DJ Quik And Problem Are Reuniting For New Album “Chupacabra”

DJ Quik and Problem are West Coast titans from different time periods. Quik represents the G-funk heyday of the 1990s, while Problem rose to fame during the 2010s with scene-stealing guest verses. They bring different strengths to the table as rappers (and Quik as producer), but also they compliment each other in a lot of ways. It’s not surprising that Quik and Problem have announced plans for a brand new album called Chupacabra. They already linked up for the 2017 release Rosecrans, after all. A new album is exciting because it will allow them to build on their established chemistry and hone in on what they do best.

Quik and Problem announced the album on Friday, April 19. They have yet to share a release date, but they did treat fans to a brand new single called “Workout.” The single features guest verses from West Coast luminary Rodney-O, and sees the duo spit bars about self-improvement and style. “Do ya thing in the mirror and express yourself,” Problem asserts. “We all make mistakes, correct yourself/ If ya don’t like their style then dress yourself.” Lil Jon is also featured on the track, adding to its throwback energy.

Read More: DJ Quik Thought Michael Jackson Didn’t Like Him

DJ Quik And Problem Previously Worked On “Rosecrans”

 
 
 
 
 
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Problem discussed his working relationship with Quik during an interview with Red Bull Academy. He said he was shocked to realize that Quik felt over the hill when they made Rosecrans. “[Quik] thought nobody was f**king with him, which is crazy to me,” Problem revealed. “People just want to go with the new, and they don’t understand there’s no new without that. We need to do this a whole lot more. We really need to show the world how this s**t really go.”

DJ Quik and Problem had busy years planned before they announced Chupacabra. The former is going to be an opener on Snoop Dogg’s Cali to Canada tour, which runs throughout the summer and will see him share a bill with Warren G. Quik has been extremely quiet on the music front this decade, as his last joint album was Rosecrans and his last solo album was The Midnight Life in 2014.

Between the tour and Chupacabra, 2024 is shaping up to be a comeback year for Quik. Problem has been much busier in the years since Rosecrans dropped. He released two studio albums, I Owe Myself and A Compton Story, in 2023 alone.

Read More: DJ Quik Says He Was Nearly Killed Over A 2Pac Bootleg

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Ice Cube Explains Dr. Dre Absence From N.W.A. Grammy Acceptance

Dr. Dre was a notable omission from the group of N.W.A. members who were present in LA on Saturday to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys. However Ice Cube explained the icon’s absence. “My man, Dr. Dre, is not here. He wanted to make sure I let you know he’s not hating. He a billionaire. He got sh-t to do,” Cube told the assembled audience. Cube went on to praise Dre for his “brilliance, talent, and leadership”.

Elsewhere, Cube also spoke on the surreal nature of receiving a Grammy for his musical work. “We knew when we started to do music in 1985, ’86, ’87 that a Grammy was not in the cards for us, with the type of music we was doing. We actually didn’t think we would ever even get on the radio. We was cool with that,” Cube said.

Read More: Ice Cube Trolls Elon Musk With Meme About Ruining Twitter

Ice Cube Speaks On Receiving Hall Of Fame Impact Award

However, a lifetime achievement Grammy is just the latest award that Ice Cube has earned in recent weeks. In January, Cube received the inaugural Community Impact Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame. “This is big time! I’ve had passion for music, and in movies and sports. I’ve ended up in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — not reaching for that, but just having the passion at the right time. I got a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood just [from] having passion to do good work. And then in sports this is another milestone that’s just off the chart. Because no way, shape or form did I ever think I would be in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — for any reason,” Cube told HipHopDX.

Furthermore, Cube revealed that he in no way expected the award when it was revealed in November 2023. “It was a total surprise. Of course, we felt like our position when it comes to the NBA has been publicized, and so we didn’t think we had the shot to ever be involved with the Basketball Hall of Fame. But what they explained to us was that they’re not the NBA Hall of Fame, they’re Basketball Hall of Fame. They honor high school, college, pros, and they see the BIG3 as a great asset to the game. And so you just never think about it, and here we are,” the rapper added.

