I Want It All

Though he originally burst onto the rap scene in the shadow of Snoop Doggy Dogg (who puts in a guest appearance on two cuts here), Warren G quickly came to be known as a first-rate purveyor of "G-funk". Unlike gangsta rappers whose sonic assault is as brutal and overt as their lyrics, G makes excellent use of often subtle, funky arrangements and a relatively low-key delivery. "Gangsta Love" is a perfect example of the effective contrast between G's uncompromising urban portraits and his sophisticated aural framework; a lush, sinuous, midtempo R&B groove and a smooth, romantic croon are mated with uncompromising lyrics full of violence and street imagery. G manages to introduce the concept of love into the usually unrelenting hard-man front of the gangsta stance. He's aided by a bounty of impressive guests, including Jermaine Dupri, Mack 10, Nate Dogg, and the aforementioned Snoop, but it's G's own unique vision that makes I WANT IT ALL a success.|