The Jamaican Episode＜Purple Smoke Effect Vinyl＞

Recorded at the 2001 Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica, this live CD/DVD combo comes from Snoop Dogg's lost years, but it features an above average performance and hints at the upswing the Doggfather's career would take when Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ landed a year later. The sound quality is good with some mild distortion and clipping, but thanks to a smart mix of soundboard and audience, the live feel is definitely there. The visuals are another matter, with soft focus, excessive filters, and too many video tricks all coming off as amateurish. Likewise, the DVD's intro is much too long as it plays snippets of every track in the set before allowing access to the menu. That said, when Snoop sings "No Limit is the label that pays me" during "Still a 'G' Thang," he's not that far from those dark days. Watching him take his first steps on the comeback trail is an experience hardcore fans won't want to miss, even with the B-minus production values. ~ David Jeffries