Suge Knight claims that Deion Sanders was originally part of Death Row Records. “Deion Sanders — when Prime wanted to be a rapper, he said: ‘I want to be a rapper. I spent over half a million dollars of my own money. I put guys in the studio, I paid Dallas Austin, I did all these songs — did everything. Then one day he came to me and said, ‘Well, y’know, Prime deal with Nike and Death Row is a Black-owned company, and we don’t really want to deal with a Black-owned company. Even though you paid for everything and we signed to you, put us on the Interscope brand’,” Suge told The Daily Cannon.
Sanders put out two albums – 1994’s Prime Time and 2005’s The Encore Remix. Prime Time even charted, reaching #70 on the Billboard Hip Hop chart and #14 on the US Heatseekers chart. However, it’s definitely brand-new information that the album could have originally come out under Suge’s iconic brand.
Back in the present day, Sanders is seeking justice for his players at Colorado. Sanders publicly demanded that the NCAA or UCLA directly compensate his players after the Colorado Buffaloes were reportedly the victims of a robbery during a recent road game. “Our kids got robbed during the game last week. I think that’s a travesty. I would expect the NCAA to do something about that. This is the Rose Bowl. They said the granddaddy of ’em all, right? I’m sure granddaddy had some money. Grandpa should have some money to give these kids,” Sanders told reporters during a press conference this week. “I’m going to have a list made out from these young men, and I know they’re going to be truthful about what they lost, so we can try and get it back for them. They may not be able to get the items back, but they should be able to reimburse them. That was unbelievable,” he continued.
Furthermore, Sanders squarely put the burden of responsibility on the NCAA. “It don’t make no sense when you’re out there ballin’ and playing your heart out and you get robbed at the same [time]. I hope we can do something about that, NCAA. You do something about everything else. Do something about that,” Sanders noted. UCLA officials confirmed that a police report had been filed with the Pasadena PD. The Rose Bowl, which serves as the Bruins’ home stadium, is about 26 miles from the main UCLA campus. The robbery reportedly occurred during UCLA’s 28-16 win over the Buffs last weekend.
Two authentic Death ROw Records pendants from the collection of Death Row’s head of security, Reggie Wright Jr., are now going up for auction. Both pendants, created for then Death Row CEO Suge Knight, were reated for Death ROw artists like Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. According to reports, the “iced out” diamond encrusted pendant could sell for up to $1 million.
The 14KT pendant, could yield anywhere from $200K to $500K in the auction. The auction house suggests that the pendants are distinguished by the level of the artist on the Death Row roster, with ‘Pac often donning a 3.0 CTW medallion.
With the arrest of Duane “Keefe D” Davis for the murder of Tupac Shakur 27 years ago, these medallions are expected to garner upward of the suggested price in the auction. Also, rare mug shots and concert footage directly linked to Shakur will be up for auction as well.
Snoop Dogg is going to be the star of an upcoming film helmed by director Allen Hughes. The biopic on Snoop’s life is set to be the first project under Death Row Pictures, and Snoop is also credited as one of the executive producers of the movie. The film follows Snoop’s recent acquirement of Death Row Records in 2022. In a recent conversation on the Rap Radar Podcast, Hughes explains how he has a distinctive insight into Snoop Dogg’s connection with Tupac. He claimed that Snoop Dogg, even though he was one of the prominent figures in hip-hop during his time at Death Row Records, willingly let his labelmate Tupac shine.
“You got a guy that was the rockstar of that era,” Hughes said in the interview. “And in the same era, he’s on trial for murder … and thank God, [he] beats the case. And then you got all that little window where Snoop dimmed his light for Tupac.” “I never understood that back then,” he continued. “I remember Snoop just dimming his light and letting Tupac shine when Snoop was the guy, ya know?”
Allen Hughes, who’s known for his other films Menace II Society and The Book of Eli, is no stranger to making films for the big screen. His previous credits include telling the stories of other hip-hop moguls, including Tupac. In fact, earlier this year he released the docuseries Dear Mama, which received tons of praise for telling the story of Tupac and his mother Afeni. The docuseries, which premiered on FX and Hulu, earned a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The unscripted series showcased the relationship between Tupac and his mom, but also took a deep dive into Afeni’s profound history as a Black Panther.
