Snoop has struggled to repeat the success of his 1993 album 'Doggystyle', which launched the lanky Long Beach rapper into music history with singles such as 'Gin and Juice', 'Ain't No Fun' and 'Doggy Dogg World'; his following records, 'Tha Doggfather', Da Game Is to Be Sold Not to Be Told', 'Top Dogg', 'Tha Last Meal' and 'Doggy Style AllStars', struggled to sell half as many albums.

But his latest work, 'Paid tha cost to be da Boss', shakes off the failures of his previous albums and should become an essential part of every rap lovers collection.

His sixth album is Snoop?s first release under his own label, Doggystyle, since being released by No Limit. The 20-track album features no less than 11 guest artists, including Nate Dogg, Jay Z, Redman and Ludacris.

Though the album includes the expected pimp style hard-core rap, it also features an unexpected soulful and sensitive track ?I believe in you?, which, in my opinion, is one of the highlights of the album.

Snoop dismisses any fears that the laid-back star might be softening up after a decade in the music business, with ?Lollipop? an x-rated sex romp with Nate Dogg and Jay Z.

Some people might think the album is a bit self indulgent and songs like 'Suited N Booted', 'Bo$$ Playa' etc. emphasise this ? but I kind of like that, it fits into the image of being a rap star. Well would you expect anything different since Snoop has never really been know for his humility.

The album peaks again at track 15 with ?From Long Beach to Brick City?, in which Nate Dogg, Warren G and Redman combine with Snoop to produce a very funky head bobber. When four rap and hip-hop stars combine on one track it?s always bound to become a hit. Nate Dogg and Warren G have always made an unbeatable combination and the rougher, harder style of Redman gives this one the perfect balance.

Although not on the same par as the classic 'Doggystyle' overall, 'Paid tha cost to be da Boss' is a good album and if you?re a Snoop fan you'll enjoy it. If you are not that familiar with Snoop and have never bought a Snoop album before, it's not a bad place to start. But be warned; it's not quite as accessible as Dr Dre or Eminem albums.