Read More: Ice Cube Says “No Vaseline” Is A Better Diss Track Than “Hit Em Up”

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Adam22 Calls Drakeo The Ruler The Most Influential West Coast Artist Of The Past Decade

During a recent podcast episode, Adam22 and Wack 100 shared their thoughts on West Coast hip hop, and who they believe has been a driving force in it over the past decade or so. According to Adam, Drakeo The Ruler takes the cake for him, but Wack seems to disagree. The two of them went back and forth, with Adam noting how many other major artists were inspired by Drakeo.

“Drakeo was like, probably the most influential West Coast artist of the last ten years,” Adam explained. “But he totally subverted all of the West Coast sounds.” Wack 100 then chimed in to object to Adam’s claims, bringing Roddy Ricch as well as Blueface into the debate. “Drakeo don’t have more plaques than Blueface,” he said. “You don’t get a Blueface without Drakeo,” the No Jumper host argued. “Blueface’s flow is Drakeo-inspired. I’m sorry, I’m just gonna say it.”

Read More: Adam22 & Lil D Reveal The Adult Content Creator They’d Love To See Unretire

Adam22 & Wack 100 Discuss West Coast Hip Hop

Adam then went on to name a few other artists who he believes have been influenced by Drakeo The Ruler, including X4, Shoreline Mafia, and more. “His flow was massively influential to the point where people don’t give him credit for its influence because they can’t see the influence because it’s permeated throughout all of rap so much,” he described. Wack continued to protest, refusing to say that X4 was inspired by Drakeo. According to Adam, however, Drakeo would admit to it himself, as he’s a “student of Drakeo.”

What do you think of Adam22 claiming that Drakeo The Ruler was the most influential artist to come out of the West Coast in the past decade? Do you agree with him or not? Who do you think is the most influential artist to come out of the West Coast in the past ten years or so? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Lena The Plug Explains What Would Make Her Retire From Adult Entertainment

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Nate Dogg’s 7 Best Collabs

Nate Dogg’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. Known for his infectious melodies and his deep, velvety voice, the West Coast legend left his mark on the game before his untimely passing in 2011. Nate Dogg was notorious for his abilities as a collaborator, lending catchy R&B hooks to some of hip hop’s most iconic tracks. No matter who he collaborated with, he always stole the show. Throughout his career, he worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B from the West Coast and beyond. Today, we will be ranking Nate Dogg’s 7 best collaborations from least to greatest. Take a look at the list below.

7. 2Pac – “All About U” (1996)

“All About U” is a standout track from 2Pac’s iconic double-disc album, All Eyez On Me. Over a relaxed G-Funk groove, Pac, Hussein Fatal, and Yaki Kadafi spit explicit verses about groupies. Snoop Dogg contributes a spoken outro on the album version and a verse on the Greatest Hits edition. A West Coast affair, one of the most memorable parts of “All About U” is Nate Dogg’s chorus. He keeps things light-hearted as he sings, “Every other city we go, every other video / No matter where I go, I see the same h*es.” He matches the breezy instrumental and the playful nature of the verses. 

6. Snoop Dogg – “Lay Low” (2000)

Snoop Dogg was one of Nate Dogg’s closest collaborators. They first teamed up on “Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” from Snoop’s 1993 debut, Doggystyle. The two eventually linked with Warren G as 213 for 2004’s The Hard Way. Nate and Snoop Dogg created many iconic tracks together, many of which are on this list. One of their strongest tracks is “Lay Low” from 2000’s Tha Last Meal. A tough California banger produced by Dr. Dre, Snoop, The Eastsidaz, and Master P spits tough verses while Nate Dogg delivered a soulful yet vulgar hook. His appearance made the minimal beat and the gangsta rap verses even more forceful.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Revives His Classic Debut, “Doggystyle” For Its 30th Anniversary

5. Eminem – “‘Till I Collapse” (2002)

Eminem first featured Nate Dogg on “Bitch Please II,” a stellar posse cut from The Marshall Mathers LP also including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit. The two then teamed up for “‘Till I Collapse,” a standout track from The Eminem Show. The song intensely builds into a motivational track where Eminem declares his devotion to hip-hop. His choppy and commanding flow in his verses is complimented by a Nate Dogg chorus. Nate’s deeply sung hook adds to the content of Em’s verses as he sings, “I’ma rip this shit ‘till my bones collapse.” While it is not as vocally dynamic as his other collaborations, Nate’s hook is perfect for the song.

