Every Friday on my drive to work I listen to an album from my past; Flashback Friday. The selection criteria are as follows:

1. The album must have been on steady repeat at some point in my life
2. The album must be over 10 years old
3. No skipping tracks

Summer vacation is over, so I need to get back into the swing of things with a classic. Some songs, regardless of genre, artist, or release date, are universally known and adored. The album for today’s trip down memory lane includes one of those songs. The street signs for this particular memory lane read 21st and Lewis.

Artist: Warren G
Album: Regulate… G Funk Era

If you have never heard the song “Regulate” just stop reading now. Here is a link to the video, go educate yourself. Rightfully,” Regulate” is the first song on this album. When “Regulate” was released it was instantly the song of the summer. MTV continually replayed the video, and if the memories of a preteen can be trusted, the only video shown more times that summer was “Stay” by Lisa Loeb. The 90’s were a strange time.

There is no need to spend too much time on “Regulate”. It’s a seminal track in rap history, and everyone has some memory tied to the song. “Regulate”is so popular some kid tried to figure out all the locations mentioned in the lyrics. Before we head to the next track everyone needs to be reminded that “Regulate” introduced the world to Nate Dogg, RIP Nate Dogg.

Next up is “Do You See”; a highly underrated song. Warren G embodies everything about 90’s West Coast rap, but doesn’t get the full credit he deserves. The bluesy sound, smooth melody and song like rapping are perfect on “Do You See”. The beat invokes thoughts of lowered 64s and barbeques in the park. Those actually might be memories of “Menace II Society”, but whatever.

The Next track on the album is a skit. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again skits on albums are usually terrible. I have no idea why rappers have such a fascination with skits. We are here for the music not a terrible attempt at comedy. The two songs that follow, “Recognize” and Super Soul Sis” are fine but forgettable. Big ups for including a female rapper on the album. That rarely happens now, so to hear it back then is pretty cool. Then another skit, ugh.
I want to get through “So Many Ways” as quick as possible because I know a favorite is next. No skipping though. “So Many Ways” is solid. Another quality song by Mr. G.

Finally, “This D.J.” hits. This is my favorite Warren G song. There is something about how chill everything in the song is that resonates with me. Warren G is just telling a story about his day and what he’s up to. It’s bizarre that such a mundane thing can be so captivating. There is also a Long Beach State shout out, Go Beach! I really wish this song was just a little longer. Always leave them wanting more, I guess.

Following my favorite is “This Is The Shack”, a classic West Coast jam featuring The Dove Shack. Pairing this song with “This D.J.” is perfect! They complement each other so well. The next song “What’s Next” is fine. Warren G doesn’t have any terrible songs on this album which is a nice treat as you progress through the tracks.

I hadn’t thought about “And Ya Don’t Stop” in over a decade. It’s not one of the memorable songs from the album, but the second it started I thought this sounded like something Kendrick Lamar would put out today. It had the same kind of vibe Kendrick tries to create, especially on his latest album. The album ends with “Runnin’ With No Breaks”, my least favorite song on the album. It’s another paring, in that it sounds similar to “And Ya Don’t Stop” but isn’t executed nearly as well.

Sometimes when an album has a mega hit like “Regulate” the other songs get lost in the shuffle. It’s a shame that the shadow of “Regulate” blocks some other great songs from the light. It was night to hear an old favorite like “This D.J.” and get reintroduced to “Do You See”. I fully enjoyed once again being part of the G funk era.