Movies

Snoop Dogg reclaims and refines his West Coast gangsta roots with help from Dr. Dre on ‘Missionary’

BBG News

As I delve into the captivating narrative of Snoop Dogg’s life and career, I find myself in awe of the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit that this iconic figure embodies. Born and bred on the streets of Long Beach, California, Snoop has navigated the treacherous waters of the music industry with a grace and tenacity that few can match.

The highlight of this year’s Paris Olympics was a 53-year-old rapper from Long Beach.

Snoop Dogg, functioning as an NBC commentator, had the honor of running with the Olympic torch in the suburb of Saint-Denis. During a badminton game between the U.S. and China, he added some excitement by saying, “The fun doesn’t stop until the end.” He danced along with gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles and even tried on horse riding boots with his friend Martha Stewart.

In a recent interview during filming for “The Voice” in December, Snoop explained that he was striving to capture all the Olympic memories from his childhood and understand the dedication required to be a pro athlete. He also mentioned his intention to infuse his unique Snoop Dogg style into the mix.

Television

Examining the long-term transformation of a former gangster rapper, now a wholesome celebrity gracing NBC’s Olympic broadcasts.

People might have thought that Snoop Dogg had transitioned into a different environment, given his role as a silver-haired judge on “The Voice” and an ambassador for the Olympics in Long Beach.

Despite the fact that Snoop Dogg, the MC who became synonymous with West Coast gangsta rap in the ’90s due to his laid-back style, has not disappeared from the scene, he continues to make an impact. On Friday, he’ll unveil “Missionary,” a highly anticipated follow-up to his 1993 debut “Doggystyle” and a long-awaited collaboration with producer and tycoon Dr. Dre.

The album carries historical significance, serving as a testament to the uniqueness of these two artists in the recording studio. Yet, following Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” igniting the world below the 10 Freeway, “Missionary” conveys an essential message about how West Coast rap evolves with elegance.

Dre’s feeling hungry, much like me,” Snoop expressed. “He understands the kind of sound he desires and the type I prefer vocally. I don’t want to rap as if I’m still 19. The viewpoint I express is that of a mature, experienced man who has survived. I’ll always retain the essence of a young MC, but I need to create a song that reflects who I truly am.

In 1993, Snoop’s debut “Doggystyle” shocked the world.

In simpler terms, back then, The Times’ Jonathan Gold stated that Snoop Doggy Dogg’s first album was his debut, but at that time, he might have been the most well-known rapper globally. This album featured stories about bold sexual encounters and violent actions, yet it stood out due to exceptional G-funk instrumentation. As for the production by Dr. Dre, it elevated hip-hop to a new dimension, blending organic elements with unyielding energy, filled with tinkling sleigh bells, sighs, and additional melodies.

A significant amount of events transpired within West Coast hip-hop over time: the bicoastal gang feud that led to the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg’s acquittal for murder in 1996, the fallout leading to Death Row Records’ dissolution, Dr. Dre’s discovery of Eminem and 50 Cent, Snoop performing at the Kennedy Center and venturing into businesses like cannabis, tech, food, and cocktails, Dr. Dre selling his headphone company Beats Electronics to Apple, making him hip-hop’s first billionaire.

Currently, Snoop Dogg maintains a similar appearance to how he looked back in the ’90s – standing tall with a slender build, adorned with long braids cascading down, and exuding a friendly, witty personality that’s marked by his unique vocabulary. Over the years, he’s accumulated 11 top 10 albums and released popular tracks like the iconic collaboration with Pharrell Williams titled “Drop It Like It’s Hot.

But he admits that “the young demographic don’t know the old Snoop Dogg. They don’t know the rapper,” he laughed.

In my experience, it’s essential for me to tailor my content to various groups, particularly the Martha Stewart audience. To keep my grandkids engaged, I’ve even created a modified version of CoComelon and Doggyland, which has been quite an adjustment. Yet, when it comes to interacting with my peers, I get the freedom to revert back to my more casual, gangsta persona.

Pop & Hiss

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links.

It came as a surprise to both Snoop and Dre that they wouldn’t collaborate on a new album until 31 years later, given their roles as rapper and producer. However, anyone who witnessed them at Coachella in 2012 could attest to the fact that their unique creative synergy never faded away.

The title of their collaboration, which is about to be released, hints at their greatest accomplishment as a team. This upcoming project will debut on Death Row Records, a label that Snoop Dogg regained ownership of in 2022. The track features a variety of artists from Dr. Dre’s extensive catalog, including Eminem and 50 Cent. Additionally, there are significant contributions and appearances from Sting, Jelly Roll, and the late Tom Petty.

Snoop explained it as if he were saying, “It’s akin to Michael Jordan reconnecting with Phil Jackson.” He went on, “Dr. Dre felt, ‘I see, let me position you musically as you should be.’ Star-wise, you’re shining bright, but people have overlooked your musical talent due to all the other things you do. I want to bring music back to the foreground for you.

Snoop Dogg said, ‘Nobody does it like Dr. Dre,’ but he realized he needed to return as a student, learn humility, and accept guidance.

The album is lyrically rooted in the current moment, reflecting wistfully on a tempestuous past from a vantage point of many years gone by. These two influential artists have no need to prove themselves further, yet they remain eager to achieve more.

In an uncommon chat with The Times, Dre shared, “This is something I’m deeply invested in.” He’s been yearning for the opportunity to collaborate once more with his brother Snoop Dogg in the recording studio. While Snoop has remained active, Dre admitted that he wished Snoop would take a moment to focus solely on one project. In essence, Dre aims to demonstrate the growth and evolution we’ve seen from them over the past 30 years through their work. The lyrics should reflect their roots in the streets, but they also need to showcase maturity gained over time.