4. 50 Cent – “21 Questions” (2003)

Perhaps Nate Dogg’s most famous chorus is on one of hip hop’s most classic love songs. “21 Questions” stands out as the gentle moment on 50 Cent’s iron-clad debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Both 50 Cent and Nate Dogg spend the song questioning the extent of their girlfriends’ love and loyalty for them. Between 50’s relaxed verses and the luxurious instrumental, Nate Dogg’s smooth baritone chorus brings these elements together to create one of the best blends of hip hop and R&B.

3. Dr. Dre – “The Next Episode” (1999)

“The Next Episode” is one of the most iconic hip-hop songs of all time. From the instrumental and the chorus to the verses and ad-libs, the song is filled with classic moments. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s lyrics paint a distinct portrait of California culture, but the song’s final 30 seconds undoubtedly contribute to its legacy. Nate Dogg ends the song with his very own moment. He steals the show with a short and sweet outro, finishing “The Next Episode” by exclaiming the now classic phrase, “Smoke weed every day.” While his portion is quite short, it remains one of Nate Dogg’s best collaborations.

Read More: The Best Dr. Dre Beats He’s Produced

2. Dr. Dre – “Xxplosive” (1999)

Another Dr. Dre classic, “Xxplosive’s” legendary status can be attributed not only to its pleasant instrumentation but to Nate Dogg’s show-stopping verse. Dr. Dre does not rap on the song, but Kurupt and Six-Two spit crude verses, matching the other songs on 2001. The bars certainly fit the instrumental, but Nate Dogg takes “Xxplosive” to the next level. His low vocal register amplifies the beat’s lead melody and bassline, embodying the suave persona portrayed in his lyrics. He also showcases his range with his various runs, with the instrumental building on top of his vocals. The Dr. Dre-led song is one of Nate Dogg’s brightest moments and best collaborations, working in tandem with the other rappers and the beat.

1. Warren G – “Regulate” (1994)

“Regulate” was the first single for both Warren G and Nate Dogg. To this day, it still cannot be topped as their best collaboration. One of hip hop’s greatest storytelling tracks, the song follows Warren G as he gets into an altercation before Nate Dogg comes to his rescue. Over a classic G-Funk instrumental, the two share their story from their own perspectives as they trade verses. Warren G nonchalantly spits his rap verses as he raps about getting jumped by a group of guys and Nate Dogg delicately sings about violently defending him. It is the perfect blend of rapping and singing as their exchange of verses tells a full narrative. Ultimately, “Nate Dogg and Warren G had to regulate,” resulting in Nate’s best collaboration. His first-ever single has stood the test of time as an all-time classic moment in hip hop.

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The Dove Shack: Hip Hop’s G-Funk California Crew

The iconic G-Funk emerged in the early ‘90s, pioneered by acts like Dr. Dre, N.W.A., and Warren G. The Dove Shack made their appearance further down the decade. While the group cannot be regarded as originators of the genre, they certainly contributed to its development in the late ‘90s. Moreover, their debut album, This Is the Shack, helped push the sound further, solidifying the presence of G-Funk.

One-third of the trio, C-Knight, unfortunately passed away on November 7, 2023, due to complications of a stroke. The rapper’s death is certainly a blow to his family and friends. Rest in peace to the Long Beach legend. Although The Dove Shack is far from its early days in the mid-’90s, we’re looking back at one of the most exciting underground G-Funk groups of rap’s Golden Era.

Putting The Dove Shack Together 

The Dove Shack was formed in the early 1990s in Long Beach, California. At its inception, the group members included Bo-Rock, 2Scoops, and the late C-Knight. All three members grew up with an ardent interest in Hip Hop and soon found themselves rapping together. Long Beach, a significant hub for West Coast Hip Hop, played a crucial role in bringing them together. Equally, the hub helped in shaping the group’s musical style.

It was through their affiliation with Warren G’s label, G-Funk Entertainment, that the group first gained recognition in 1995. Even back then, it took a lot to grasp listeners’ attention. Especially considering that many burgeoning rap stars were rising in the scene. With this in mind, it’s apparent that Warren G’s help was indispensable to The Dove Shack.

