7 Days of Funk (album)

Did You Know?

• The album title reflects both its seven-track structure and the brief period in which it was created.
• Other artists including Tyler, The Creator wanted to be involved but time ran out.

Background

Impressed by Dam-Funk's P-Funk-inspired beats, Snoop Dogg freestyled for over an hour. They later performed together at the Funk n Soul Extravaganza during the SXSW Music Festival on March 19. Snoop Dogg subsequently sent Dam-Funk a SoundCloud message requesting more music. In a 2013 Rolling Stone interview, Snoop Dogg stated that funk had influenced his music throughout his career and praised Dam-Funk for keeping the genre alive. Dam-Funk commended Snoop Dogg's contributions, calling them some of the smoothest harmonies and melodies he had heard. Snoop Dogg adopted the name Snoopzilla as a homage to Funkadelic's Bootsy Collins, who used the monikers Bootzilla and Zillatron. He explained that the album explored themes of romantic uncertainty and emotional reflection, created out of the spirit of having fun.

Recording and production

The G-funk album 7 Days of Funk came together in Los Angeles during 2013. Shon Lawon handled recording at The Compound for most tracks, while Dam-Funk recorded "Hit Da Pavement" at Funkmosphere Lab. Mixing duties fell to Cole M.G.N. and Shon Lawon, with Frank Vasquez providing additional engineering. Brian "Big Bass" Gardner mastered the album at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood.

Guest spots came from Tha Dogg Pound members Daz Dillinger and Kurupt, plus drummer-vocalist Steve Arrington. Dam-Funk produced every song, with background vocals from Shan Lawon and Val Young. Dam-Funk recalled that Snoop Dogg showed up to his studio alone and laid down vocals for "Hit Da Pavement" immediately, making it the first track recorded. Impressed, Snoop Dogg suggested turning the session into a bigger project.

The two worked without label or management input, developing material naturally. Dam-Funk described their chemistry as "explosive," noting Snoop Dogg's fast, disciplined work ethic. Snoop Dogg finished his vocals in two hours and kept recording quickly over the following days. The spontaneous process yielded a seven-track release, with extra material held back to fit the 7 Days of Funk concept.

Promotion and release

The lead single "Faden Away" premiered on Stones Throw's SoundCloud on October 8, 2013, and was made available for purchase the next day. On October 15, a behind-the-scenes video of a jam session was published on YouTube. The duo performed "Faden Away" and "Do My Thang" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 21. The music video for "Faden Away" was released on November 5.

The album was streamed on NPR Music from December 1 until its release. On December 9, a VHS-quality promotional video featuring puppet versions of the duo was published on YouTube, and the album streamed exclusively on Rdio until December 24. The duo performed on Conan and The Queen Latifah Show. 7 Days of Funk was officially released on LP, CD, and digital download on December 10. That day, the music video for "Hit Da Pavement" premiered on Vevo, and a cassette single with both vocal and instrumental versions was given away with first-week orders.

A release party was held at the Exchange Night Club in Los Angeles. Music videos for "I'll Be There 4U" and "Do My Thang" were released on January 15 and February 26, 2014, respectively. A 45-box set with eight records and sixteen tracks, including the bonus track "Wingz," was released on February 5.

Reception

7 Days of Funk received generally positive reviews from music critics. On Metacritic, it scored 74 out of 100 based on 19 reviews. Matt Bauer of Exclaim! called it an infectious, modern take on funk. Jessica Rew of HipHopDX praised it as Dam-Funk's best production and Snoop's most enjoyable album in years.

Chisom Uzosike of XXL awarded an "XL" rating, stating George Clinton would be proud. Phil Hebblethwaite of NME described it as groove-driven and atmospheric. Ron Hart of Blurt Magazine said the record contained enough groove to last a lifetime. David Jeffries of AllMusic compared it favorably to Snoop's reggae project, calling it more focused and unpretentious.

Andy Beta of Spin saw it as a reversal of the dynamic on Dr. Dre's The Chronic. Dave Heaton of PopMatters emphasized its laidback grooves and atmospheric focus. Pitchfork's Nate Patrin noted consistency but limited innovation. Rolling Stone's Mike Powell found Snoop's vocal style well-suited but criticized a lack of cohesion.

Brian Josephs of Consequence described it as monotonous in places. Chase Woodruff of Slant criticized lyrical content but acknowledged it as a modest creative resurgence.