Daz Dillinger

In 2008, Daz Dillinger epitomizes West Coast hip-hop. The Long Beach, California rapper was a part of the famed, mid-90s Death Row Records dynasty, contributing to landmark albums like Dr. Dre's essential The Chronic. We could spend all day dissecting the feuds Dillinger has partaken in. He was rolling eyeballs deep with countless rappers in the Death Row entourage, including Kurupt, with whom he was one half of The Dogg Pound, and the perennially embattled Suge Knight but with Only on the Left Side, Dillinger's star is finally let to shine. He's more than happy to brag about how he's made it to the top of the urban food chain.

His butter-smooth vocals glorify his membership in the gangsta lifestyle, and they're backed by top-down, laid back beats in "Meal Ticket." The title track darkens the mood, with its sped-up tempo, thunderous beats that pop like the ticker in your chest and Dillinger's snappy vocals. He engages in a verbal waltz with R&B diva Nicole on "Regretz," an uncharacteristically mellow ballad with loads of sex appeal. "Thiz Weekend Again" is ghetto fab, plodding along with a rhythm that's best when blared from a car stereo whose knobs are cranked to 11. "Dip Drop Stop Dip" invites singing along with its anthemic lyrics and bangin' chorus.

Dillinger's former cohort Kurupt and Snoop Dogg also populate the album's impressive guest list, further validating the notion that in the hip-hop world, it's best to keep your friends close and invite them to all your parties, especially the recorded ones.

— Amy Sciarretto
08.27.08