Warren G, a prominent figure in Hip Hop, contributed to the group’s early success by collaborating with them on “This Is the Shack.” The song was featured on Warren’s debut album Regulate… G Funk Era, and helped introduce listeners to The Dove Shack. Subsequently, the trio released their first album under G-Funk Entertainment, marking a proper entry into the Hip Hop industry. 

This Is The Shack & More

Following their feature on Warren G’s track “This Is the Shack,” the group dropped their debut album of the same name. It was released on August 22, 1995, and peaked at No. 68 on the Billboard 200 chart. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it certainly had a few standout tracks that got shoutouts nonetheless. The most acclaimed track on the project was “Summertime in the LBC” ft. Arnita Porter, which was also the lead single. It received praise from critics and climbed to No. 54 on the Hot 100 chart. 

“Summertime in the LBC” became a West Coast anthem, showcasing the group’s smooth style and laidback flow. The Dove Shack did not release any other projects in the ‘90s. Their sophomore album, Reality Has Got Me Tied Up, was released over a decade later, in 2006. This album featured guest appearances from Nate Dogg, Goldie Loc, and Kam, among others. However, it unfortunately did not achieve the same level of success as the first album. While all three group members went on to release solo projects between 2001 and 2015, Reality Has Got Me Tied Up was their last project as The Dove Shack. 

West Coast G-Funk Legends

the dove shack
LONG BEACH, CA – AUGUST 05: Rapper C-Knight of The Dove Shack performs onstage during the Summertime in the LBC festival on August 5, 2017 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Despite their limited commercial success, The Dove Shack undeniably impacted G-Funk in the late ‘90s. Additionally, their music resonates with fans who appreciate their laidback style and catchy beats. Although the group’s mainstream success was limited to their earlier years, they will always be remembered by fans of classic West Coast Hip Hop.

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The Game Takes Credit For Putting Fans On To Kendrick Lamar And Nipsey Hussle

West Coast hip-hop has some of the best and brightest superstars. From Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, there are so many icons in this corner of the rap community. One name that many are familiar with is The Game. The prolific artist has been releasing music since the early 2000s and has some solid records under his belt. He has The Documentary, The R.E.D. Album, and plenty more that are more than respectable. However, there are some who do not consider him to be a pioneer of this sub-genre of rap.

The other artists listed above are considered more memorable and influential by a great deal to a decent amount of listeners. However, The Game has always felt that he belongs in the upper echelon. He has even said that he is a better rapper than Eminem to which “The Real Slim Shady” clapped back at him on his last song “Realest.” All of the controversial statements have fallen on deaf ears as people continue to discredit him.

Read More: Drake Walks Out With Bow Wow During Second Atlanta Tour Stop: Watch

The Game Wants All The Credit

More fans are now taking issue with a new claim from The Game. At a recent performance, he gave a little history lesson to the crowd about how Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle got their careers going. In the video from thehiphopwolf, The Game flexes his influence and the mark he has left on the rap game. In his speech, he takes credit for putting people onto the aforementioned artists. He says, “I took Nipsey’s CD, put it in my pocket. I took Kendrick on tour when Kendrick was Jay Rock’s hype man.” He concludes his message, by stating, “I put the west on my back. So when n***** say ‘I’m him,’ no n****, I’m him.” Many fans think he is being delusional with one person saying, “Game act like E40, Too Short, Cube & Snoop haven’t existed while he was putting albums out lol these dudes BEEN had the west on their back.” However, The Game’s ego may be too big for him to admit that.

What are your initial thoughts on The Game proclaiming that he has been carrying the West Coast rap scene on his back? Do you think these comments are valid or outlandish? Is The Game a top-five West Coast rapper? We want to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around The Game, as well as the rest of the music world.

Read More: Meagan Good Appears To Have Jonathan Majors As Her Lock Screen

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Drakeo The Ruler Slides On New Single, “I’m The Reason”

Drakeo The Ruler is without a doubt one of the most unique and impactful voices in contemporary West Coast hip-hop, a trait that his posthumous material still lets shine. Moreover, a new single titled “I’m The Reason” just released, and it’s every bit as brooding, bouncy, and boisterous as you would expect. It might fit well within his established style, but the tragic end of his career means that there was so much more left in the vault to develop and expand upon. With that context in mind, tracks like these only serve to further cement his legacy today, and “I’m The Reason” does so while speaking to his idiosyncrasy as an MC.

