LOS ANGELES — In the realm of music, one figure stands out as the trusted captain for Snoop Dogg: the acclaimed producer Dr. Dre. Their deep-rooted connection, nurtured over three decades of camaraderie, first took shape when Dr. Dre helped craft Snoop’s revolutionary debut album, “Doggystyle,” which is well-regarded in hip-hop history. As they progressed from ambitious newcomers to industry icons, the duo has consistently demonstrated a strong synergy.
Currently, they are set to collaborate again on Snoop’s upcoming project, “Missionary,” marking Snoop’s significant 20th studio album, with a release scheduled for Friday. In an era where enduring partnerships seem to be a rarity in the music industry, the dynamic between Snoop and Dre remains unusually robust.
Reflecting on their relationship, Snoop shared, “We were just playing on our raw ability, and it worked … But now you’re dealing with professionals who are like perfectionists and skilled at what they do.” The new album features fifteen tracks, spotlighting numerous high-profile collaborations featuring artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Sting, and more.
The rapper recently performed alongside Sting on “The Voice” after rehearsals, presenting the single “Another Part of Me,” a track that samples The Police’s classic “Message in a Bottle.” Sting quickly agreed to the sample after observing Snoop’s star power during his amazing acts at the Paris Olympics last summer, where he carried the Olympic torch and dazzled audiences as NBC’s prime-time correspondent.
Sting was initially taken with Snoop’s vocal prowess and, upon hearing the song, contemplated how he could fit his style into it. “He asked me to sing a verse, which is difficult,” Sting mentioned, having not met Snoop in person until “The Voice.” He found the rapid pace of rhyme quite challenging but embraced the opportunity and contributed guitar to the track. “I think it’s going to be a hit,” he concluded.
Snoop’s ventures have varied greatly beyond his music career. He emerged as a sensation during the recent Paris Games and has appeared in commercials and even co-hosted a cooking show with Martha Stewart. Recently, he participated in a Wrestlemania event and threw the first pitch at an MLB game, engaging fans with his unique commentary style.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Snoop’s family is also in the spotlight. His daughter, Cori Broadus, recently launched a reality series on E! while Snoop and his son Cordell have started a successful ice cream brand this year. Furthermore, Snoop partnered with Dr. Dre to launch two new alcohol brands, a canned cocktail named Gin & Juice and a premium gin called Still G.I.N., referencing the legendary song “Still D.R.E.”
Snoop reflected on the opportunities his growth has created: “It’s like you don’t have to speak. Your work speaks for you now as opposed to you knocking on doors. Now, people are opening doors.”
Amidst all these ventures, Snoop revealed that it was Dr. Dre who suggested they head back into the studio to work on a new album, a project that has been underway for close to two years. The recording sessions were conducted intermittently due to Dr. Dre carefully assessing Snoop’s position in the entertainment world. “He wanted to put music back in the foreground with his production, leadership, and guidance,” said Snoop.
During their recording sessions, Snoop noted that Dr. Dre often understood his musical instincts better than he did himself. He credited Dr. Dre’s unique relationship with him, stating that only a few producers possess the same authority to critique his work. “He would basically write it for me, tell me how to say it, give me the enunciation and the way I’m supposed to punctuate it,” he explained.
One song that particularly moved Snoop during recording was “Now or Never,” a deeply personal tribute to loved ones he has lost recently. He described it as a challenging endeavor due to his usual upbeat persona but recognized the importance of sharing moments of reflection through music. “My pen is my mightiest sword. I always write where I live,” he affirmed.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Snoop is eager to restore the legacy of Death Row Records after acquiring the label in 2022. Despite initial skepticism regarding its troubled past, he has made significant strides in revitalizing its reputation. With exciting projects lined up under the Death Row brand, such as a new apparel line and partnerships in gaming, Snoop is committed to elevating the label to new heights.
Snoop’s latest album was released in collaboration with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Records and Interscope. He remarked, “We’re building Death Row into avenues that didn’t exist. We’re taking it into places that it never thought it could go.” His journey since emerging in the ’90s has seen him overcome numerous challenges, yet he credits his survival and success to wise choices made over the years.
“My mother raised me right, but I made some wrong choices. I had to separate from certain people on Death Row,” he admitted, further emphasizing his transformation. “When you grow old, that’s called wisdom. And when you get old, that’s because you have wisdom.”