Snoop Dogg: From Gangster Rap to Pop Cameo
Posted on 25. Aug, 2010 by katz in 1990's Music
We all know Snoop Dogg for his entertaining raps and famous duos with Dr. Dre that put out the most memorable songs of the nineties and his most identifiable voice. Being brought up in Long Beach, California, he was exposed to and surrounded by crime and gangs from a young age. Shortly after graduating high school, he was arrested and jailed for six months for possession of cocaine. It’s rumored, although never proven, that Snoop was a member of the Crips gang of Long Beach, California.
Snoop would soon be discovered by established rap icon Dr. Dre, who brought him into the studio for recording. Shortly after he’d be collaborating on Dre’s debut album The Chronic as well as producing his own debut album, Doggystyle, that would possess instant hits like Who Am I (What’s My Name)? and Gin and Juice. The album would feature Dr. Dre, Warren G, The Lady of Rage, Nate Dogg (Snoop’s cousin), Tha Dogg Pound, and even George Clinton. Download music off this album and reminisce Snoop’s introduction to the game, and when gangster rap was thriving.
In 1993 Snoop and his bodyguard would be arrested for the shooting of gang member Philip Woldermarian, but were both acquitted based on self-defense when the case settled 3 years later. The same year of his arrest, Snoop would release Doggystyle, and no doubt acknowledge some of the success was due to the recent soaring of publicity.
Snoop with 2Pac
In 1996, Snoop would produce and release his second album titled The Doggfather, however, the album would only reach sales of two million. The lack of success could be credited to the lack of Dr. Dre on the album, or more probable the recent shooting and death of West Coast rap icon and friend of Snoop’s; Tupac Shakur, or 2Pac.
In 1998, following a growing hatred for Death Row Records, Snoop would go to Master P’s label under Priority Records. He’d release three albums, one a year from 1998-2000: Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told, No Limit Top Dogg, and Tha Last Meal. In 2002 he released Paid Tha Cost to Be Da Boss, which was success with the hit track Beautiful featuring Pharrell. Although never leaving his hard-knock lifestyle from his heart, it became apparent that Snoop would be rapping more and more about females and weed than the gang lifestyle of his earlier records.
Snoop would release three more records, including his most recent Malice In Wonderland, which was released in 2009. Keep in mind that his relation to weed would be prominent in his acting roles as well, which would include an enormous list of 37 titles!
Although we’re well aware that celebrities have wild and usually illegal party lifestyles, Snoop Dogg was one of the first stars to ever become directly associated with an illegal substance, that being marijuana of course. It seems that in ever interview Snoop gives, he’s asked about his extracurricular activities, and always seems more than willing to discuss it.
I found this hilarious clip of him live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon:
And even on Martha Stewart, Snoop visited to make “green brownies”:
There’s a plethora of videos and footage of Snoop rapping, smoking, laughing, and just being Snoop. It’s nothing that would surprise any of us, really. What has surprised me though, is Snoop’s most recent appearance in the music industry. Snoop agreed to provide a rap verse for pop star Katy Perry’s latest track California Gurls. Now, I’m not saying a rapper has never paired with a pop star before, but I find it an extremely unlikely duo that would most certainly never have collaborated otherwise. Or perhaps it’s a sign of changing times, are genres crossing over more and more?
Below is video of Snoop Dogg and Katy Perry with the song California Gurls:
