Snoop Doggy Dogg "Doggystyle" (Press Kit, 1993)

Shootin' Tha Shit With Snoop... On Learning to Rap: "If you wanna become a rapper, it's like you wanna become a student in college. You gotta become a student to the game. I listen to a lot of other artists to get an idea what's the hottest shit out there, so when my shit come out it's way better and you don't even wanna hear that other shit no more." // On Doggystyle: "A lot of people misinterpret it. They think it's a sexual comment. But it's not. Doggystyle is just my way of putting things. I try to be original. I have my own special way of doin' things." // On Being Labeled A Gang Member: "I ain't never been no drive-by shoot 'em up, hell of a gangbanger. But it was like the environment I was in, muthaf#ckers, was in a gang. But it don't matter cuz if the n!ggas come ridin', they gonna ride on all of us. They not gonna say 'Okay, you can get on up out the way. We knew you ain't banging.' I mean, I had to wear that jacket. And I wore the muthaf#cker and I took it off. I want peace on the streets like it was on 4-29-92. That shit felt good. Bloods, Crips, everybody just chillin.' I ain't never felt that before, being able to go to neighborhoods where they restrict you cuz you wear this color and they wear that color. Everybody was together. That's what my music's goin' for -- to make you stop bangin' for a second. Listen to my music and get on another vibe." // On Dr. Dre: "Musically, we on the same vibe. And we both allow constructive criticism and allow each other to come in and help out rather than be selfish. It's like I could come with a track that might be bumpin' in your eyes or my eyes but when Dre's finished with it, it bumpin' everybody's eyes, cuz he's got that finishin' touch. But personality-wise, I'm more low-key than Dre is. I'm real in the cut." // On Success: "I'm chillin.' I'm just somebody who got an opportunity to express his God-given talent and doin' it to the fullest. Lots of distractions come with it but I'm strong and I understand the game and I respect it. I do all I have to do to keep it goin' on like it's goin'." // On Being Real: "You can take me out of the ghetto but you can't take the ghetto out of me. No matter where I'm at, I'm still gonna be the same person." - Press Kit (1993). Released 11/23/93, revisit the LP below...

DMX vs. Snoop Dogg (Verzuz Playlist, 7/22/20)

You can't deny the success of the Jadakiss and Fabolous VERZUZ battle, so it was only right that they'd up the ante on their latest effort: DMX vs. Snoop Dogg aka The Battle of the Dogs. I'm told the VERZUZ series is now officially backed by Apple Music, so both artists are now "battling" in the same studio to provide better audio. Hopefully you didn't think corporate wouldn't be involved? Both X and Snoop brought the good vibes - dancing, hyping one another's tracks; telling an occasional story here and there - it was easily the best in the series thus far! I saw a Revolt article that gave the battle to DMX, even going as far as saying X's "Get It On The Floor" beat out Snoop's "Tha Shiznit," but it's no surprise that article has since been taken down: "404 Not found" ... Foolery. Personally, I think Snoop clearly took this one; his catalog is just TOO deep and his energy is just too contagious! But!... I'll say this ...my heart is always gonna be with DMX. There's a greater attachment to his music: the lyrics and emotion, as well as the ups and downs I feel we've all felt throughout X's career. Unfortunately, there are a couple tracks that aren't available on streaming platforms, so the playlist below is incomplete, but you don't miss much. In closing, it's always good to see love - where it counts - in hip-hop, and Uncle Snoop has been a shining example of an OG for YEARS! I take nothing away from DMX, he came widdit, and it was just good to see him, period! Part of me feels like this battle came down to Swizz Beatz vs. Dr. Dre, did you feel that, too? Enjoy!

Dr. Dre & Snoop "The Chronic" (December 15, 1992)

December 15, 1992: It's not that there wasn't any hip-hop out west in 1992. Ice Cube, Digital Underground, Too $hort, E-40, Ice-T, and DJ Quik were all innovative participants. Just not like this. The Chronic redefined an entire genre's sound and attitude but, more crucially, its tempo. This was slow, creeping music to ride out to: in your car, at a party, locked inside your bedroom. N.W.A. alum Andre Young raided Parliament-Funkadelic's deep, springy bottom end, customizing it with live instrumentation and glimmering splashes of '70's soul. The combination became rap's first Wall of Sound, infiltrating mass culture in a way that seemed both impossible and inevitable. Soon, 13-year olds in Stokie, Illinois, were instructing their teachers to "lick deez nuts." The Chronic spawned thousands of fake gangstas who knew nothing about what was really going on in the hood," says L.A. native Dam-Funk, who played keyboards for like-minded artists MC Eiht and Westside Connection. "But it was just a final hooray of legitimate respect for the West Coast. This wasn't Young MC; this was the real vibe." Chalk it up to Snoop Doggy Dogg, a low-level Long Beach weed dealer with a lean build and insouciant tone, who appears on 12 of the album's 16 cuts, including the era-defining single, "Nuttin' But A G Thang." But ultimately, what stands out about The Chronic is its viciousness: the shots fired at Eazy-E, the misogynistic flair, the absurdly violent skits. It typified a new moment, when gangsta rap grabbed all the chips on the table and dragged them westwards, consequences be damned." - Spin, 5/10. 10 Things You Didn't Know. Listen to The Chronic HERE.

Snoop Doggy Dogg "Doggystyle" 25th Anniversary

On November 23, 1993, Snoop Doggy Dogg delivered his classic debut album "Doggystyle." From "Deep Cover" to his co-starring (stand-out) role on Dr. Dre's "The Chronic," it was clear Snoop was an instant star! With all the hype, Snoop delivered with a grip of classic singles, dope interludes and a cohesive project. From the visuals to the storyline, it was curated flawlessly. The wave of Dre & Snoop hit the East Coast hard and lots of artists incorporated the sound into their releases. Take Biggie, for example, Puff had him do a promo tape aimed at fans on the West Coast ahead of "Ready to Die." It didn't stop there, of course, just check Dre's production credits for more obvious signs of their impact. I am not gonna touch on the East vs. West beef that was fueled by Puff & Suge + the media, so let's fast forward to DJ Filthy Rich, who dropped a 25th Anniversary mix to commemorate the release with album cuts, remixes, unreleased tracks & some raw blends. Dope shout-out to my homie, @ToonCrew, who blessed DJ Filthy Rich with the artwork for this fine mix.

Snoop Dogg "Straight From The Streets" (Interview, 1994)

Back in 1994, Snoop Dogg granted an exclusive interview with Straight From The Streets as he faced the trial of his life. Only a few people were willing to go on camera to speak on his behalf. It is great to know that Snoop Dogg has delivered on his promises to help the people from Long Beach, CA. Straight From The Streets is considered one of the best shows to produce positive stories about the urban community. It's also a blessing that radio personality Kevin "Slow Jammin" James is back on the air, on Snoop Dogg's radio station - Dashradio.com on Cadillacc Music from 5pm - 10pm (Monday - Friday). This video and info was uploaded by Upfront, much thanks for sharing! In 1996, Snoop was acquitted at trail after murder charges were brought against him. According to the LA Times, Snoop said: "They made the right decision, you know what I’m saying? This has been an ordeal that has affected our lives for the past 2 1/2 years. I was just trying to figure out if I was going to be here to raise my son." I met Snoop back in 2011, and even though it was a brief encounter (10 mins or so), I can say he led with love and peace, and humbled me with his positive energy. His position as a pioneer, OG and legend is cemented in this culture! Enjoy this interview from '94 below...

