Snoop Lion, ‘Reincarnated’ – Album Review
When Snoop Dogg announced that he had become a Rastafarian and changed his name to Snoop Lion, many thought it was a gimmick. But as his critically-acclaimed documentary 'Reincarnated' suggests, this is the real deal.
'Reincarnated,' his new album, is a much-needed project for the world today. On the 12-song LP (16 songs if you buy the deluxe version), the Rasta shaman speaks on societal issues affecting young people in urban communities -- mostly violence, poverty and disconnect.
Hitmaker Major Lazer (aka Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire) do a fantastic job on production, adding a hint of R&B, hip-hop, dance and pop melodies without watering down the reggae sound. Lyrically, Snoop Lion is promoting positivity and unity while toting on the ganja.
Snoop Lion's 'Reincarnated' is no Bob Marley's 'Catch a Fire,' and if that's what you are looking for then you'll be disappointed. However, it is a joyous reggae album with some great features and musical moments. The world needs some positive music and we're glad the 41-year-old Rastafarian is bringing it to the masses.
To listen to Snoop Lion's 'Reincarnated' album (original version) in its entirety, click here.
1. 'Rebel Way'
Snoop Lion kicks off the album denouncing the gangster lifestyle and embracing positivity and unity with his people. But make no mistake -- he's not being soft, he's still a rebel for his people. "Love is the cure and courage is the weapon / Use it to overcome," chants Lion.
2. 'Here Comes the King' Feat. Angela Hunte
A groovy anthem announcing the coming of Snoop Lion -- the peace-loving, weed-smoking ruler of reggae music. Yeah mon! [Watch Video]
3. 'Lighters Up' Feat. Mavado & Popcaan
A standout track on the album. Snoop Lion, Mavado and Popcaan urge everyone to unify in peace and celebrate with the ganja.
[Watch Video]
4. 'So Long' Feat. Angela Hunte
A reggae love song in which Snoop Lion professes his admiration for his one true love.
5. 'Get Away' Feat. Angela Hunte
The rapper gets on the dance floor to spread his peaceful message. There's not much going on with his lyrics. It's seems like this is a feeble attempt to mix dance music with reggae. It sounds OK, but nothing to write home about.
6. 'No Guns Allowed' Feat Drake & Cori B
In light of recent news related to gun violence, this song is very much needed. Snoop Lion's daughter Cori B. sings the heartfelt chorus of peace and non-violence. Drake is not really needed on here as his lyrics don't elevate the song's urgent anti-gun message. [Watch Video]
7. 'Fruit Juice' Feat. Mr. Vegas
As ludicrous as this sounds, Snoop Lion is touting the importance of juicing and eating fruit for better health. "Fruit juice / Inna my glass, you know I can't lose / Take away mi worry and mi stress and mi blues," chants Lion. While this may not be your atypical reggae song, the beat is fantastic. We can dig it -- drink fruit and stay healthy.
8. 'Smoke the Weed' Feat. Collie Budz
Another fantastic-sounding reggae song. On it, Snoop Lion and Collie Budz celebrate smoking the ganja. "Weed is life / Weed is reality," raps Budz. To all the potheads out there, this song is for you. Yeah mon!
9. 'Tired of Running' Feat. Akon
Snoop Lion gets introspective on here and denounces his gangster past. Rapper-singer Akon provides the soulful chorus.
10. 'The Good Good' Feat. Iza
This is the kind of song you might find on a Colbie Caillat album. With its ukulele-strumming sound, the song is kind of hokey. This might play well in Malibu, Calif., but on the island of Jamaica, this gets a thumbs down.
11. 'Torn Apart' Feat. Rita Ora
A big standout on the album. Snoop Lion yearns for a love lost, while Rita Ora sings the rousing chorus. This is a great collaborative effort between a lion and his lioness.
12. 'Ashtrays & Heartbreaks' Feat. Miley Cyrus
On paper, this duet looks like a huge mistake. But musically, it's not a bad song. Miley Cyrus sings an infectious pop hook and gives the song its anthemic tone. We are not hating on this.
Deluxe Version
13. 'Boulevard' Feat. Jahdan Blakkamoore
A fantastic roots reggae track that should have been on the original album. On the song, Snoop Lion bemoans the violence of the ghetto streets. "Crisis is we what we see / All over the world is pure controversy," Lion roars. "It seems like the world has gone crazy." True, indeed.
14. 'Remedy' Feat. Busta Rhymes & Chris Brown
This song is a complete bore. It sounds like an unsuccessful attempt to merge rap with reggae. A skippable track.
15. 'La La La'
The first single Snoop Lion released in 2012 to let the world know he was serious about his newfound journey into reggae music. [Watch Video]
16. 'Harder Times' Feat. Jahdan Blakkamoore
Over an acoustic guitar-strumming instrumental, Snoop encourages the ghetto youth to pursue their dreams and not get discouraged. "Keep on your hustle 'cause we have to stay on the grind / Don't give up on your dreams 'cause you know the sun will shine," sings Lion.
Watch Snoop Dogg's 'No Guns Allowed' Feat. Drake & Cori B.