Album: Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told

Introduction
"Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told" is the third studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg, launched in 1998. This album marked a considerable modification for Snoop Dogg, as it was his first release after leaving Death Row Records and signing up with Master P's No Limit Records. The album includes a mix of gangsta rap and Southern hip-hop design, reflecting the impact of No Limit's signature sound. It received mixed evaluations from critics but was a commercial success, debuting at primary on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Background and No Limit Records
After Snoop Dogg's extremely effective first two albums under the Death Row label, "Doggystyle" (1993) and "Tha Doggfather" (1996), his relationship with the label deteriorated due to stretched relations with label head Suge Knight, who was jailed at the time, as well as the departure of key manufacturer Dr. Dre. This pressed Snoop to search for a new label and in 1998, he signed with Master P's No Limit Records, a label that had amassed a reputation for its Southern hip-hop noise and respected output.

Production and Sound
The album was mainly produced by Beats By the Pound, No Limit's in-house production team, with some tracks produced by DJ Pooh and Meech Wells. This marked a departure from Snoop's previous collaborations with Dr. Dre, who did not contribute to this album. "Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told" features the No Limit Records signature manufactured beats and a Southern-influenced design merged with Snoop's West Coast gangsta rap roots. This combination resulted in heavy basslines, appealing hooks, and a more energetic sound compared to his earlier albums.

Visitor Appearances and Notable Tracks
"Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told" features various guest appearances from No Limit Records artists, such as Master P, Silkk the Shocker, C-Murder, and Mia X. Other noteworthy appearances consist of Charlie Wilson, former Gap Band frontman, and rap artist Big Tray Deee.

Some standout tracks on the album consist of "Still a G Thang", which worked as the lead single and peaked at number 19 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "Woof!" featuring Mystikal and Fiend. Other fan favorites include "Gin and Juice II" and "Dogghouse", including Tha Eastsidaz and Rappin' 4-Tay.

Business Success
In spite of combined evaluations from critics, who often slammed the album's production and absence of creativity, "Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told" was an industrial success. It debuted at top on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 520,000 copies in its first week, making it among the fastest-selling hip-hop albums of the time. The album also attained multi-platinum status, with over 2 million copies sold in the United States.

Tradition and Impact
"Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told" may not have actually been Snoop Dogg's most critically well-known record, however it cemented his status as one of the most prominent rap artists of the 1990s. The album showcased his adaptability, as he effectively combined his West Coast design with the Southern hip-hop sound that was taking the market by storm. The mix of Snoop's lyrical prowess and No Limit's distinct production made this album a defining minute in his profession, showing that he could prosper beyond the Death Row label and setting the stage for his future releases.