Now, Snoop Dogg’s story is one step closer to landing on the big screen. The project is still untitled and in the works, and it’s in collaboration with Death Row Pictures and Universal Pictures. “I waited a long time to put this project together because I wanted to choose the right director, the perfect writer, and the greatest movie company I could partner with that could understand the legacy that I’m trying to portray on screen, and the memory I’m trying to leave behind,” said Snoop Dogg in a previous statement. “It was the perfect marriage. It was holy matrimony, not holy macaroni.” Stay tuned to HNHH for more updates on the biopic.
On the fateful evening of September 13, 1996, the world lost an artist and a poet of the streets. The ringing of Tupac Amaru Shakur’s untimely demise reverberated across continents, touching hearts and minds that had been invigorated by his activism and musical talents.
While Las Vegas streets bore witness to the tragic drive-by shooting that claimed his life at just 25, they also became the epicenter of countless conspiracy theories. Some whispered about rivalries as others hinted at a larger setup. However, among the speculations, one fact remained unwavering—Tupac’s influence was far more significant than the life he lived. To truly understand the man behind the legend, we must venture beyond that tragic evening, back into the roots. We’re revisiting his celebrated life and career 27 years after his passing.
From Panther Roots To Hip-Hop Royalty: The Genesis Of Tupac
American rapper Tupac Shakur (1971 – 1996), Oakland, California, January 7, 1992. (Photo by Gary Reyes/Oakland Tribune Staff Archives/MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images)
Beneath Tupac’s multifaceted public image was a history rich with activism and a legacy of challenging the established order. Born in East Harlem in 1971, Tupac’s formative years were intertwined with the ideals of the Black Panther movement. His mother, Afeni Shakur, was more than a guiding light in his life. She was a formidable member of the Panthers and a fervent activist. Her 1969 arrest and her subsequent acquittal in 1971 highlighted a period marked by racial tensions and intense political engagement. These surroundings heavily influenced Tupac’s growing hunger for change.
Moving from Baltimore to the West Coast, Tupac experienced firsthand the stark contrasts of racial disparities. This backdrop nurtured his artistry, enabling him to give voice to the unheard stories of those around him in his lyrics. To the broader audience, Tupac was purely a significant figure in Hip Hop. However, he had an undeniable depth, sharpened by diverse readings from Shakespeare to contemporary Black American authors. Yet, the enduring spirit of his mother, tales of Black resistance, and the profound influence of the Panthers truly shaped Tupac’s ethos. This foundation not only permeated his music but also fueled the energy behind his activism.
Gangsta Beats To Heartfelt Feats: The Sonic Journey
Rising from the underbelly of Hip Hop’s Golden Era, Tupac’s music was an authentic reflection of his experiences. His rhymes were molded by the cultural and socio-political milieu of his times. Tracks like “Brenda’s Got A Baby” and “Keep Ya Head Up” were not mere songs—they were poignant tales of the struggles Black Americans faced daily. It revealed an artist deeply empathetic to the societal ills surrounding him. Shakur used his platform to shed light on the often-ignored stories of Black American women grappling with hardships.
Tracks like “Changes” underscored Tupac’s sharp socio-political consciousness. Tackling issues from racism to police brutality, it was a clarion call for change and introspection. His lyrical brilliance was apparent, and his relevance undying. Even today, amid waves of civil rights movements, the song’s message stands as pertinent as ever.
Balancing Revolutionary Rhymes & Gangsta Rap
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 19: A Tupac Shakur Two-Page handwritten & signed letter from prison. To the Deputy Warden of Rikers Island Prison for auction at Gotta Have It! store. On July 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)
With such a background, it was no surprise that Shakur’s artistry was interwoven with pointed social and political commentary. Yet, his activism wasn’t restricted to his music. Tupac was known for his candid, often fiery interviews where he didn’t shy away from addressing injustices, institutional racism, and the importance of empowering Black American youth.
One might argue that this alignment of art and activism was a tightrope walk, especially in the mainstream music industry. The magnetism of commercial allure is seductive. Album sales, roaring fans, global tours, and the shimmer of accolades paint an irresistible portrait. For Tupac, these trappings were merely vehicles that transported his deeper message to a global stage. He consistently dodged the trend of diluting content for broader appeal. Instead, he chose to layer his artistry with intricate narratives, pushing forth a duality of street sagas alongside passionate calls for change.
This was the fine line Tupac Shakur perpetually walked upon, each step weighed against the gold standard of chart-topping success and the moral imperative to speak truth to power. However, Tupac managed this balance with finesse. He emphasized that his gangsta rap persona and his activist inclinations were not contradictory. Instead, they were reflective of the dual realities that many Black Americans, especially successful professionals, continue to balance.
