The Hard Way - 213
  • Band Name: 213
  • Record Label: TVT
  • Release Date: Aug 17, 2004
Metascore
56 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. This is the most enjoyable album of Warren's and Nate's careers to date, by a long shot, and it's among Snoop's most enjoyable as well.
  2. It's a welcome throwback in today's complicated rap game.
  3. Exquisite, state-of-the-art beats, rhymes and vocal hooks. [25 Sep 2004, p.65]
  4. Roughly half these 19 songs burn themselves out on first listen, but the rest are sublime.
  5. Sadly this isn't the same 213 who dropped the legendary demo and this isn't the 213 album people have been waiting for.
  6. 60
    Snoop sounds great without saying anything he hasn't already said many times... Which is a testament to his abilities, but it's a bit disappointing, too. [Sep 2004, p.132]
  7. That's right--gangstizzle nostalgizzle. [2 Sep 2004, p.142]
  8. Suffers from both a lack of ambition and a built-in obsolescence.
  9. Serviceable g-funk for gin-and-juice-swilling house parties. [10 Sep 2004, p.164]
  10. While it may churn out a few hits, The Hard Way ultimately is a letdown.
  11. 50
    213's obsolete subject matter offsets otherwise satisfying sounds. [Sep 2004, p.236]
  12. 42
    They sound like they can't be bothered. [Oct 2004, p.120]
  13. The lyrics tend towards the banal and, at times, there is a palpable sense of awkwardness. [Dec 2004, p.134]
  14. 20
    Starts promisingly soulful, but soon descends into faux gangster bullshit and lazy, dumb-ass sexism. [Feb 2005, p.100]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. N3m3sisDogg
    9
    Westside til I die. Dis is a return ta da real fo Snoop and Wg n Nate. Pan it all ya want, I bin waiting since 4ever ta hear **** like this again from da real westside riddaz! Full Review »
  2. Chea
    9
    I think they did a good job by just doing what they know best ! Could be a lott better but I still enjoy it to the fullest....true, if you like the west you like it Full Review »
  3. BigPunn
    3
    I think its a sad attempt by some broke down has-beens to make gangsta hits which should of been titled 2 **** 1 ho, 3 dicks