Snoop Dogg with Ice Cube @Burswood 07/11/08

Wed 12th Nov, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Did you know that Western Australia is smack bang in the middle of the world-wild west side? Apparently it is; in the atlas according to Ice Cube. And while geographically this raises a few questions, who are we to argue with one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time? After 20 years in the biz, Ice Cube (with a few of his trusty pals in-tow) is still hot, still pumping out great tunes and still knows how to make the music rumble, at just the right frequency, to potentially destroy the rickety, old temporary grand-stand seating at The Dome.

But before the cold master graced us with his presence, we were treated to a set by another well-seasoned figure of the rap world, Bone Thugs n Harmony. Best known, (and in some cases, only known,) for their 1999 number one hit Crossroads, their name really does describe their sound perfectly; violent, angry words offset by beautiful, uplifting harmonies. It was such a shame that they had to start so early, and all of us poor suckers with “real jobs” had to miss out on the start of their set. Their show also didn’t quite have the impact it should have, as having a roof made out of white fabric means that it’s not exactly lighting-friendly while the sun still shines. But despite timing and venue issues, it really was a stellar performance, and anyone who arrived too late to catch them missed out on something truly special. Luckily for the late-comers however, they saved Crossroads for last, dedicating it to all the fallen soldiers, by which they meant not armed service veterans, but those of their crew who had died, (mostly in gang battles, including the great “my side of the country is better than your side of the country” east-coast vs west-coast war.) regardless of who you chose to dedicate it to, it was still a touching sentiment.

BTNH’s set was followed up by a seriously entertaining performance from Ice Cube (and co.) The set featured a huge backdrop of the man himself, looking particularly dark and mysterious, with some strategic lighting for effect. They really knew how to get the crowd riled up, and even had us pledge our allegiance to the West Side Connection, which was a nice touch. The lyrical masters brought us a whole host of goodies, including We Be Clubbin’, You Can Do It (Put Your Back Into it)_ and a little visit back to his days in N.W.A with crowd favourite Fuck tha Police.

The Ice Cube set finished with some blatant encouragement to smoke up; specifically: “I just got a call from Snoop. He’s just arrived and he says it don’t smell right in here…” leading into a song about getting fucked up, (which may have actually been called “get fucked up”), during which, several plumes of aromatic smoke began to rise from the crowd, and even those who had no intention of going home glassy-eyed, probably did.

After a break that seemed to go on for hours, the screens either side of stage lit up and the show looked like it was going to get under way. Alas no; it was just an add for Fatherhood; Snoop’s reality TV show about the life of a multi-squillionaire rapper and his family, this was a pretty cheap and disappointing stunt, and really served to highlight just how commercial The Dogfather has become. What followed soon after, was a pretty cool (and incredibly self-indulgent,) clip of images from Scarface spliced together with images of Snoop Dogg in similar circumstances; ending in a spectacular gun battle in a convenience store to highlight just how hardcore he is. Considering the man is a convicted felon in the US, who had to battle his way into the country for this tour, it wasn’t quite as contrived as it could have otherwise been.

So when the lights came up, the crowd really was expecting something pretty special, but they probably weren’t quite prepared for Snoop (Doggy) Dogg; a rather small man, decked out in piggy-tails, with a microphone sporting what can only be described as knuckle-bling. It was also quite plain to all that he mustn’t have brought his laundry lady along on tour, as all he had left by the last Australian show was some 1-piece pyjamas, which looked suspiciously like they even had a convenient with bum-flap.

Snoop then proceeded to entertain the crowd with deep and meaningful songs; with themes ranging from ladies “riding his pole” I Wanna Fuck You to reminding everyone what his name is Who am I (What’s My Name)_ to made up “izzle” words that just don’t seem to make any sense at all Drop it Like it’s Hot. The “ladies” loved it though, especially those invited up on stage to be serenaded by The Dogg, one wearing barely more than a bra, to which he commented, “Let’s get that girl a backstage pass; cos she’s got a backstage ass.” ....Classy.

About half way through his set, after an unashamedly titled “chronic break,” he must have found some clothing in a box back-stage, when he came back in a Perth Wildcats basketball shirt, which was supposed to be a nice a tribute to the fans, but he unfortunately didn’t realise that the Perth Wildcats have about as many fans these days as athlete’s foot. (Now watch the basketball fans pounce on that one.)

While Snoop may have been a little disappointing for those who had been hanging out to see him and had stood by him throughout his legal battle to get here, the night certainly wasn’t a complete disaster. Some shows just have to be seen.