Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre floated over L.A. for a bird’s eye view on the haunting gangsta rap anthem “Round Here.”
As Snoop once took issue with the comparisons between “Round Here” and “Stan,” it’s important to examine the former on the basis of its own merit. Thematically, Snoop paints a vivid picture of his stomping ground and the dangerous dynamics that exist within. Respected across all corners, Snoop observes his surroundings with icy detachment, a birds-eye observer. “You can’t walk through the Beach unless you walk with a piece,” he raps, over mournful guitars. “You can’t talk to police cause most police is like me / They get that cheddar like they want it, take yo shit in the streets.” As additional elements are brought into the mix, including gothic bells and jazzy piano riffs, “Round Here” makes for one of Snoop’s most immersive cuts to this day.
Check it out now, and be sure to revisit Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, one of Snoop’s more underrated albums.
QUOTABLE LYRICS
You’ll get beat outside the set and then sent home in your stretch, this shit is a mess
You can’t walk in them streets unless you walk with your vest
You can’t talk to police cause most police ain’t gon’ stress
They get that cheddar like they want it with they foot in your chest