Various Artists The Very Best of Death Row [Explicit Content] (2 Lp's)

One of the biggest radio singles of 1993, Dr. Dre's "Nuthin' But a G Thang" (featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg) proved to be an unforgettable anthem that brought West Coast rap to the mainstream. From there, Suge Knight's Death Row Records became one of major forces in '90s hip-hop, virtually defining "gangsta rap." The company waned near decade's end, as conflict claimed the life of 2Pac, other stars left for different labels, and the combative Knight's extensive legal troubles landed him in jail. However, 2005 found Death Row set for a strong comeback with releases by Petey Pablo and Kurupt, along with this retrospective, THE VERY BEST OF DEATH ROW.
The name bears no deception, as the collection contains almost every major hit from the label, capturing the sound from its heyday in the mid-'90s. Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Tha Dogg Pound are well represented, along with Warren G's Michael McDonald-sampling megahit "Regulate" and Lady of Rage's "Afro Puffs." The compilation ends with a look to the future in the form of a bonus track featuring both Petey Pablo and Kurupt, "Off Tha Chain."

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Pop