More Than A Legend
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 07: Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur attends the ceremony honoring Tupac Shakur. With a posthumous Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. On June 07, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
The sparkle of Tupac Shakur isn’t confined merely to the beats that punctuated his music or the lyrics that have been staples in Hip Hop culture. It lies in the undying reverberations that continue to reach the corners of both the music industry and larger expanse of activism. Moreover, Tupac’s influence is palpable. Turn on the radio, and you’ll find young artists echoing his passion. Their reverence for Tupac is unmistakable, recognizing in him a pioneer who carved a space for authenticity in arenas that often seemed consumed by superficiality.
Additionally, more than an artist, Tupac was a beacon for change. It wasn’t merely about identifying problems—it was about galvanizing change and urging collective action. Today, as we remember Tupac on the anniversary of his death, it’s evident that his physical departure from this world has done little to dim his legacy. Young activists, armed with microphones or placards, champion the causes the Rap icon shed light on.
In a life punctuated by both fame and tragedy, Tupac managed to transcend the traditional confines of celebrity. He became more than just a rapper or an actor. He emerged as a symbol, representing hope. As we reflect on his life, we’re reminded that Tupac’s legacy remains immortal.
Cultural icon Tupac Shakur was then taken to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada hospital after being shot several times in a drive-by on a Las Vegas strip on September 7, 1996, and was under a medically induced coma for six days before dying from internal bleeding on September 13, 1996.
After several failed attempts by doctors to revive 2Pac, his mother Afeni Shakur requested for his life support machine to be turned off. What were the events that transpired the days before the September 7th shooting that caused his early demise and why has the mystery of his death never been solved? These are the questions that remain 19 years later. Chris Carroll, a retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sergeant, told Vegas Seven Magazine in an interview last year that we may never know;
“Shakur’s murder is still considered an unsolved homicide and an unsolved homicide case is technically never closed. But nothing more is ever going to happen with it.“
After all the documentaries that have been put out pertaining to Pac’s death, most fans attempt to put the clues together and create their own hypothesis yet without hard evidence it’s still just an educated guess as to what really happened the night of September 7, 1996.
The only real evidence police have are the witness accounts from Outlaw member E.D.I Mean, who claimed to have seen all four men in the vehicle and Yaki Kadafi, who was involved in a scuffle with officers two days following the shooting after they pulled over a driver he was with and he protested. Officers did not try to locate Kadafi, who was later gunned down in Irving, NJ two months after the shooting.
Compton investigators assembled mug shots of several gang members, which included Orlando Anderson, the Crip that Tupac attacked in the MGM Grand lobby hours before the shooting. Anderson is the suspect said to have fired the fatal shots that killed Pac. Las Vegas police later discounted Anderson as a suspect and interviewed him only once. He was later killed in an unrelated gang shooting.
‘Pac’s killer has yet to be found or even suspected, but the fight to bring his killer(s) to justice icontinual and highly publicized, which will hopefully bring the truth about his untimely death to light.
With a distinctive rap flow and a swagged-out personality, Snoop Dogg is in a league of his own. As a legacy rapper, he has influenced generations of artists after him. His crossover into the mainstream is also unlike any other. While he rose to fame as a hard-hitting rapper, he’s become one of the most lovable celebrities on the planet.
Snoop Dogg has made several seamless transitions into many forms of media and sports. As one of the most versatile figures, he’s dominated any field he’s ventured into. Today, he’s more than just a musical genius. His impact has also been felt in business, acting, wrestling, football, and reality television.
Snoop Dogg’s Rise To Fame
Like many Black artists before and after him, Snoop Dogg caught the musical bug through the church. He played piano and sang during services before kicking off as a rapper in school. In 1993, he revealed to The Los Angeles Times that rap made him a popular figure in school. “When I rapped in the hallways at school, I would draw such a big crowd that the principal would think there was a fight going on,” he said. “It made me begin to realize that I had a gift. I could tell that my raps interested people and that made me interested in myself.”
