Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg are the most iconic duo in hip-hop history. Granted, they are an official duo like Outkast or Mobb Deep, but their impact is undeniable. They codified gangsta rap in the mainstream, and have mentored generations of West Coast artists. Dre and Snoop are mythic figures at this point. That’s what makes stories about their early days so enthralling. It’s nice to hear about instances in which they were more relatable, less G’d out. Dr Dre provided fans with one such story during a recent interview.
The duo sat down with Capital Xtra on June 19 to take about their three decade friendship. Snoop Dogg detailed his reverence for Dr Dre, dubbing him his “older brother.” He also credited the producer for his business acumen, and sound financial advice over the years. “I just love being with him in the studio and real life,” Snoop explained. Dr Dre was appreciative, but he took the interview in a more comedic light. He decided to recount a story in which him and Snoop went on a blind double date. Dre recalls being thrilled when they went to pick up their dates. That was, until he realized the woman he was entranced by was actually Snoop’s girl.
Dr Dre Recorded A Classic The Day After The Double Date
“I thought it was mine and it wasn’t,” Dr Dre jokingly recalled. “Snoop pushed me out the way like, ‘Nah, Cuz, that’s me.’ When I turned that corner and saw mine, I was really disappointed.” To make the whole thing worse, the duo had to drive in a rain storm to get there. “We drove for an hour in Hurricane Katrina to get there and I was extremely disappointed,” the producer reiterated. Incredibly, there is a silver lining to the story. While the double date didn’t go as planned for Dr Dre, the producer went into the studio the very next day and recorded “Nothin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” The 1992 song would become a smash hit and a signature for both him and Snoop.
Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg are close as ever. The two artists are working on the album Missionary, which is said to be a sequel to Snoop’s 1993 debut Doggystyle. Dr Dre will handle production on the album, and has been working on and off with Snoop for the last two years. Snoop Dogg promised that Missionary is going to be worth the wait, as it will showcase a mature side of his musical persona. “[Dr Dre] uses me like a f*cking robot and I love it because I love to be produced,” he told the podcast All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. “I love to be challenged…. [the album is] masterful.”
Eminem is riding the high off of The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), and all his celebrations are a Death Row/Aftermath/Interscope affair. Moreover, he recently popped out for a surprise performance at Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s launch party for their “Gin & Juice” canned cocktail brand in the United Kingdom on Thursday (July 18). None other than Shaq hosted the event, and even LeBron James was in attendance. Marshall Mathers performed “Houdini” and “Forgot About Dre,” whereas Dre and Snoop played cuts like “The Next Episode.” This followed Em’s appearance at a Death Of Slim Shady pop-up in London, at which he kicked it with fans, gave out autographs, and posed next to a fake casket for his alter ego.
As for Eminem’s hip-hop old-heads, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre seemed to enjoy the English city, with the latter comparing it to Compton. “I didn’t know it was that many Black people out here. It felt like the hood,” Snoop Dogg remarked. In an interview with Capital Xtra, they elaborated on their collaborative bond. “It taught me how to be professional, Dr. Dre has always been like a big brother to me,” Tha Doggfather posited. “He’s always had the attitude and the spirit of always looking forward.”
“I love that [Snoop Dogg] gives me his trust with his career,” Dr. Dre added. “I’m never going to let my bro down.” All in all, this seemed like a fantastic event and a great celebration about the duo’s upcoming album and Eminem’s latest release. Speaking of which, fans are already breaking down possible interpretations, meanings, and theories behind The Death Of Slim Shady. One is the classic flip of playing the album backwards, and it’s wild to see how many different takes are just as valid and reasonable.
Meanwhile, another close Eminem family tree member, 50 Cent, recently offered his thoughts on the Detroit legend’s latest full-length. “Yo @eminem s**t is crazy it takes me a while to understand the details of this one [fire emoji],” Fif wrote of the project on Instagram. We can only guess as to what these stars will do for the rest of 2024. Hopefully they keep things just as exciting.
When Snoop Dogg took over Death Row Records (DRR) in 2022 and launched Death Row Records Cannabis in January 2023, he vowed to restore the label to its former glory, championing artists, hip-hop, and cannabis culture. Today, that promise is being fulfilled by introducing a limited edition collection honoring one of DRR’s most legendary artists, 2Pac.
