Deriving his rap alias from the 2009 film’s antagonist John Dillinger, Public Enemies [click to read] commemorates Daz Dillinger‘s [click to read] eleventh studio album in 11 years. Unlike previous efforts, the album attempts to offer more insight into the personal experiences that have led to Daz‘s development as an artist. Similar to Gangsta Crunk and I Got Love In These Streetz: The Album, Tha Dogg Pound member has committed to low profile guest appearances for the album, including previous collaborators LaToiya Williams and Nicole Wray as well as newcomers LOS and Chris Starr. With the co-production assistance of Ivan Johnson and Darryl “DJ Funky” James, Daz produced all but one of Public Enemiez‘s 12 tracks, with the exception being handled by his cousin Snoop Dogg [click to read].
Performing together for the first time since R.A.W., the album begins with Dillinger telling a tale of revenge, retaliation, and get back on the LaToiya Williams-assisted “You Let Me Down.” Having produced the rumor-dispelling “Don’t Be Foolish” on Who Ride Wit Us: Tha Compilation Vol. 1, Snoop‘s production has long been nonexistent in Daz‘s discography for the better part of a decade. Celebrating a studio album first, the Snoop Dogg-produced “Tear Drops” reminisces about fallen soldiers, while rebuking black-on-black violence. Despite generating excitement for long-time fans, which cherish Snoop‘s infrequent appearances, the track is unfortunately unmastered and does not contain a verse by the 12-time Grammy nominee.
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In preparation for the album, Daz released a series of three music video accompanied singles for the album. On the LOS-assisted “In My Neighborhood,” Dillinger delves into the criminal activity plaguing both his Long Beach neighborhood as well as the world’s ghettos, sharing the stories of three individuals whom have fallen on hard times. Followed up with “Tell Me What You Got,” Daz targets Suge Knight, chronicling his rise as a successful independent artist, while his arch nemesis has fallen into a downward spiral. In addition, despite advertising Soopafly as a Public Enemiez producer, the Dubb Union member and longtime affiliate aided Dillinger in penning the second single. On the DJ Funky co-produced “Meet Me @ Tha Strip Club,” the Gangsta Crunk producer and “I’m Tha Dopeman” video director attempts to recreate the ill-received 2005 album’s vibe, incorporating additional electronic elements. While the song outshines other tracks like “Munchiez 4 Ya Love,” “My #1 Girl,” and “The Baddest Bitch,” it reignites animosity toward one of Daz‘s most misguided periods.
Overall, Public Enemiez is as relevant to Daz Dillinger‘s career as it is to the Depp film. Daz basks in his independent freedom, but the 15 year veteran seems to only really care for his craft completely, when he’s been cradled by the same major label restrictions he’s subsequently rebelled against.