Furthermore, the instrumental here is a solid combination of dark, minimal percussion and brighter, more atmospheric synth pads and key leads. While we’ve heard bounces like these before, it’s still welcome in a rap landscape in which Los Angeles is not one of the sonic zeitgeists. As such, Drakeo The Ruler breathes life into the style with his unique vocal delivery, a mix of whispery and menacing bars plus some nasal inflections. In addition, the South Central rapper cycles through a few similar but nonetheless catchy flows that fit his trademark drawl like a glove. Sure, it sounds low-key at first, but once you pick up on a couple of sharp and infectious bars here, it unlocks a new layer of confidence and quality.

Read More: Posthumous Drakeo The Ruler Project, “Keep The Truth Alive,” Has Arrived

Drakeo The Ruler’s “I’m The Reason”: Stream

Overall, for fans of Drakeo, this song will fit right up their alley, and there’s always a chance that his flow and beat style will rope in newcomers on first listen. Amid legal complications surrounding his tragic passing, at least this paints a more true picture of who he is as an artist. If you haven’t heard “I’m The Reason” yet, find it on your preferred streaming service and peep some standout bars below. Also, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Drakeo The Ruler and more great music each week.
Rest In Peace Drakeo The Ruler.

Quotable Lyrics
A C-Class, don’t even show that Benz,
Ben Frank, I don’t know your friends,
We just made him do the robe dance,
That’s for pullin’ up in cello pants

Read More: Drakeo The Ruler’s Estate Sued For $104K By Landlord: Report

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Snoop Dogg: The Legendary Journey Of A Hip-Hop Icon

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

snoop dogg
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.

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How Compton’s Most Wanted Influenced West Coast Hip Hop

Which Compton rap group had the most significant impact on the sound of West Coast hip-hop? The default answer is N.W.A. Featuring Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren, and several others, their high-octane raps took over the hip-hop world behind tracks such as “F**k Da Police.” However, N.W.A. wasn’t the only group stamping a lasting impact on the West Coast hip hop scene. Adjacent to N.W.A., you had the MC Eiht-led Compton’s Most Wanted. While many claim that Compton’s Most Wanted was impersonating the commercially recognized N.W.A., MC Eiht, Boom Bam, DJ Mike, DJ Slip, and Tha Chill were actually recording demos before N.W.A. had released their debut album.

It’s 1985, and crime is running rampant through Compton. During that time, a 15-year-old MC Eiht was brainstorming ways to let loose the violent emotions of his chaotic childhood. He formed a duo with Tha Chill, embarking on a journey that began with writing raps and recording demo tapes when the two weren’t immersed in street culture. However, the duo’s full-time job remained on the violent streets of Compton. Selling crack to survive, Compton’s Most Wanted was forced to grow up fast.

Compton’s Most Wanted Didn’t Replicate N.W.A

MC Eiht and Tha Chill had begun dabbling with scratched hip-hop beats. However, it would take the two taking notice of N.W.A’s financial success to be inspired to pursue rap seriously. After recording music for a few years, the two garnered attention from The Unknown DJ. He was immediately intrigued by the duo’s unique chemistry and laid-back flow. Their momentum would continue to build over the next three years, leading to their debut project, It’s a Compton Thang! Feeling a need to prove themselves as rappers, the group primarily boasted about their skills on the mic throughout the album.

Even if they were following in the footsteps of N.W.A., Compton’s Most Wanted’s sound was very much distinctive. The unique screams or growls from other West Coast MCs weren’t heard in their sound. Instead, producers DJ Slip and The Unknown DJ were focused on curating a smooth collection of funk jams. The project’s highlight was “Late Night Hype,” solidifying the group plenty of recognition throughout the West Coast scene. The group would follow up their debut with Straight Checkn ‘Em and Music to Driveby, with “Hood Took Me Under” becoming one of their most successful tracks to date.