2Pac joined DRR in 1995 and swiftly became one of the most influential rappers ever. Beyond his music, 2Pac was a powerful voice for political and social change, using his platform to advocate for Black America. Significantly, Snoop Dogg chose 2Pac for DRR Cannabis’ inaugural artist collaboration. Their connection is rooted in a shared history that goes beyond the label, with 2Pac famously handing Snoop his first blunt, a story Snoop recalled as he inducted 2Pac into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
“That first blunt sparked a friendship that ran deep,” Snoop said of the relationship. “We’ll always have his music, but this is another way I can bring what was meaningful to 2Pac to his fans.”
Customers can choose from one of five strains: a crowd favorite, an Alien OG, and Take 1, Take 2, Take 3, Take 4 – phenotypes from the same parent genetics. Fans can vote for their favorite “Take” through a QR code, where the winning “Take” will cut the exclusive and permanent 2Pac collection, due out this fall. In addition to the jarred flower, customers will receive one of four never-before-released collectible photos of 2Pac in front of a DRR graffiti-covered wall, as well as a DRR matchbook recreated precisely from the shoot.
This exclusive release will initially be available in select California dispensaries by Friday, July 19th, with a planned release in Michigan through their partner, Pleasantrees, later this year. Fans eager to collect all the photos can go to deathrowcannabis.co to find the closest retail store offering the special commemorative product.
For more information about this collection, please visit deathrowcannabis.co.
LL Cool J‘s long-awaited Q-Tip-produced 14th studio album has officially been given a title and a release date. The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) will be LL’s first new album in 11 years, and arrives September 6th via Def Jam Recordings/Virgin Music Group. Clocking in at 14 tracks, it will boast guest appearances from a who’s-who of both classic and contemporary rap stars, including Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Fat Joe, Nas, Saweetie, and Snoop Dogg.
“[I was] going back to the drawing board and learning how to rap again,” he told the Associated Press of the new album’s creation process. “The LeBrons, the Stephs, the Jordans and the Kobes, they all go back to the drawing board, they always try to make themselves better. I wasn’t trying to do trendy, and I wasn’t trying to recapture anything I did before.”
That included scrapping previous versions of the work, such as one he said he recorded with 50 Cent during his interview with The Breakfast Club last year. “When it was done, I listened to it,” he recalled. “I’m like, ‘It sounds good. I like the music, it sounds cool, but it ain’t me.’ So, I ain’t put it out.”
The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) is due 9/6 via Def Jam Recordings/Virgin Music Group. You can check out its first single, “Passion,” above, and see the tracklist below. Pre-order it here.
The FORCE Tracklist
01. “Spirit Of Cyrus” Feat. Snoop Dogg
02. “The FORCE”
03. “Saturday Night Special” Feat. Rick Ross & Fat Joe
04. “Black Code Suite” Feat. Sona Jobarteh
05. “Passion”
06. “Proclivities” Feat. Saweetie
07. “Post Modern”
08. “30 Decembers”
09. “Runnit Back”
10. “Huey In Da Chair” Feat. Busta Rhymes
11. “Basquiat Energy”
12. “Praise Him” Feat. Nas
13. “Murdergram Deux” Feat. Eminem
14. “The Vow” Feat. Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D. & Don Pablito
While Eminem first began teasing his new album, The Death Of Slim Shady, back in April, some fans now think he may have teased it even sooner than that. According to Billboard, some of Em’s most dedicated Stans have apparently discovered clues to the new albums’ release in promos for another Dr. Dre-related product as far back as February.
That’s when Dre and longtime collaborator Snoop Dogg shared the ad for their Gin & Juice canned cocktails, which pays visual homage to Quentin Tarantino’s breakout 1994 film Pulp Fiction. Dressed as the film’s two hitmen, Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, Dre and Snoop dispose of a body in the woods and open a can of Gin & Juice while Snoop smokes a blunt. Fans have determined that the body might have been the titular Slim Shady, as Eminem’s cover for The Death Of Slim Shady features him being zipped into a body bag like the one Snoop and Dre retrieve from the trunk of their car in the commercial.
Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg hinted us about The Death Of Slim Shady way back in February in this commercial of Gin & Juice.pic.twitter.com/gmzUnspk5D
Of course, all this could just be fans letting their imaginations run wild. After all, it has been nearly four years since Em last released a new album. As it stands, it’s fun to think that there could be a connection, but for now, there’s little concrete evidence that points to any determined cross promotion.
The Death Of Slim Shady is due on 7/12 via Shady/Aftermath/Interscope.
