Snoop Dogg performs with Dam-Funk, drops Puff Puff Pass mixtape
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The gods must be funky. How else to explain the serendipitous circumstance of kindred spirits, Snoop Dogg and Dam-Funk, linking up for an impromptu performance on Wednesday night at the HVW8 Art Gallery.
The Adidas-sponsored celebration centered on an exhibition for Joe Cool, the artist for many of Snoop Dogg’s album covers. And when you combine the triumvirate of Funk, Dogg, and a man named Cool, it was inevitable that the powers of George Clinton would be summoned (presumably, at this point Snoop has been bestowed with a magical ring or amulet that does such a thing). Videos of the event are available here and here (NSFW because of four-letter words).
As you might imagine the sound quality is muddy, but they hint of the potential of a full-length collaboration between the ‘G’ and P-Funk steeped artists (do it). The performance completed a full circle of sorts for the Stones Throw-signed Damon Riddick, who cut his teeth playing keyboards in mid-90s sessions for gangsta rap icons Westside Connection and MC Eiht.
As anyone who heard 2009’s ‘Toeachizown’ can testify, Dam-Funk’s Randy’s Donuts-fat basslines and big sky grooves are ideal for the right rapper. And despite the excellent ‘Hood Pass Intact Remix’ with Eiht, and an invite from Dr. Dre to jam in a studio session (reluctantly declined because of schedule conflict), Funk has largely collaborated with singers (Nite Jewel, Steve Arrington of Slave).
As for Snoop, he’s staying busy promoting next month’s forthcoming, ‘Doggumentary,’ dropping the ‘Puff Puff Pass’ Mixtape this week. Filled with collaborations with The Game, Wiz Khalifa, R Kelly and Too Short, the new tape is largely comprised of material from his weekly free giveaway series and other odds and sodds. As with most Dogg-related projects (circa 2011), the quality ranges, but it’s invariably an enjoyable listen, ideal for cruises from Crenshaw to Chatsworth.
-- Jeff Weiss
Download:
ZIP: Snoop Dogg-’PuffPuffPassTuesdays’