Listening to them banter with each other over raunchy lyrics on “Outta Da Blue” and grooving to the pulsating rhythm of “Pressure,” you’re instantly transported back to a lively L.A. house party under the influence of marijuana, reminding you of why you fell in love with Los Angeles. Their voices become synonymous with the essence of Southern California. On “Gunz & Smoke,” Snoop reaffirms his connection to his hometown, asserting his presence through lyrics such as “Bullet holes in the palm trees, dirty money in the laundry / 10 toes on the concrete, you know where to find me.

California

Hip-hop star Dr.

He delivers some amusing comments about his age in “Sticcy Situation”, such as “Daddy Warbucks, hmm, I might have had your aunt on my tour bus,” and he views current rap culture with a discerning skepticism: “Times are changing, young people can be dangerous / Rich and shameless will do anything to gain fame … At one point in time, Snoop Dogg experienced it all / Withdrawals and breaking laws, the streets were under my control.

Snoop expressed his appreciation for rock, country, or jazz music, stating that regardless of age, such genres are always excellent. He emphasized that this is not about relying on past achievements but about continually proving oneself and being innovative. Hailing from hip-hop culture, where originality was a necessity, Snoop sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate his status as one of the greatest MCs of all time, aiming to seize every moment to showcase his skills.

In “Last Dance With Mary Jane,” they tapped into a Tom Petty sample that was like unearthing a priceless artifact, serving as the song’s foundation. Dr. Dre and Tom Petty were linked through the visionary Jimmy Iovine of Interscope, and it seemed as if Petty, a kindred spirit when it came to cannabis appreciation, foresaw that one day Dre and Snoop would breathe new life into this piece.

“Tom Petty’s video clip contains him predicting that Dr. Dre will achieve an immediate success if he samples ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance.’ This prediction is accompanied by a huge amount of trust, as Snoop Dogg is entrusting his entire career, legacy, and everything he has built to me. As such, it’s my responsibility to handle this with care and ensure that it’s presented appropriately.

In the aftermath of Kendrick Lamar’s contemporary West Coast opus, “GNX” (“It seems like a cosmic coincidence, but it’s quite odd that all this is happening simultaneously from our group,” Dre remarked), Snoop Dogg shared a stage with both Dre and Lamar at the 2022 Super Bowl. However, Snoop received some good-natured teasing on the track “wacced out murals,” where Kendrick scolded Snoop for sharing a clip that included Drake’s diss track in the backdrop.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must say that Snoop Lion (or Dog, as he seems to prefer these days) took his role with his signature charm in this movie – “Just the right dose of edibles, west coast style,” he jokingly tweeted. However, it was evident that he recognized the transition of power, a symbolic passing of the torch.

Music

A few months ago, the Compton rapper Siete7x was up in the Bay Area shooting a music video.

Snoop stated, “Since we’re kinfolk, I couldn’t have responded differently but appropriately.” He continued, “He currently rules as the King of the West. In my time, it was my duty to maintain the West’s direction, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Now, that role belongs to him, and he’s excelling remarkably in it.

Originally planned to perform together at the Hollywood Bowl last year, marking the 30th anniversary of “Doggystyle”, they postponed their shows in support of striking entertainment workers. Snoop Dogg explained, “I work alongside these individuals, and I knew that standing with them would help Hollywood realize the importance of fairly compensating them. My influence is significant; if Snoop Dogg stands with us, we don’t want him against us.

More and more time-related indicators are becoming ingrained as well. The loss of Quincy Jones, a longtime friend and mentor to Snoop, was deeply felt. “We were very close,” Snoop shared. “His daughter Kidada was friends with ours even before she encountered Tupac.” Snoop also recalled, “When I received my star on the Walk of Fame, he asked to speak. I remember thinking, ‘How is Quincy Jones here giving a speech? I haven’t accomplished enough to be here.’

Music

Legendary musician, composer, and producer Quincy Jones, known for broadening the American music landscape, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind an indelible impact on some of the most iconic stars from the 20th century.

But most harrowing were when Dre suffered three strokes and a brain aneurysm back in March, after Snoop’s daughter Cori suffered her own stroke at 24 this year. The two health crises shook Snoop, a devoted husband and family man.

It impacted me on multiple levels – emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” Snoop stated, momentarily becoming serious. “In situations like these, there’s only so much you can do, but you can offer your full support for their recovery. I have always been there for my daughter, and it brings me joy to see her growing stronger and improving. It makes me feel even more content knowing that Dre and I still share the same strong friendship as we did in the beginning.

Despite projecting his old gangsta persona on “Missionary”, there seems to be a softer side to Snoop when discussing family matters. When a reporter from The Times mentioned that his mother was planning to visit L.A. for the holidays and was interested in checking out his Inglewood weed store, SWED, Snoop’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: “Lately, I’ve lost my mom and whenever I hear someone call their mother, I feel a pang. But when your mom is still around, they get a blessing, for sure. In such moments, I might just light up a joint in her honor, rolled by none other than the D-O-double-G himself.

He riffled through his backpack and divvied up a few nugs from his florid personal stash, a welcome gift to the West Coast.

“That’s that Death Row top of the line,” Snoop said, inhaling deeply. “Mommy, I love you.”

Read More

2024-12-13 14:32

Previous post Here’s all you need to watch the Blue Bloods series finale tonight live
Next post Giggling Rocco Ritchie is a dead ringer for his famous dad as he steps out with pretty blonde before posing for goofy group shot with the lads as they leave private members club