Lionsgate’s 1992, the upcoming action-crime thriller starring Tyrese Gibson and directed by Ariel Vromen (The Iceman) and co-starring Ray Liotta in one of his final film roles, will be released in theaters on August 30, with the legendary hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg boarding the film to executive produce through his Death Row Pictures banner. The announcement was jointly made today byAdam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, as well as Gibson and Snoop Dogg.
Snoop Dogg said, “1992 was a life-changing time for me, from ‘Deep Cover’ to ‘The Chronic.’ But as things in my life were coming together, everything in LA was coming apart. 1992 is a heist movie that really captures all of that. This movie is about an LA moment. Ariel made an outstanding film that depicts this moment in time. From my first encounter with Tyrese in Baby Boy to the performance in 1992, I had to be a part of this. And it’s only fitting that the film come out under Death Row Pictures as Death Row is synonymous with LA culture in the 90’s, ya dig?”
“Snoop is one of the most beloved figures in entertainment and I could not be more thankful that he chose to join our project,” said Gibson. “Ray Liotta blessed all of us in life while doing this film. For 1992 to be Ray’s last offering, we all feel so fortunate to have captured such a masterful and chilling performance.”
“I’m grateful to have had a front row seat to the infectious enthusiasm and talent Tyrese has brought to the many projects we’ve worked on together over the years,” said Fogelson. “And my immense admiration of the cultural icon that is Snoop Dogg has lasted 30 years and counting. So it’s a special thrill that he has come on board to executive produce 1992. He clearly has found a personal connection to the material, which makes his team at Death Row Pictures the perfect partners.”
Starring Tyrese Gibson, Clé Bennett, Dylan Arnold, Christopher A’mmanuel, Michael Beasley, Ori Pfeffer, Tosin Morohunfola, Oleg Taktarov, with Scott Eastwood, and Ray Liotta in one of his final film roles, 1992 is directed by Ariel Vromen from a screenplay by Sascha Penn and Ariel Vromen and a story by Sascha Penn. It is produced by Ariel Vromen, Andreas Rommel, Maurice Fadida, Sascha Penn, and Adam Kolbrenner.
In 1992, Mercer (Tyrese Gibson) is desperately trying to rebuild his life and his relationship with his son (Christopher A’mmanuel) amidst the turbulent 1992 LA uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Across town, another father and son (Ray Liotta and Scott Eastwood) put their own strained relationship to the test as they plot a dangerous heist to steal catalytic converters, which contain valuable platinum, from the factory where Mercer works. As tensions rise in Los Angeles and chaos erupts, both families reach their boiling points when they collide in this tense crime-thriller.
Snoop Dogg’s promise to “give up smoke” last year may have been a sales-oriented ruse, but when he’s in Paris covering the Olympics next month, he’s definitely not going to be packing any paraphernalia. During a new interview with Time magazine, the patron saint of pot was asked about whether Paris’ prohibition of his favorite plant would affect his plans.
After assuring writer Sean Gregory that he’s “a very legal guy,” when it comes to keeping up on the rules and regulations of reefer in his international travels, Snoop affirmed, “I plan on going out there and doing NBC Olympic work. Being clean as a book, clean as the athletes. They can test me if they want to. I’m going to be out there doing what I’m supposed to be doing to make sure I bring home the gold. Which is me.”
The Doggfather also offered some salient samples of his sports insights regarding a pair of contrasting, but equally controversial athletes, Caitlin Clark and Sha’Carri Richardson. With regard to whether Clark should have made the Olympic team in basketball, Snoop was adamant: No.
“They ain’t lost in about 18 years,” he recalled. “On the women’s side in basketball, in the Olympics, they know what they’re doing. What they said is basically, she’s great, but I don’t believe she’s gold-medal-worthy until she pulls her stuff in the WNBA. This is a big step from college to the WNBA. I love what she’s done for the sport in general. But you’ve got to understand, these are WNBA players that have been seasoned to do this. And when you’re going for that gold medal, you want your best girls out there.”
