by Jason BirchmeierThough Kokane had been involved with the West Coast rap scene since the dawn of gangsta rap, he was never able to secure any substantial success for himself until 2000 when he played a major role in the success of Snoop Doggs Tha Last Meal. His eccentric vocal approach is half fluid rapping and half weird P-funk-influenced singing. This balance made Kokane a perfect choice to lay down the vocal hooks for Snoops album, as he appeared on eight of the albums 19 tracks.The son of Motown staff composer Jerry Long (Ball of Confusion, Just My Imagination, Still Waters Run Deep), Kokanes life has always included music, though it is the old school funk of the 70s that most influences his style. He began his career as a vocalist in the mid-80s as rap was first appearing in his native Los Angeles before eventually signing to Eazy-Es Ruthless Records label in 1991. In addition to co-writing Appetite for Destruction for NWAs Niggaz4life...