Named Calvin Broadus Jr., Snoop Dogg has adopted many rap monikers, including Snoop Lion over the decades. He began rapping professionally as Snoop Doggy Dogg. He received his first bout of major exposure after appearing on Dr. Dre’s debut album, The Chronic. After gaining recognition, Snoop began to work on his own full-length project. In November 1993, Snoop’s debut, Doggystyle, was released to widespread praise and attention. Furthermore, the album debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 and featured the timeless hit “Gin and Juice.”Doggystyle would quickly place him on the map as a West Coast Hip Hop legend.
While he continued to dominate musically in the ’90s, Snoop Dogg was wrapped up in many legal issues. He was in and out of jail and was at the center of an infamous murder trial between 1993 and 1996. For the entire decade, he switched up his rap style several times. He released four albums during this time as well.
The 2000s & 2010s
By the 2000s, Snoop was already a rap icon. During this time, he began to break into other forms of media. He tackled the Bollywood mainstream with the single “Singh is Kinng.” In Hollywood, he showed off his acting chops in the popular dramas Baby Boy and Training Day. Snoop Dogg also appeared in the hit comedy Soul Plane as Captain Antoine Mack, a role which showed off his comedic side and earned him adoration from fans. In 2007, a reality show about the rapper, Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood, premiered on E! Snoop and his family appeared, following their day-to-day lives and special moments.
Personal Life
Snoop Dogg and his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor, married in 1997. They have three children together. Snoop also has a son from a relationship with Laurie Holmond. He has consistently shown love to his family on social media. Besides his family, the music legend has established close bonds with celebrities and fellow rappers. He is great friends with Dr. Dre, Pharrell Williams, and Wiz Khalifa. Snoop Dogg’s friendship with Martha Stewart has also made significant headlines over the years. The pair’s long-lasting relationship has been admired by many for their widely different backgrounds.
Snoop Dogg’s Impact
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: (L-R) Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg attend ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop on June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)
While many have tried to replicate his signature flow, none have come close to the original. Snoop Dogg remains one of the most established Hip Hop acts of all time. His infectious swagger has made him a relevant staple in the media for three decades. He acquired the label Death Row Records in 2022 and seeks to revive it. Snoop Dogg has also been nominated for and won multiple awards. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
Snoop Dogg celebrated Death Row winning BET’s “Best Rap Crew Of All Time” tournament on Instagram, earlier this week. Commenting on the results, he thanked fans and wrote, “Wow,” with fire, prayer hands, and music notes emojis. For the win, Death Row beat out Wu-Tang Clan in the championship round. Death Row is credited with having Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Tha Dogg Pound, Warren G, DJ Quik, The Lady Of Rage, and others.
Death Row previously beat out YMCMB, TDE, N.W.A. & The Posse, and the Hieroglyphics Crew during the first four rounds to reach the final.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 03: Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre (aka Andre Romelle Young) appear backstage when the Death Row Records label assembles at The Source Awards, held at The Paramount Theater at Madison Square Garden, on August 3, 1995 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Fabolous also commented on the result when it was shared by The Hip-Hop Wolf on Instagram. He wrote: “Kinda a weird category comparison to me.. Wu Tang is a rap group.. . Death Row was a rap label.. and the artists were all solo artist. If its Rap Crew based it shoulda been like Death Row, Bad Boy, Cash Money, No Limit etc. Wu Tang wasn’t even all on the same labels. Not a fair comparison in my eyes. Just my thoughts.. But congrats to Tha Row.”
Other fans agreed with the rapper. “They had to put a whole record label against a rap group for them to win [laughing emojis] who’s fucking idea was this??” one wrote. Another commented: “All this time 2pac was in a group..”
In addition to celebrating the best rap group of all time, BET also recently hosted its annual awards ceremony. Tons of the biggest artists in hip-hop took home awards including Drake, Latto, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
Master P recently reflected on his past in an interview. In it, he shared a story of how he played a role in avoiding a potential tragedy involving Snoop Dogg. The No Limit CEO elaborated further on his Instagram. Furthermore, Master P emphasized that he had a hand in diffusing the situation between Snoop and his former label Death Row Records. However, he said it was ultimately Snoop’s humility and willingness to listen that saved the day.
In his interview, Master P referenced something Snoop said in his own interview with The Pivot podcast. The iconic West Coast rapper recounted the Death Row Records incident in that podcast. The rapper-producer acknowledged that he cautioned Snoop against releasing a diss record against his former label. Snoop had planned to release an album titled F*ck Death Row. However, Master P, recognizing the potential consequences, advised against it. He even recalled giving Snoop a significant sum of money. This demonstrated his support and respect. It also showed just how serious he was about trying to get Snoop not to release the diss album. Clearly, it would have meant serious repercussions for the rapper.
