One, two, three and to the fo’
Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at the do’
Ready to make an entrance, so back on up
Those opening lyrics introduced the Calving Braudus to the world. Although his first major release was a collaboration with Dr. Dre on the song “Deep Cover,” Snoop Doggy Dogg was introduced to the Hip-Hop community in 1992. Snoop released his 10th studio album, Malice in Wonderland and his rise to fame has earned him our Artist of the Week.
Snoop is no stranger to the entertainment business. He is a rapper, singer, actor, record producer and label owner. He has taken cues from the greatest rappers and built himself into a name brand known throughout the world. He is a bright star in the rap game, but his rise to the top has not come without his share of controversies
At an early age, Snoop began singing in a church choir and it wasn’t long after that he began to rap. It has been well documented that Snoop was a member of the Crips and there has been much speculation as to his ties to the gang as his popularity has risen. Because of his affiliation, Snoop was arrested several times and jailed. It is that association that almost led to his demise.
In 1992, Dr. Dre released his solo debut album, The Chronic on Deathrow Records. The album should’ve really been named a collaboration with Snoop because he was all over it. Radio stations played songs from that album non-stop and Snoop was becoming a star overnight. In 1993, Snoop released one of the most anticipated debut albums ever, Doggystyle. The album debuted at No. 1, and sold over 800,000 albums, which was a record at the time for a debut artist.
In 1993, while Snoop was recording his debut album, he was arrested for the killing of a man who was a rival gang member (allegedly). Snoop, along with his bodyguard, were charged with murder. His career and life were threatened, but Snoop was later acquitted. Snoop released a short film and soundtrack recounting his case called, Murder Was the Case.
Dr. Dre and Deathrow parted ways in 1995, which caused Snoop to look elsewhere for a producer. In 1996, Snoop released his sophomore album, Tha Doggfather. The album was a strong departure from his “Gangsta Rap” style that made him so popular. The album’s production had more of a party-vibe to it, with the lyrical content focusing more on drugs and sex, rather than violence. The album did not do as well as his debut and Snoop cited differences with Suge Knight as the reasons for the lack of success. Snoop and Suge Knight began a bitter feud and Snoop was eventually released from his contract with Deathrow.
So where did Snoop go? To No Limit Records? The signing of Snoop was an odd choice, especially since Master P and his label were viewed as more of a Southern Rap label. Even so, Snoop began recording with the label and was paired with some strange rappers. The combination is odd to me and Snoop’s sound took a turn for the worst on his debut album with No Limit.
On his fourth album, Top Dogg, Snoop returned to his roots, working again with Dr. Dre and his album had more of a Gangsta-West Coast feel to it. In my opinion, Snoop was back on track with his music. Snoop has had some hit and miss albums, but for his body of work, Snoop is an elite rapper who generally puts out quality records.
Snoop has had more legal problems since his murder trial. He has been arrested several times for drug possession (marijuana), gun possession and assault. Snoop was even banned from performing in the UK, but the ban has since been lifted.
Snoop has done his share of charity work, he currently is a football coach and runs a football league. He donates his time and money to several Los Angeles charities. Snoop also married his high school sweatheart, although they temporarily split in 2004 (the couple has since reconciled).
Snoop is one of Hip-Hop’s biggest names. Through the good times and the bad times, Snoop has managed to remain an Elite rapper. Snoop can currently be heard on the radio alongside the sexy Katy Perry. So love him or hate him, one thing is for sure: Snoop Doggy Dogg is here to stay, Fo’ Shizzle My Nizzle!
Top 5 Songs
1. Nuttin’ But A G Thang (The Chronic)
3. Doggy Dogg World (Doggystyle)
4. Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None) (Doggystyle)
5. Big Pimpin’ (Above the Rim Soundtrack)
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