singing for much of the 10-track album, which is full of easygoing funk melodies. In typical Snoop Dogg form, he sings about the West Coast on the standout songs “This City’’ and “California Roll,’’ with Williams on the chorus and Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica.

The 43-year-old rapper, who changed his stage name back to Snoop Dogg after a brief stint as reggae artist Snoop Lion, talks about living a stress-free life on the enjoyable “Run Away’’ with Gwen Stefani. From start to finish, the ultra-smooth Snoop Dogg doesn’t lose a step. AP