A few observations after another spin...
1. Everyone really does sound angry as hell on this joint.
There's a lot of yelling on it and just wild aggressive flows. I could use a few more smooth, toned down tracks.
2. I don't love how Dre morphs into whoever is writing for him. Like it's just kinda TOO obvious. He does pull it off well though (which he always has), so this isn't a huge deal. His mic presence is still commanding as ever.
3. That Em verse is dope but nothing earth-shattering like a lot of folks are making it out to be.
4. The production on here is damn near flawless. It sounds so crisp, clean and polished. Dre (and his team
) still has it.
5. I'm not even mad at the updated West Coast sound. Of course I'd love to hear some G-Funk sounds, but it's 2015 now--can't live in the past. I think this record is a nice progression from the past.
All in all, this joint jams. It'll probably never be a classic in my eyes, but after waiting this long for new Dre, nothing could. But I like it for what it is. I'll be purchasing a copy to support Dre's cause.