Regulate... G Funk Era is the debut studio album by American rapper Warren G. It was released on June 7, 1994, by Violator and distributed by Rush Associated Labels, a division of Def Jam Recordings. The album's biggest hit was the single "Regulate", a gritty depiction of West Coast gang life which samples singer Michael McDonald's hit "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and featured Nate Dogg. The album also featured the top ten hit "This D.J." The song "Regulate" was also featured on the Above the Rim soundtrack, which was released on March 22, 1994. An altered version of the song "So Many Ways" appeared in the 1995 film Bad Boys.
Warren G received two Grammy nominations: "This D.J." was nominated for a 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, while "Regulate" was nominated for a 1995 Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 1995 Soul Train Music Awards.
Critical reception
The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Spin highly recommended the album, concluding: "Truth be told, Warren G. wasn't cut out to be a hardass. He's a romantic, in love with soft sound." The New York Times opined that Regulate... G Funk Era "is the first gangster rap album with crossover appeal... The music is slow, smooth and soulful. The arrangements are complicated, and the melodies sweet." Critic Robert Christgau commented positively regarding the coolly menacing nature of the music.
Commercial performance The album debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Top 200 albums chart, selling 176,000 in its opening week. The album later went on the sell over three million copies in the US and has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
2014 re-release The album was re-released in 2014 to coincide with its 20th anniversary. It includes three additional mixes of "Regulate": the "Destructo & Wax Motif Remix", featuring Motif, the "Photek Remix" featuring Nate Dogg, and the "Jauz Remix", also featuring Nate Dogg.
Track listing All songs produced by Warren G
Personnel Warren G – vocals, background vocals, producer Chris Lighty, Paul Stewart – executive producer John Philip Shenale – editing John Morris – assistant engineer, mixing, mixing assistant Greg Geitzenauer – keyboards, mixing, engineer Mike Ainsworth – assistant engineer Ulysses Noriega – assistant engineer George "Yorrgi" Gallegos – assistant engineer Christopher C. Murphy – assistant engineer/runner Tony Green, Daniel Shulman – bass Che Laird, Andreas Straub, Morris O'Connor – guitar Sean "Barney" Thomas – keyboards Carl "Butch" Small – percussion Nate Dogg, Ricky Harris, B-Tip, Deon, Dewayne, Lady Levi, Jah-Skilz – vocals The Dove Shack – vocals, background vocals O.G.L.B. – background vocals Bernie Grundman – mastering Michael Miller – photography
Samples
"Regulate" "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" by Michael McDonald "Sign of the Times" by Bob James "Let Me Ride" by Dr. Dre
"Do You See" "Bicentennial Blues" by Gil Scott-Heron "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume "Mama Used to Say" by Junior
"Super Soul Sis" "Don't Stop (Ever Loving Me)" by One Way "Why Have I Lost You" by Cameo "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang (Freestyle Remix)" by Snoop Dogg
"94 Ho Draft" "Groove to Get Down" by T-Connection
"This Is The Shack" "Ode to Billie Joe" by Lou Donaldson "Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth
"This D.J." "Curious" by Midnight Star "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume "Paid in Full" by Eric B. & Rakim
"And Ya Don't Stop" "Janitzio" by Don Julian
"Runnin' wit No Breaks" "Go On and Cry" by Les McCann and Eddie Harris "N.T." by Kool & the Gang "Tha Next Episode (Unreleased)" by Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre
"So Many Ways" "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" by the S.O.S. Band
"What's Next" "Adventures of Super Rhyme (Rap)" by Jimmy Spicer "Mind Blowing Decisions" by Heatwave "Conjunction Junction" by Bob Dorough, featuring Jack Sheldon and Terri Morel
"Recognize" "Doggy Dogg World" by Snoop Dogg, featuring Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, and the Dramatics "Genius Is Back" by Mix Master Spade and Compton Posse
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1994)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1994)PositionGerman Albums (Offizielle Top 100)73US Billboard 20032US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)9
Singles – Billboard (North America) YearSingleChartPosition1994"Do You See"Billboard Hot 100421994"Regulate"Billboard Hot 10021994"This D.J."Billboard Hot 1009
Certifications
See also List of number-one R&B albums of 1994 (U.S.)
References
External links Warren G fansite