Snoop Dogg and Master P perform during the 2017 ESSENCE Festival Presented by Coca Cola at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Prince Williams/Filmmagic)
Snoop, acknowledging the wisdom of Master P’s advice, ultimately decided to shelve the album. He admitted that the idea was misguided and would have only led to further destruction. The rapper expressed his gratitude to Master P for intervening. Furthermore, he recognized that his actions had saved him from a potentially detrimental situation. Master P was motivated by his faith and a sense of doing what was right. He explained that he believed it was important for Snoop to show gratitude and acknowledge the opportunities he had been given.
In a subsequent interview, the producer and record exec further elaborated on the importance of integrity and gratitude, emphasizing the need to avoid conflict with other black men. He urged Snoop to embrace his role as a leader and make wise decisions. What do you think about the Death Row Records drama? Should Snoop have released the diss album? Would it really have put his life in danger? Sound off in the comments below!
Suge Knight is perhaps Hip-Hop’s most infamous villain of all time. The former Death Row Records CEO is currently serving a prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. Yet, this is just one of many instances of violence throughout Suge’s life. Knight’s career is marred in sadistic violence, much of which has been documented in interviews or writing. Many rappers, executives, and other people within the music industry have shared their own stories as the legend of Suge Knight continues to grow with time. Here’s a look at five of the craziest Suge Knight stories.
In an interview with Cam Capone News in 2019, Eminem’s former bodyguard, Big Naz, spoke about when Suge Knight sent goons to Hawaii for Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. At the time, Snoop and Suge were engaged in a feud after Snoop left Death Row Records to sign with No Limit. While Snoop prepared for a show with Dr. Dre and Eminem in Hawaii, things went bad. According to Big Naz, Suge sent around 50 goons from Los Angeles to disrupt the event.
About the event, Big Naz stated, “The scariest moment is when we went to Hawaii. When the plane landed we are greeted by twenty Honolulu police officers, and they told us that Death Row is here — they tried to hem [Snoop Dogg] up. Suge Knight had sent fifty guys to try to break up the show. When we got there, vacation mode was over, we were lockin’-n-loading, putting on bulletproof vests with their wives and girlfriends sitting next to them. We had to have Interscope pick up the tab to put Honolulu police with each bodyguard because of how deep Suge was over there.”
Big Naz also mentioned that the goons were on the plane back to Los Angeles with them. Naz had a confrontation with some of them on the plane that did not get violent. Eminem also told one of them that he was not working with Suge while on the flight. The incident, fortunately, did not result in violence. However, it showed just how far Suge Knight would go to get what he wanted.
Napoleon’s Story About Standing Up To Suge Knight
Another Suge Knight story comes from Outlawz member Napoleon’s Bomb1st interview in 2022. In the interview, Napoleon told the story of the first time he stood up to Suge Knight. While in New York for Tupac’s Saturday Night Live performance, things almost got violent between Napoleon, Suge, and Tupac. Suge took one of Napoleon’s friends into a room for allegedly disrespecting him, and things escalated from there.
While speaking about the incident, Napoleon stated, “Suge took one of my homies in a room, and he was mad at something he said. I went in there, and I remember pushing Suge’s hand because he was pointing at one of my homies. And, when I pushed his hand, then Pac got mad at me.” Tupac expected Napoleon to fall in line and side with Suge, as he asked him to “bomb” on his homie. However, Napoleon refused, as he knew the violent extent Suge could have gone to.
According to Napoleon, he may have also saved Suge that night. His homie’s uncle, known as “The Reaper,” was pacing outside the room and ready to intervene. Thankfully, Napoleon was able to act first. However, as we’ll see in the next story, things could have worsened for Napoleon and his friend.
Allegedly Making A Promoter Drink His Urine
This Suge Knight story comes from excerpts published in the New York Times from Hip-Hop journalist Ronin Ro’s book Have Gun Will Travel: The Spectacular Rise and Violent Fall of Death Row Records. The entire book examines the inner workings of Death Row Records, yet this story is particularly crazy. Ro claims that Suge made a promoter drink his urine after beating him with champagne bottles.
On Suge’s actions, Ro wrote, “If Suge felt someone was trying to cheat him, the offender would be dragged into a storeroom by his goons and pounded to a bloody pulp. Death Row employees went about their filing and faxing as bloodcurdling shrieks filled the office. They saw the doorknob jerking, knowing that people were desperately trying to escape a beating.”