The First Annual "Source Awards" (April 25, 1994)

The 1st annual Source Awards were held on this day in 1994 at the Paramount Theater in NYC. Perhaps the most memorable moment in its first year was 2Pac and his Thug Life crew busting on stage to perform 'Out on Bail' while blatantly interrupting A Tribe Called Quest's acceptance speech for Artist of the Year (Group). It's been said that it was all a misunderstanding, but had it been televised, I imagine it would have caused even more ruckus. Matter of fact, had it been televised, perhaps Sticky Fingaz wouldn't have (allegedly, even though it's on Youtube) shot several rounds into the ceiling during Onyx's performance of 'Throw Ya Gunz.' In 1995, the Source Awards were televised and of course, it captured the classic Suge Knight moment dissing Puffy and Snoop exciting the crowd asking “The East Coast ain’t got no love for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg?” I'm still wondering how Biggie won Lyricist of the Year over Nas in 1995, but I digress. Here is the list of winners in 1994: 

A Tribe Called Quest (Artist of the Year: Group) | Dr. Dre (Artist of the Year: Solo) | Wu-Tang Clan (New Artist of the Year (Group) | Snoop Doggy Dogg (New Artist of the Year (Solo) | Snoop Doggy Dogg (Lyricist of the Year) | Dr. Dre 'The Chronic' (Album of the Year) | Ice Cube 'Check Yo Self' (Video of the Year) | KRS-One (Live Performance of the Year) | Buju Banton (Dancehall Artist of the Year) | Wu-Tang Clan ‘Method Man’ (Single of the Year)  | Menace II Society (Motion Picture Soundtrack of the Year)  | MC Eiht in Menace II Society (Acting Performance of the Year)  | Mary J. Blige (R&B Artist of the Year)  | Dr. Dre (Producer of the Year)

'See, tonight, is the night, of all nights!' - 'Ol Dirty Bastard

Snoop Doggy Dogg "Tha Doggfather" (Bio / Video, 1996)

Take it to the West Coast one time, with Uncle Snoop on his album from '96, "Tha Doggfather." At the time of the album's release, his debut album "Doggystyle" had sold over 5 million copies, and the 1-sheet for the record says, "Tha Doggfather reasserts Snoop's standing in the hip hop game. But while the hardcore gangsta cuts and the sexually explicit funk remain, there's a notable change. "People will be shocked," says Snoop, "at the production, the music, and the values and meanings of the songs. I'm bringing rap back to the roots, the fundamentals, tight and easy. Rather than just write for the streets, I write for everybody now. I want to be the first rapper in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame." The first single was "Snoop's Upside Ya Head," but I dialed into the 3rd single and title track from Snoop's sophomore effort, "Doggfather." 20 years later now, revisit Snoop's album below...

Snoop Dogg "Doggystyle" (The Source, February 1994)

"Snoop had a lot to live up to. Without asking him we all crowned him king. "He was going to be the one," we told ourselves. He was going to be the one to lead us out of the hip hop wasteland. We placed a heavy weight upon his narrow shoulders, and not wanting to disrespect us, he accepted it. Quite a lot of pressure for a new artist. Quite a lot of pressure for a rookie album. It's not his fault that the album took so long to come out. And it was us, not him, who demanded that Doggystyle embody and surpass the best elements of Paid In Full, Straight Outta Compton, Nation of Millions, Adventures of Slick Rick, AmeriKKKas Most Wanted, Low End Theory, The Chronic, Three Feet High and Rising, and Raising Hell. Last year we underestimated Dre and he surprised us. This year we were at the plate and looking for the change-up. We knew about Snoop's vast rap potential, we knew what Dre's music would probably sound like and we also knew that it would be harder to impress us this time around." - The Source. I could go on and recount the full article in The Source, which doesn't give this classic album from Snoop the 5-star merit it probably deserved (now and at the time), but what do you think? Did "Doggystyle" live up to the pressure of all the classics that came before it? Where do you rank it? Read the full Source review below, but decide for yourself!

Save a copy of the 4-mic review of Doggystyle in The Source below...

