Performer Notes
- Personnel: Kurupt, Nate Dogg, Soopafly, Damani, Daz Dillinger, Natina Wood, Anita "L.A.-Need" McCloud, DJ Quik, Butch Cassidy, Lil' 1/2 Dead, Jon B., Xzibit, MC Ren, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Goldie Loc, Traci Nelson, Mr. Kokane, Fred Durst, Dominique Gonzales (vocals); Fredwreck (guitar, Fender Rhodes piano, Moog synthesizer); Sean Cruse, Tim Kobza (guitar, bass); Anthony Mazza, Everlast (guitar); The Velvet Orchestra (strings); Jason Schweitzer (flute); Priest "Soopafly" Brooks (keyboards); Christian Olde Wolbers (bass); DJ Lethal (turntables); Fingazz.
- Producers include: "Fredwreck" Farid Nassar, Soopafly, Daz, DJ Quik, DJ Lethal.
- Engineers include: Richard "Segal" Huredia, "Fredwreck" Farid Nassar, Tim Nitz.
- Personnel: Kurupt, Nate Dogg, Soopafly, Damani, Daz Dillinger, Natina Wood, Anita "L.A.-Need" McCloud, DJ Quik, Butch Cassidy, Lil' 1/2 Dead, Jon B., Xzibit, MC Ren, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Goldie Loc, Traci Nelson, Mr. Kokane, Fred Durst, Dominique Gonzales (vocals); Fredwreck (guitar, Fender Rhodes piano, Moog synthesizer); Sean Cruse, Tim Kobza (guitar, bass); Anthony Mazza, Everlast (guitar); The Velvet Orchestra (strings); Jason Schweitzer (flute); Priest "Soopafly" Brooks (keyboards); Christian Olde Wolbers (bass); DJ Lethal (turntables); Fingazz.
- Producers include: "Fredwreck" Farid Nassar, Soopafly, Daz, DJ Quik, DJ Lethal.
- Engineers include: Richard "Segal" Huredia, "Fredwreck" Farid Nassar, Tim Nitz.
- Kurupt's involvement with the gangster rap movement began with vocal contributions to 1992's trend-setting Dr. Dre album THE CHRONIC. Since then, Kurupt has charted numerous successes as a soloist as well as in the group Dogg Pound, with longtime collaborator Daz. Kurupt's third solo full-length, SPACE BOOGIE: SMOKE ODDESSEY, showcases the MC's daring and willingness to push the boundaries of his own creative ability. Whereas in previous efforts Kurupt (Young Gotti) maintained a hardcore edge--P-Funk-derived bass lines and synthesizers, bouncing drum loops, and violence-drenched tales of rugged lifestyles--he has altered his focus a bit with SPACE BOOGIE: SMOKE ODDESSEY.
- With the leadoff single, "It's Over," featuring Natina Reed of pop girl group Blaque, Kurupt utilizes a borderline cheesy, melodic hook uncharacteristic of his previous, darker works. However, with songs such as "On, On Site," and "Bring Back That G Shit" he proves his mastery of classic West Coast gangsta music. The album's highlights come when he finds a happy medium between the pop and the hardcore. This is displayed admirably on "On Da Grind" featuring Daz, and "Kuruption" a duet with Everlast. The album gives an accurate cross-section of Kurupt's involvement in hip hop, providing a glimpse into his ability to craft complete songs with pop sensibility as well as songs firmly grounded in his hardcore, gangsta roots.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (8/16/01, pp.105-6) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...The trippy, aired-out grooves feel like G-funk at zero gravity....The hallmarks of gangsta s*** abound, including copious servings of chest beating, bitch-ass nigga threatening and ho-bashing..."
Rolling Stone (8/16/01, pp.105-6) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...The trippy, aired-out grooves feel like G-funk at zero gravity....The hallmarks of gangsta s*** abound, including copious servings of chest beating, bitch-ass nigga threatening and ho-bashing..."
Q (10/01, p.125) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Revitalises the mid-'90s California G-funk sound..."
Q (10/01, p.125) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Revitalises the mid-'90s California G-funk sound..."
CMJ (8/20/01, p.27) - "...A solid record....a good summertime head nod, no doubt."
CMJ (8/20/01, p.27) - "...A solid record....a good summertime head nod, no doubt."
Vibe (9/01, p.238) - 3.5 discs out of 5 -"...Kurupt thrills listeners with his fiery, quick-to-bust delievery....As lifted as the chronic gets him, he keeps his subject matter firmly grounded on Planet Gangsta....a solid effort complete with guest homies and thumpin' L.A. street beats..."
Vibe (9/01, p.238) - 3.5 discs out of 5 -"...Kurupt thrills listeners with his fiery, quick-to-bust delievery....As lifted as the chronic gets him, he keeps his subject matter firmly grounded on Planet Gangsta....a solid effort complete with guest homies and thumpin' L.A. street beats..."
NME (Magazine) (12/29/01, p.59) - Ranked #42 in NME's 50 "Albums Of the Year 2001".
NME (Magazine) (8/4/01, p.33) - 8 out of 10 - "...SPACE BOOGIE: SMOKE ODDESSEY displays a peerless gift for the party rocking hip-hop tune....This is a superb album..."
NME (Magazine) (12/29/01, p.59) - Ranked #42 in NME's 50 "Albums Of the Year 2001".
NME (Magazine) (8/4/01, p.33) - 8 out of 10 - "...SPACE BOOGIE: SMOKE ODDESSEY displays a peerless gift for the party rocking hip-hop tune....This is a superb album..."