For Richardson, he jovially compared his track performance to hers to point out the Olympic committee’s error in classifying cannabis as a performance enhancer. “I just ran a 34.44 in the 200 meters and I was smoking all night. So that sh*t ain’t got nothing to do with helping my time at all. It f*cked my time up, if anything. Unless they got some super sh*t to get you faster. Let me know where it is and I’ll be the first to try.”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” concert on Juneteenth in Los Angeles will likely go down as one of the biggest hip-hop-adjacent events of 2024. Frankly, the reaction to it on the West Coast might cement it as one of the biggest cultural moments of the year at large, and one of L.A.’s most iconic figures recently gave his stamp of approval. Moreover, Snoop Dogg relayed a message to the Compton lyricist for his show, but ironically enough, he said that he was out in Canada, the territory of Kendrick’s current rival Drake. We’ll get to that soon enough, but Tha Doggfather did not focus at all on that conflict and instead stressed the much more meaningful importance of what went down that night.
“Top of the morning, Big Snoop Dogg coming at you live from Canada,” the Long Beach native began his message to Kendrick Lamar. “Sending a big shoutout to K.Dot and all the homies from the West that stood together, unified, organized, in peace [and] love. That was beautiful, that was fun to watch. Beautiful to see all of my peoples coming together. And, um, K.Dot… you are the king of the west. That’s the kind of s**t kings do: we unite. We bring our peoples together.”
Furthermore, this is all very interesting because of the mixed signals that Snoop Dogg has sent in the midst of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef. You probably recall that Drizzy used an A.I. Snoop verse on the “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss, and that Death Row now falls under the OVO-affiliated Gamma. However, other social media posts, public statements, and verse shoutouts indicated that the Cali legend was sticking to his roots. It’s a pretty complicated subject to theorize on, but at the very least, we know that he likely has a lot of love for both sides.
After all, Snoop Dogg was featured on Drake’s most recent album For All The Dogs, and there hasn’t been much that indicates he thinks there’s a “winner” or a right side. Rather, he focused on praising both. This time around, though, it was great to see the emphasis fall on West Coast unity rather than rap beef. Even though there are still some question marks here and there, it’s clear that there are much more important things than whose “side” someone’s on.
Bow Wow burst into hip-hop at a remarkably young age. Discovered by Snoop Dogg and nurtured by Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, real name Shad Moss, made his debut at just 13 years old. He quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. His youthful charisma, lyrical skill, and energetic performances earned him a massive following and a string of hits that solidified his place in music history. Bow Wow’s journey from a teen sensation to an influential artist has been marked by significant milestones and memorable tracks.
Over the years, Bow Wow has transitioned from a child star to a versatile artist, actor, and television personality. He has an innate ability to evolve and remain relevant in a constantly changing entertainment terrain. His music reflects this growth, with each album and single capturing different phases of his life and career. Bow Wow’s discography offers a comprehensive look at his artistic development from his early days of playful, youthful anthems to more mature and introspective tracks.
1. Bounce With Me (2000)
Bow Wow burst onto the scene with his debut single, “Bounce With Me,” featuring R&B group Xscape. Released in 2000, this track was the lead single from his debut album, Beware of Dog. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, the song was an instant hit. Bow Wow’s confident delivery resonated with a wide audience, propelling the song to the top of the charts. Further, “Bounce With Me” was more than just a successful debut; it was a statement of arrival. The track’s success laid the foundation for Bow Wow’s burgeoning career. It highlighted his potential as a major player in the hip-hop industry. The single peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart, making Bow Wow one of the youngest rappers to achieve such heights. The song’s playful, party-ready vibe captured the essence of early 2000s hip-hop. It also established Bow Wow as a youthful voice with a promising future.
2. Bow Wow (That’s My Name) (2001)
After his debut single’s success, Bow Wow returned with another hit, “Bow Wow (That’s My Name).” Released in 2001, this track featured the legendary Snoop Dogg, who originally discovered Bow Wow. The song was a powerful follow-up and was a key highlight of his second album, Doggy Bag. “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” demonstrated Bow Wow’s ability to hold his own alongside industry heavyweights and helped further define his image as a rising star. The song’s success was evident as it climbed to No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. Snoop Dogg’s presence added a layer of credibility, linking Bow Wow to hip-hop royalty. This track remains one of Bow Wow’s most recognizable hits and a defining moment in his early career.
3. Take Ya Home (2001)
Bow Wow continued to dominate the charts with “Take Ya Home,” a hit single from his second album, Doggy Bag. Released in 2001, this track saw Bow Wow transitioning from a child prodigy to a teen heartthrob. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, “Take Ya Home” emphasized Bow Wow’s evolving style and his ability to craft songs that resonated with a younger audience.
