This week’s list of album ratings includes a legendary rap duo from LA, a Palestinian star, and a group of crazy muthaf**kas.

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Thaa Dogg Pound & Snoop Dogg – W.A.W.G. (We All We Got)

(B-)

I know I look like a sexy 24-year-old, but I’m actually old enough to remember when Snoop Dogg and his crews were running things out West. Besides Tha Eastsidaz, he also had his Tha Dogg Pound homies. After more than 30 years, the crew is still tight enough to create a full body of work called W.A.W.G. (We All We Got).

If you don’t appreciate authentic, vintage California music, you probably won’t vibe with this album. In it, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg, and others do their thing over smooth California-style production. They also rely on the same rap styles they used back in the ’90s and those robotic singing styles that were a hallmark of Cali music back then . My biggest impression of this album is that it features great vibes and feels like a celebration of these legends.

Favorite Songs: “LA Kind Of Love,” Smoke Up,” & “House Party.”

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Belly – 96 Miles From Bethlehem

(N/A)

I’m someone who believes it’s very hard to stand firm on issues these days. You can either get canceled or end up being blackballed. Someone who’s usually adept at this is Palestinian-Canadian rapper Belly. With the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, it’s time for him to stand his ground more than ever, and he does just that in his latest project 96 Miles From Bethlehem.

This album is nothing like what you’re used to hearing from Belly. There are no flashy bars or major guest appearances; just unadulterated opinions about the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. What I love about the project is how Belly incorporates sounds from his culture along with epic backdrops, ensuring listeners understand the gravity of the moment. While Belly doesn’t always rap straight through—in many verses, he pauses to let listeners soak in the vibes—he delivers when it comes to speaking his mind about those he deems wicked.

I think this is an outstanding body of work.

Favorite tracks: “Crucifix” & “Patience vs Patients.”

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Homixide Gang – i5u5we5

(B-)

This is the first time I’ve pressed play on a Homixide Gang project, and I’m glad I had the confidence to do so because this s**t is not bad at all!

As you may know, Homixide Gang rolls with Playboi Carti. While their music isn’t exactly the same, they definitely experiment with the trippy instrumentals that Carti is known for. That said, in i5u5we5, HG impresses me a lot. I love the album’s flow, the group members’ chemistry, the appealing rap styles they use, and most importantly, the thumping, unconventional production. No cap, I really enjoyed this s**t.

Favorite Tracks: “Sharp Sh00ter,” “FASEBUSTER,” and “SRT.”

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MO3 – Legend

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I think MO3 would’ve been one of the biggest rappers in the game if he hadn’t been tragically gunned down. He was ahead of his time and had an incredible feel for music. The good news is, before he left this earth, MO3 had a bunch of music tucked away. Today, we got a chance to hear some of that music.

The amount of passion in Legend is astonishing. Many tracks feature emotional instrumentals, passionate rap and singing performances, and deep lyrics about surviving in the streets, making it big, and embracing hood love. The album also boasts impressive guest appearances from rappers like BigXThaPlug, That Mexican OT, Fredo Bang, Money Man, Tory Lanez, and more.

Favorite Tracks: “For Real,” “They Don’t Know” & “AR.”