Snoop Dogg’s music career has surpassed decades and continues to build momentum with the release of his latest album. Photo by Val Contreras.
Val Contreras, Staff Reporter
Legendary musician and multi-hyphenate Snoop Dogg (Snoop) is releasing his 19th studio album, “Algorithm”, on Friday, November 19th. This is just another milestone in the artist’s esteemed career spanning 30 years.
The Long Beach native, who attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, grew up about 10 miles from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). His rags-to-riches story and impact on the local community continue to inspire and motivate residents. He also exemplifies that someone from the inner-city can rise to historic heights.
According to a Billboard article, this past summer he became the Senior Strategic Advisor at the iconic New York-based Def Jam Records. Snoop plans to revitalize the label and bring back the glory of hip-hop’s early days. He will start this movement with the release of his latest studio album.
At the exclusive listening party for the album Snoop reflected on why he decided to join the Def Jam Records team: “I love Def Jam Records so much and what it meant to me as a kid, as an entertainer and just the spirit of Def Jam Records.”
Snoop’s latest album is a compilation of songs featuring artists from all over the map. The lead single “Big Subwoofer”, is a monumental collaborative track with three additional worldwide superstars: Ice Cube, Too Short, and E-40. Collectively they perform as Mount Westmore (a nod to the Mt. Rushmore national monument) since they’re typically known as the forefathers of west coast rap music.
The new release connected Snoop with buzz-worthy artists and respected veterans. His latest single “Murder Music” features Benny the Butcher, Jadakiss, & Busta Rhymes–all New York artists. This song, produced by Nottz, creates the boom-bap hip hop and hard drums that are familiar with the traditional east-coast soundscape. Snoop alluded to recording most of the album in New York.
“Algorithm” includes production from an impressive range of beat makers like Hi-Tek, SNDTRK, and California-based DJ Battlecat & Rick Rock. Featured artists include west coast musicians like D Smoke, BLXST plus east coast emcees like Wiz Khalifa, Redman, Method Man.
Snoop recently celebrated his 50th birthday, and in the same week lost his mother, from an undisclosed illness. However, he was able to persevere through the tragedy and still complete press interviews and perform live shows. The dedication to his craft and professionalism is one of the reasons for his prolonged success and universal acceptance in communities around the world.
Snoop has sold over 37 million records worldwide and became the highest-selling debut solo artist with the release of “Doggystyle” in 1993. Since then, his empire includes acting in films like “Baby Boy” and “The Wash”, hosting TV game shows, creating his own clothing brand, owning an alcohol company, the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL), plus being the spokesman for various corporations. His success also led him into the sports commentary world; a few months ago, he went viral for his take on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics highlights alongside comedian Kevin Hart.
As a pillar of the west coast music community, Snoop has inspired and motivated independent artists and provided a platform for local up-and-coming musicians.
“The first time people really heard of me was when Snoop said I was working on [his album]”, says Compton native and rising superstar Problem. Their working relationship started in 2008 when Problem started writing and producing for Snoop. The knowledge he gained has been a prime factor in Problems’s success. Their mentee/mentor relationship has flourished with many collaborations, last month he released a new single with Snoop called “Dim My Light”.
Not only does Snoop provide opportunities for musicians but also to young kids with hopes of making it in the National Football League. The SYFL was influential to wide receivers De’Anthony Thomas and JuJu Smith-Shuster. These once-local teenagers were coached, taught discipline, and mentored into successful professional athletes known around the globe.
Snoop’s influence can be seen around the world and he will be joining Dr. Dre, Mary J Blige, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar at the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime show this upcoming February. He recently talked with Entertainment Tonight and mentioned, “It’s gonna be one of the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows that you ever witness.”
Snoop has garnered critical acclaim and a worldwide audience that supports all of his endeavors. Through philanthropy and his behind-the-scenes connections, Snoop is able to provide opportunities for individuals on his homeland turf. The City of Inglewood and Snoop will provide 2,500 families with turkeys for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday next week. This is just another way he continues to give back to the community that raised him and supports his superstar status.