They Intricately Rapped Over Funk-Based Beats

However, Compton Most Wanted’s influence went beyond their numbers. Their most successful project peaked at No. 66 on the U.S. Charts. In essence, MC Eiht and Tha Chill walked so that future Compton MCs could run. Implementing a more relaxed style into the West Coast scene helped solidify the sentiment that West Coast hip-hop was more than the sound of N.W.A. Rather than Compton raps being a sub-genre of hip-hop, Compton Most Wanted helped make Southern Los Angeles the crown jewel of experimentation and creative expression in the hip-hop world.

This isn’t to say that Compton Most Wanted was creating blissful music in a time of violence and chaos. MC Eiht was still painfully in-tune with the world around him, telling bloody tales of blacktop warfare. On No Jumper, he stated, “It basically gave a way of expressing what I saw on the daily. Now, did I think it was going to transform me to star status? I never looked at it like that.” He approached topics such as redlining and the militarization of police with a sense of intimate sorry rather than utter outrage. While he was still a self-described menace to society through his lyricism, executing that narrative on an Isaac Hayes sample opened up the future of hip-hop in the area. That contrast would later appear in projects such as Compton’s modern-day star Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, m.A.A.d City.

They Released Their Last Album Gangsta Bizness In 2019

Compton’s Most Wanted are the unsung heroes of West Coast hip-hop. With MC Eiht as their frontman and star, the overall proved that potent messaging could exist without aggressiveness. While N.W.A. were screaming out their rage at the corporations and establishments around them, Compton’s Most Wanted had a potent storytelling impact without all of the rage.

As a result, future generations of West Coast MCs were approaching their sonic direction in a more broad-minded manner. Ultimately, Compton’s Most Wanted’s success would propel frontman MC Eiht into a successful solo career. While Tha Chill was in prison for two years during the group’s run, he would eventually return while developing his solo career. By the early 2000s, the group was no longer consistently creating music. However, they reunited for 2019’s Gangsta Bizness.

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Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Claim Top Spot On Rolling Stone’s West Coast Rap Songs List

When you think of West Coast hip-hop from all eras, few names come quicker to mind than Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Moreover, the pioneering duo had an incredible run in the 1990s and beyond and blessed fans with multiple classic records- and the classic West Coast rap song, according to Rolling Stone. Furthermore, the publication recently made a list of the 100 best songs from the sub-genre/region, including all sorts of names. From Ice-T to Kendrick Lamar, Tupac Shakur to Tyler, The Creator and many more, they covered a lot of bases. However, at the very top spot stood Dre and Snoop’s 1992 classic, “Nuthin’ But A G Thang.”

In fact, the duo has more placements throughout the list. For example, the trailblazing rap group N.W.A., in which Dr. Dre was a key member, nabbed the silver medal with the 1988 hit “Straight Outta Compton.” In addition, Snoop Dogg’s “Gin And Juice” landed at the number eight spot. Considering their indelible stamp on so many careers and sounds in the region and beyond, their presence is no surprise. Other names included in the top 10 are the aforementioned Kendrick, Ice-T, and Tupac, plus Mac Dre, Ice Cube, and Souls Of Mischief.

Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Top Rolling Stone‘s Best West Coast Rap Songs List

Furthermore, the duo was recently in the news after Suge Knight claimed that Dr. Dre did not, in fact, produce Snoop Dogg records like Doggystyle. “[Daz Dillinger] did the whole- he did everything on Doggystyle. By himself,” Knight alleged. “The whole album was done. He did everything. He produced it. So when it was time to come out, the streets said, well, they want Andre [Dr. Dre] to be on it. And Andre said, ‘I want to be on there.’ So Andre went to Daz and said, ‘Look man, let me say it was produced by me, and put my name on it. You’ll get paid, but let me be the one who produced it.”

Still, Dillinger came through with a takedown of Suge’s claims. “Whats up y’all it’s Daz Dillinger giving y’all the news and info that I’m looking at,” he started. “Hey, Dr. Dre is the best producer in the motherf***ing world. I did not have nothing to do with that, Dr. Dre did that on his own. Suge Knight is lying, I ain’t sign a motherf***ing thing. He’s just covering s**t up because of everything that Snoop has uncovered in the Death Row unveiling of all the business and shady s**t that Alan Grunblatt, little fat f***er, and what they was doing and how they was still in cahoots with Suge Knight. So he’s just making up s**t right now.” Check out Rolling Stone‘s full list here and return to HNHH for the latest on Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.