Warren G - Regulate...G Funk Era

Warren Griffin was due some sort of notoriety ever since he introduced best friend Snoop to half-brother Dre, and thus set the stage for one of the more noteworthy musical collaborations in recent years. But who imagined he had it in him to match the smooth gangster ride of those g-funk all stars with lyrics and tracks of his own? Falling somewhere between Long Beach comrades Domino and Snoop on the pop-R&B-rap continuum, Warren is at his best when his catchy soul melodies get equal time with his rhymes to create a radio friendly groove that's virtually unshakable once planted in your head. While not every song is as memorable, Regulate boasts at least two hip-hop classics: The shuffle beat bliss "This Is the Shack," and the title cut, featuring Michael McDonald's icy keyboard lick and partner Nate Dogg's gorgeous singing, destined to be the standout single of the year. With an excessively tuneful, but not excessively violent or vulgur, debut, Warren G.'s future lies way beyond the shadow of his better known associates. --Roni Sarig Amazon.com

Warren G does indeed regulate

This album is timeless as I just played it again for the first time in about 7 years. The beats are solid and it is well produced. Very strong debut album from an old school west coast player. Warren's voice is very soothing and a good delivery style. This album has stood the test of time. October 3, 2008

Believe it or not..

Believe it not I worked on the Regulate album. I was a production assistant at Track Record back then, so I was there.

Write boy from New Hampshire goes to LA...ends up on Warren G sessions. Who would have thought? Apparently, this album is #1 for many rap and hip hop fans. I never listened to it except for hearing Regulate on the radio when in stores. I've never actually listened to any rap or hip hop...so, it's kinda funny that I was on the Warren G sessions.

Just wanted to share the story...lots more inside stories of those sessions, but I'll probably never tell them.
June 6, 2007

The G-Funk Era Not A Kid Just Didn't Want To Make An Account

this is a good debut from warren g it has classic g-funk beats & nice lyrics this is the kind of album you could listen to in your car while your cruising March 21, 2007

Welcome to The G Funk Era

Warren Griffin was one of many rappers coming out from the West Coast with the breezy G Funk Sound in the early 90's. What differs him from others was that he's actually the half brother of master producer Dr. Dre and he's an hell of a producer aswell. This album is his career highlight, unfortunately the only really good album he made. It got great laid back G-Funk sound, good lyrics that differ from the average Gangsta Rap album at the time. And a few standout songs in the hits "Regulate" with Nate Dogg which samples a Michel McDonald song, "This Dj" and first single "Do You See" is also worthwile. However, it's a very short running time (most songs are about 3 minutes) and among the 12 songs, two are actually skits and shouldn't be counted. Just like his bro, he isn't among the best Mc's, rather a great producer!. Thus, you'll find many guest atists included. Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg and female rapper Jah Skills on "Super Soul Sis", all others are not known at all. "Recognize", "What's Next" and especially the brilliant "And Ya Don't Stop" are all worthwile non singles. "Regulate...G Funk Era" is a great album that was perfect for it's time with great production and some fantastic tracks and one of 1994's greatest Hip Hop albums. Both "Regulate" and "This Dj" were top 10 hits and the sound of the whole album is above the rest of it's time. It isn't quite a classic though, but more then great album and worth your time. February 7, 2007

This D.J. Be Warren G (Rating: 9 out of 10- -4.5 stars)

There is not much to add to the reviews here about this album. In 1994, Warren G. busted on the scene with his debut "Regulate...G Funk Era", with the lead single "Regulate" with Nate Dogg. From what I understood that single was on Def Jam Records, but Warren left before the album was done. Also it was on Death Row Records, possibly because Nate Dogg was on there, so you know Suge Knight had to be a factor on that single. But the album itself was issued on Violator Records (they've been around that long??) and Rush Associated Label (which is a branch of Def Jam records).

When it comes to West Coast debuts, I put this album up there with "The Chronic" and "Doggystlye". People doubted Warren, but this album proved them wrong. A lot of his production is laid back. Kind of makes me wish I was crusing through Long Beach in the summer...it has that feel towards it. I say the best produced song on here would be "So Many Ways" (one of the songs that gives you the feeling I described). In my opinion, "And Ya Don't Stop" ranks in second.

Lyrically, Warren was good. He wasn't great like many popular artists back in 1994, but he could hold his own. And when his lyrics were lacking, his production filled that void. There are some songs here where he lets his guests take care some of the vocals. "Super Soul Sis", Jah Skillz (who I recognize from that Ras Kass album) lays down some of the smooth vocals. On "Recognize" The Twinz (Waniac and Trip Locc) take care of most of that song. Heck, even The Dove Shack makes a catchy song on "This Is The Shack".

In '94, Warren dropped one remerable album. To me, it just falls short of a classic, but it is still one of the best to come out of the West Coast. And especially in that year when the East Coast were running things and dropping mad albums, people just sort of forgotten how talented the West was at that time. Being a HUGE fan of West Coast rap/hip-hop, I for one am glad that I have this album here. I still believe Warren is underrated (and I believe his recent "In The Mid-Nite Hour" was dope and slept on), but I recommend that you listen to this album. 12 tracks deep, there are barely any skippable tracks on here.


PS.- Warren, I'm sure you realized this, but you spelled "next" incorrectly...lol.

Lyrics: B
Production: A+
Guest Appearances: A
Musical Vibes: A+
Overall: A-

Favorite Tracks: Regulate, Recognize, Super Soul Sis, So Many Ways, This D.J., This Is The Shack, Runnin' With No Breaks

Honorable Mention: Whats Next, And Ya Don't Stop

Peace Everyone!!! January 24, 2007

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