What makes Take a Look Over Your Shoulder by Warren G notable?

The album peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200, marking Warren G's continued presence in mainstream hip-hop. It also features the notable cover of Eric Clapton's I Shot the Sheriff, which garnered significant attention and showcased his ability to blend genres, contributing to the era's hip-hop landscape. Released in 1997, Take a Look Over Your Shoulder is Warren G's fourth studio album, following the commercial success of his debut, Regulate... G Funk Era. At this point in his career, Warren was solidifying his reputation as a key figure in G-funk and West Coast hip-hop, showcasing growth in both production and lyrical depth.

Who is Take a Look Over Your Shoulder for?

Take a Look Over Your Shoulder works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, reflective late-night vibes and smooth background listening experience.

How many songs are on Take a Look Over Your Shoulder?

Take a Look Over Your Shoulder has 17 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Take a Look Over Your Shoulder

Warren G · 1997

48 min · 17 tracks · gangsta rap

Smooth G-funk grooves intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a laid-back yet impactful soundscape that defines West Coast hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Annie Mae — This track stands out for its catchy hook and smooth production, encapsulating the essence of G-funk while addressing themes of love and relationships.
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Smokin’ Me Out — With its laid-back vibe and reflective lyrics about personal struggles, this track highlights Warren G's storytelling ability and emotional depth.
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I Shot the Sheriff — Warren G’s rendition reinterprets a classic rock song through a hip-hop lens, blending genres seamlessly and demonstrating his innovative approach to music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album features smooth G-funk grooves and introspective lyrics, characteristic of its era and genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a narrative tone, followed by tracks that blend smooth G-funk beats with reflective lyrics.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and melodic hooks, creating a rich texture typical of West Coast hip-hop.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
reflective late-night vibes
smooth background listening experience
short interludes for pacing

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1997, Take a Look Over Your Shoulder is Warren G's fourth studio album, following the commercial success of his debut, Regulate... G Funk Era. At this point in his career, Warren was solidifying his reputation as a key figure in G-funk and West Coast hip-hop, showcasing growth in both production and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Nate Dogg· Dr. Dre· Snoop Dogg