Moreover, “Take Ya Home” became an anthem for fans. The track’s upbeat tempo and charismatic delivery made it a favorite on radio stations and music video channels. Its success was a testament to Bow Wow’s growing influence in the industry, peaking at No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and further establishing him as a prominent figure in early 2000s hip-hop. The song remains a nostalgic favorite, capturing the essence of Bow Wow’s early career and his rise to stardom.
4. Let Me Hold You (2005)
In 2005, Bow Wow helped craft a timeless hit with “Let Me Hold You,” a smooth collaboration featuring Omarion. From his album Wanted, this track marked a significant departure from his earlier, more playful singles. It reveals a more mature and polished sound. “Let Me Hold You” climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Bow Wow’s biggest hits. The track’s success was fueled by its catchy chorus and relatable themes of love and companionship, making it a favorite among fans. The accompanying music video, featuring smooth choreography and a romantic storyline, further solidified the song’s impact.
5. Like You (2005)
“Like You,” featuring Ciara, is another standout track from Bow Wow’s 2005 album, Wanted. Bow Wow and Ciara delivered an irresistible duet that quickly became a fan favorite. Released at the height of both artists’ careers, “Like You” captured the chemistry between the two, resulting in a smooth, melodic hit that dominated the airwaves. The song’s success was also reflected in its chart performance. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. “Like You” resonated with listeners due to its relatable lyrics about young love and the palpable connection between Bow Wow and Ciara.
“Like You” also benefited from a stylish music video highlighting the duo’s chemistry and added to the song’s appeal. The collaboration was pivotal in Bow Wow’s career, demonstrating his ability to create chart-topping hits and maintain relevance in a competitive industry. This track remains a significant part of Bow Wow’s catalog, symbolizing his versatility and talent for crafting memorable songs.
6. Shortie Like Mine (2006)
“Shortie Like Mine,” featuring Chris Brown and Johntá Austin, is a quintessential hit from Bow Wow’s 2006 album, The Price of Fame. Released at a time when both Bow Wow and Chris Brown were at the peak of their popularity, “Shortie Like Mine” celebrated love and admiration in a way that was both relatable and catchy. The track’s success was undeniable, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing a spot in the Top 10 on various other charts. The “Shortie Like Mine” music video set in a high school further amplified its appeal. This collaboration bolstered Bow Wow’s status as a hitmaker and demonstrated his keen sense for partnering with other top-tier artists to produce chart-topping tracks.
7. Outta My System (2007)
“Outta My System,” featuring T-Pain and Johntá Austin, is a standout track from Bow Wow’s 2007 album, The Price of Fame. This song marks Bow Wow’s more introspective and vulnerable side, addressing themes of heartbreak and regret. The collaboration with T-Pain and Johntá Austin added a melodic and emotional depth. Further, the song’s poignant lyrics reflect on the end of a relationship. Bow Wow expresses his struggle to move on and get his former lover “outta his system.” The sincerity in his delivery, combined with T-Pain’s signature Auto-Tuned vocals and Johntá Austin’s smooth harmonies, created a powerful ballad. “Outta My System” struck a chord with fans, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple on R&B and hip-hop playlists. The accompanying music video further emphasized the song’s emotional narrative, depicting Bow Wow grappling with memories and the pain of lost love. The video’s storytelling and Bow Wow’s heartfelt performance resonated with viewers, adding to the song’s impact.
Few, if any, people do a better job parlaying being famous into doing fun stuff than Snoop Dogg. While you don’t always know where he’s going to pop up, it’s usually not a shock when Snoop shows up at a thing — it can be a game, it can be a random television show, whatever else — and is clearly having the time of his life.
The latest example of this came on Saturday night, when the Milwaukee Brewers played host to the Cincinnati Reds in an NL Central matchup. Snoop had a show at a casino in Milwaukee a little later in the evening, but before that, he threw out the first pitch — he got it across the plate, which means relatively speaking, that’s a very good first pitch — then made his way into the broadcast booth during the second inning. He proceeded to spend two full innings up there, and unsurprisingly, he took over the booth and injected some life into a mid-June baseball game.
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 15, 2024
Just listen to how much fun he had watching Christian Yelich hit an infield single, then follow it up by stealing second base. I am pretty sure everyone will agree with this, but we should 100 percent let Snoop pop into the booth during baseball games whenever he wants.
As for the game itself, the Brewers picked up a 3-1 win.
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