Snoop Doggis back with his 21st album. Yes, you heard that right—21 albums over a career that has elevated him beyond music to worldwide superstardom. Across these albums, we’ve experienced the great (DoggystyleandBlue Carpet Treatment), the good (Malice ‘N WonderlandandMissionary), the not-so-great (From Tha Streets 2 Tha SuitesandDa Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told), and everything in between. At 53,Snoopcontinues to defy age limitations in hip-hop, releasing his third major project in just six months, following April’s gospel compilationAlter Calland December’sMissionarywithDr. Dre. WhileMissionaryreceived mixed reviews, I personally thought it was one ofSnoop’s better albums (see my review forMissionary).

This time around, Snoop takes care of the production himself, delivering a very different feel compared to his collaborations with Dre. While Dre’s production elevates any project to the next level, Snoop has been around long enough to craft creative and solid productions on his own.

After the “Intro,” Snoop kicks things off with the title track, “Iz It a Crime?,” which fittingly samples Sade’s “Is It a Crime.” What a way to start the journey—Snoop delivers defiant lyrics, calling out those who changed up on him while reflecting on the grind, determination, and allegiance to the game. The album immediately feels strong, offering a mix of old and new Snoop.

“Joy” follows with great production, sampling Enchantment’s “It’s You That I Need,” creating a soulful groove and beat. Snoop elevates the track with clever lyrics, even referencing old-school lines: “Birthdays was the worst days. Now we sip gin and juice when we thirsty.” Two songs in, and I’m loving this album.

“Unsung Heroes” brings a laid-back flow and hard lyricism, with sleek punchlines over an upbeat sample of Aaliyah’s “Try Again.” Snoop continues the mellow vibe with “Sophisticated Crippin’,” featuring samples of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler),” Snoop and Dre’s “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?,” and The D.O.C.’s “The Formula.”

“Can’t Wait,” featuring LaRussell, introduces a funky groove with a sample of Daylight Studios’ “Watermelon Fantasy.” Vallejo, CA’s own LaRussell delivers a solid flow alongside Snoop. On “Can’t Get Enough,” Jane Handcock joins Snoop for a heartfelt dedication to his wife, Shante Broadus. Snoop even sings on this slow track, sounding surprisingly good, while Handcock adds a sweet lyrical flow.

“Keep It Moving,” featuring Stresmatic and Charlie Bereal, offers a West Coast beat but feels slightly out of place on the album. However, “Just the Way It Is” brings us back to cruising mode, with Snoop delivering chill bars alongside J-Black on the chorus and Wiz Khalifa’s signature laid-back flow.

“You Want My All,” featuring Akeem Ali, is another standout track. The production and Ali’s flow pull you in immediately, with samples of Roger Troutman’s “I Want to Be Your Man” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World.” The slower grooves continue with “What’s Hattnin?,” featuring Charlie Bereal, which samples Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and delivers a swaying, soulful vibe.

Pharrell Williams and Tonio Armani join Snoop on “Spot,” an upbeat groove with Pharrell’s signature production. Armani shines on the chorus, while Snoop brings old-school lyrics and a fun flow. Then comes the diss track, “ShutYoBitchAssUp,” where Snoop delivers carefree swagger. The track feels more like an E-40 groove but adds a nice change of pace to the album.

“Cold Summer” follows but feels out of place with its pop vibe, despite Denaun’s solid verse. Similarly, “Snoop Will Make You Dance” samples Zapp’s “I Can Make You Dance” but leans more on production than Snoop’s flow, making it feel disconnected from the album’s earlier tone.

“Life’s Journey,” featuring Blaqthoven, brings us back to form with a chill beat and reflective lyrics about Snoop’s three-decade career. “Me N OG Snoop,” featuring Sexyy Red, has a strong beat but lacks cohesion, with Sexyy Red taking most of the lyrics in a way that doesn’t quite land.

“Let Me Love You” is a love song—about Snoop’s relationship with weed. Sampling Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Reasons,” the track features clever lyrics like, “You got my body feeling stronger. I’m Bob Marley reincarnated.”

“West Up” delivers a tough lyrical presence, sampling The Fatback Band’s “Put Your Love (In My Tender Care),” George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog,” and Dre and Snoop’s “Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’).”

“My Friend,” featuring Denaun, is a personal ode to Snoop’s late mother, Beverly Broadus Green, and other lost family members. Denaun’s emotional delivery elevates the track.

The album closes with “Live Life,” one of its strongest tracks. Sampling Snoop’s own “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and featuring K-Ci & JoJo’s hook from “Life,” the song blends street wisdom, pride, and uplifting lyrics into a perfect finale.

As head of Death Row Records, Snoop has gained more creative freedom and control. The album’s title and songs address the criticism and scrutiny he’s faced throughout his career. Iz It a Crime? effortlessly blends Snoop’s past and present through lyrics, production, samples, and tributes. While it may not be his best album, it’s a solid effort and an enjoyable ride.

One Love – Todd M. Judd