Suge allegedly took it one step further with Mark Anthony Bell at a Christmas party in 1995. After refusing to reveal Diddy’s home address, Bell was dragged into a room for a beating. After being assaulted with champagne bottles, Suge allegedly forced Bell to drink his urine. Despite the insanity of this story, it is just one of many detailing how sadistic Suge could be.
Allegedly Spat In Lyor Cohen’s Face During Prison Visit
On an episode of the Boss Talk 101 podcast in 2023, former Death Row Records executive Reggie Wright Jr. alleged that Suge spit in Lyor Cohen’s face over Snoop Dogg’s deal. At the time, Lyor Cohen was the co-president of Def Jam Records. Cohen visited Suge in prison to negotiate an agreement for Snoop Dogg. However, his asking price was too high. This led to Suge allegedly spitting in his face while incarcerated.
On the incident, Wright Jr. said, “He comes and offers Suge $7 million. ‘Tell Lyor the most that I can get for Snoop is $7 million.’ Suge never really liked the East Coasters or labels or whatever. And I’m like, ‘Okay, Lyor, yeah, we got a deal.’ Suge goes and tells Lyor, ‘No.’ Spits in Lyor face. Spits in his face, because of however the conversation went. At the prison. At San Luis Obispo.”
This Suge Knight story is crazy for reasons other than those mentioned before. While Suge’s image is filled with violence, Tupac seems to have held a soft spot in Suge’s heart. After Irv Gotti first told the story on VladTV, Ja Rule corroborated it with Toofab. Ja stated that Suge cried when he first met him because he reminded him so much of Tupac.
In the clip, Rule said, “It was an emotional moment for Suge because I think he’s seen qualities in me that I guess he’s seen in Pac. And then actually meeting me, we had, I guess, similar energy to him because he asked me a question, and when I answered, he said, ‘Yo, that’s exactly what Pac said.’ And he got real emotional. This is real sh*t.” He added, “Like when you’re around them, and the first thing you would say is, ‘This is the guy that is responsible and all these crazy stories are about? Because he is a sweetheart to people that are good to him.”
While Suge Knight has been portrayed as something almost inhuman, it is important to remember that he is, in fact, human. As Ja Rule mentioned, Suge could be ruthless, yet he was still a man at the end of the day. However, Suge may be more complex of a man than he is given credit for. More stories obviously exist, like the one about dangling Vanilla Ice off of a balcony. We’re sure more exist in the Hip-Hop-sphere, just waiting to be told.
Snoop Dogg is getting ready to take Doggystyle to the Hollywood Bowl. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of one of rap’s greatest albums, the Doggfather joins the Hollywood Bowl’s 2023 concert lineup, setting the 30th Anniversary of Doggystyle & More for June 27-28.
According to Billboard, numerous special guests will join the legendary rapper in celebrating the album. The ReCollective Orchestra will support the show, led by Derrick Hodge.
In November 1993, Calvin Broadus Jr. aka Snoop Doggy Dogg released his highly anticipated first album Doggystyle on Death Row Records. This was the label’s first full-length project by a solo artist, which was piggybacking on the success of Death Row’s last release, The Chronic, the Dr. Dre album where many had just heard Snoop for the first time.
Doggystyle, which was produced exclusively by Snoop’s mentor, Dr. Dre, huddled around the concept of the “dogg”, with the animated cover and cartoon insert of a street-wise hound that wanted by the opps and the “bitches” for his “doggystyle”, which of course, is a famous sex position.
Some of the album’s leading tracks include the x-rated “It Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” featuring childhood friend Nate Dogg and then recently formed Dogg Pound, Daz and Kurupt, the Slick Rick ode “Lodi Dodi” and the world-famous alcoholic anthem “Gin And Juice”.
Even with a four mic rating, Source staff writer Reginald Dennis said that the album escaped the coveted Five Mic rating because he felt like it was “rushed”, but nonetheless, with the introduction of such a monumental artist coupled with the authenticity of the gang-ridden West Coast streets, this album is by far one of the most pivotal albums of the 90s, even before the East Coast/West Coast rivalry, which came at least two years later. Salute to Snoop, Dre, the Dogg Pound, The Lady Of Rage, RBX, Suge, and the rest of the legendary Death Row for putting together this classic album!
