Album: Doggumentary

Introduction
"Doggumentary" is the eleventh studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg, released on March 29, 2011, by Doggystyle Records and Priority Records. Following in the steps of his previous albums, the Doggumentary functions numerous partnerships with prominent hip-hop artists and manufacturers, along with incorporating a mix of musical styles that draw from numerous categories, including pop, rock, and R&B. The album was met with mixed reviews from critics, who applauded the production quality but slammed some of its lyrical material.

Background and Production
Snoop Dogg started working on the Doggumentary in 2010, following the success of his tenth studio album, "Malice n Wonderland". He worked together with a number of prominent manufacturers and artists, including Kanye West, Lex Luger, R. Kelly, Wiz Khalifa, and Battlecat. The rap artist teased details of the album throughout 2010, specifying that it would be a "very unique project" and would include "comparable elements" to his launching album, 1993's "Doggystyle".

The album's production was characterized by a mix of contemporary and traditional hip-hop beats, with numerous tracks integrating components of soul, funk, and R&B. Snoop Dogg's smooth flow and easygoing approach to rapping are evident throughout the Doggumentary, with the rapper not straying far from his signature design.

Release and Promotion
Doggumentary was preceded by the release of three singles: "Wet", "Boom", and "Platinum". The album was promoted through a series of live performances, including a high-profile look at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Additionally, Snoop Dogg launched an interactive website, doggumentary.com, which included behind-the-scenes video, interviews, and a chance for fans to pre-order the album.

Upon its release, Doggumentary debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 50,000 copies in its very first week. This marked a significant drop from Snoop Dogg's previous album, "Malice n Wonderland", which debuted at number 23 on the chart.

Reception
Critics' reaction to the Doggumentary was typically mixed. While many applauded the album's production quality and Snoop's continued ability to craft catchy hooks, some discovered the lyrical content to be doing not have or recurring, especially when compared to his earlier work.

Review aggregator Metacritic, which assigns a weighted typical score based upon various critics' reviews, scored the album a 61 out of 100, showing "normally favorable reviews". However, some critics saw the album as a return to form for Snoop Dogg after the combined reception of "Malice n Wonderland".

Significant Tracks
Some standout tracks from Doggumentary consist of the lead single, "Wet", which was commissioned for Prince William's bachelor celebration ahead of his marital relationship to Kate Middleton. Another notable tune is "Boom", which features guest vocalist T-Pain and a sample from the 1980s hit "Situation" by Yazoo. "Platinum", a partnership with rap artist and manufacturer Kanye West, includes a beat similar to West's deal with his own album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".

Conclusion
While Doggumentary may not be considered Snoop Dogg's most groundbreaking or unforgettable release, it does showcase the rap artist's ongoing commitment to his craft and capability to work together with prominent manufacturers and artists. The album's mixed reception talks to Snoop Dogg's creative longevity and differed catalog, with the rap artist maintaining his unique style and personality regardless of shifting musical patterns and preferences.