Dr. Dre "Up In Smoke" Tour (Press Release, May 2000)

May 4, 2000: "Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Eminem and Warren G have announced plans to join forces for a mammoth summer tour set to kick off June 15 in San Diego, CA. The "Up In Smoke" Tour - a historical summit of the reigning leaders of hip-hop - is being produced by Dream Team, LLC led by Magic Johnson, as well as Metropolitan Entertainment, Radio Events Group and Bill Silva. Along with the five multi-platinum and critically acclaimed artists, surprise guests are expected to make appearances along the tour route. These dates mark Dr. Dre's first-ever national live tour and will encompass approximately 40 shows in major markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. The "Up In Smoke" Tour - initial dates to go on sale this weekend - will feature an elaborate high-tech stage show. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Eminem and Warren G - most of whom have known each other for more than 10 years - envision this tour to be a "family affair" that celebrates the diversity and mass appeal of their audience, bringing together fans of all cultures, races, ages and status." - Press Release, 5/00. Watch some of the show below.

If you'd like a copy of the press release, check it out below...

Snoop Dogg "Doggystyle: The Samples" (Mix)

Last year, DJ Snoopadelic created an exclusive mix for the 20th Anniversary of "Doggystyle." We're now in the 21st year, but again, I wasn't able to post this last year, so let's look back at it: November 23rd marks the 20th Anniversary of Snoop Dogg’s highly-acclaimed "Doggystyle," in which his lyrical realism and distinctive vocal flow forever changed hip-hop and helped define the genre into what it is today. In honor of this date, Snoop has created an enticing mixtape of the samples used on "Doggystyle." Never done before, Snoop offers exclusive commentary about each song and the behind-the-scenes stories that went on during the making of the historic record. The mix offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience to hear first-hand, the creative process behind the record.

Dr. Dre "The Chronic" (The Source, February 1993)

"If Hollywood continues to make movies like Scarface, Goodfellas, and King of New York, what makes you think gangsta rap will stop? More than just filling a void, NWA - the most successful real rap group of all time - unleashed the production wizardry of Dr. Dre, the man who put the funk in that gangsta shit like no one else. Now with NWA broken up and everyone doing the solo thing, each ex-member faces the test of standing on his own. After hearing The Chronic, it is obvious who was the key ingredient to that platinum sound. On his own, Dre proves that innovative production skills and solid arrangements will take him the distance once again. Following the hype behind one of his hardest tracks ever, "Deep Cover," Dre has unloaded all over this album with the same furified intensity. Cuts like "Nuttin But a G Thang" and "Bitches Ain't Shit" pack enough bottom to blow the frame out a Pathfinder, while the live keyboards coat the high ends with funky melodies. The result is that patented smooth gangsta groove combined with the flavor of the classic funkateers; an original flavor ... that rises well above a re-tread of gangsta cliches or over-used samples." Cont'd...

 "Snoop Doggy Dogg has no trouble carrying most of the weight behind the mic, and his Slick Rick-esque style - complete with creative boasts and slinging - carves new ground for West Coast MCs. His presence is laid-back and ruff at the same time, but even when he's "chin-checking," he doesn't sound anything like the typical gangsta. Dre exchanges rhymes with Snoop like he used to with Ren, and you get the feeling they're in perfect sync. Plus, Dre has enlisted a whole crew of new MCs to catch wreck, including Korrupt, Dat N!gga Daz, RBX, and a powerful new female MC named Rage. All five of them come together for one of the hardest cuts on the LP, "Stranded On Death Row." Whether it's gangs of brothers, big booties, or Blunts of the chronic indo, smoking is the preferred topic on this record. It's all about the "g" thang, what Dre describes as the "difference between gang and gangster." No shorts are taken with any beef the Death Row crew has with other artists... Overall, an innovative and progressive hip-hop package that must not be missed." - The Source, 2/93