Snoop Dogg

It's impossible to tell the story of West Coast rap without Snoop Dogg. Combining an agile flow, calm delivery and effortless charisma, he helped define rap's G-Funk era while helping transform hip-hop as a whole. After appearing on Dr. Dre's "Deep Cover" in 1992, Snoop, then known as Snoop Doggy Dogg, built more momentum when he turned in multiple guest spots on the producer's legendary debut album, The Chronic.

With its mix of funk samples and anthemic hooks, the LP became a classic, and a stage for Snoop's coming out party. Snoop leveled up again when he released Doggystyle, a debut LP that further propelled West Coast hip-hop into the mainstream. Singles like "Who Am I (What's My Name)" (1993) and "Gin and Juice" (1993) established his knack for hit-making. The LP notably debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart after selling a record 806,858 copies in its first week.

In the years since, Snoop's grown into a pop culture icon as he's released a multitude of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums. This journey includes a variety of record deals, TV ventures and movie appearances. He's acted in movies with Ben Stiller and had an MTV TV show with Martha Stewart. He's produced porn flicks and hosted a TBS game show. And, of course, he's continued to evolve musically, experimenting with reggae (Reincarnated, 2013) and gospel (Bible of Love, 2018). Snoop's more than 30 years into career, but thanks to his all around adaptability, he's more ubiquitous than ever.

  • Selected Discography: Doggystyle (1993), Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ (2002), Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (2006), “Who I Am (What’s My Name?)” (1993), “Beautiful” (2002), “Drop It Like It’s Hot” (2004), “Young, Wild & Free” with Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars (2011)
  • Related Artists: Dr. Dre, The Dogg Pound, Warren G
  • Read More: Snoop Dogg’s 20th Anniversary XXL Magazine Cover Story
The 14 Best Moments Of Summer Jam 2014
The 14 Best Moments Of Summer Jam 2014
The 14 Best Moments Of Summer Jam 2014
Months before Summer Jam arrives, rap fans are already mulling over the possible instances that are bound to happen. Yesterday marked the 21st annual concert hosted by Hot 97 and had plenty of great moments to offer. The inescapable was the fact that 50 Cent was performing for the first time since 2004, where he was banned after him and his crew engaged some old nemeses...
6 Of The Best Performances At Summer Jam 2014
6 Of The Best Performances At Summer Jam 2014
6 Of The Best Performances At Summer Jam 2014
Every year, Hot 97's Summer Jam becomes the headquarters for hip-hop, as some of the genre's biggest names come together for a night of all-star performances, crazy appearances, and surprise guest spots that keep fans and journalists alike on their toes...
Wiz Khalifa Brings Out Snoop Dogg At Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2014
Wiz Khalifa Brings Out Snoop Dogg At Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2014
Wiz Khalifa Brings Out Snoop Dogg At Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2014
Summer Jam followed up two newer artists — Troy Ave and Action Bronson — with a familiar hit maker. Taylor Gang head Wiz Khalifa took the stage as the seats started filling up at MetLife Stadium. The big moments were still to come, but Wiz got the crowd more than ready as he performed hits like "Work Hard, Play Hard" and "We Dem Boyz" (shirtless, of course). Snoop Dogg... Read
28 Times Rappers Have Been Banned Around the World
28 Times Rappers Have Been Banned Around the World
28 Times Rappers Have Been Banned Around the World
This weekend, 50 Cent will take the stage at Hot 97's Summer Jam for the first time in a decade, after his infamous chair throwing incident left him banned for life from the station in 2004. He may be one of the most high-profile, but 50 is far from the only rapper who has been banned from a venue, an event, a radio station, a University, or even a nation, even if reports earlier this week that Ya
17 Of Floyd Mayweather’s Biggest Hip-Hop Moments
17 Of Floyd Mayweather’s Biggest Hip-Hop Moments
17 Of Floyd Mayweather’s Biggest Hip-Hop Moments
Previously: Floyd Mayweather Jr. Speaks On Fight With T.I.: “Let’s See How His Face Look” T.I. Responds To Allegations He Was Hit During Mayweather Brawl Floyd Mayweather Jr. To T.I. “These Hoes Ain’t Loyal” 50 Cent Calls Floyd Mayweather Jr. To Discuss Fight With T.I. The 6 Best ...
Stream The Roots Picnic 2014 Mixtape
Stream The Roots Picnic 2014 Mixtape
Stream The Roots Picnic 2014 Mixtape
For the seventh year, and just in time for Memorial Day festivities, The Roots Picnic Mixtape hits the 'Net presented by Okayplayer and Crooks & Castles. Mixed by Philly's Mathew Law, the tape contains recent hits from the likes of The Roots, Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monáe, ASAP Ferg, Action Bronson, Jhene Aiko, AraabMuzik and many more. Cl...
Best Hip-Hop Instagrams Of The Week
Best Hip-Hop Instagrams Of The Week
Best Hip-Hop Instagrams Of The Week
From what would have been the Notorious B.I.G.'s 42nd birthday to loads of pictures from last Sunday's Billboard Music Awards, this week on Instagram was indeed visually appeasing. Check out that and more in XXL's "Best Hip-Hop Instagrams Of The Week...
20 Hip-Hop Songs About Specific Relationships
20 Hip-Hop Songs About Specific Relationships
20 Hip-Hop Songs About Specific Relationships
Check Out Our Beats Music Playlist Of Songs About Specific Relationships Right Here Previously: Take Care: Drake & Rihanna’s Love Songs 14 Romantic Hip-Hop Songs For Your Significant Other Lil Wayne Recording Album Of Love Songs
Snoop Dogg Says His Football League Will Produce 50 NFL Players Within 10 Years
Snoop Dogg Says His Football League Will Produce 50 NFL Players Within 10 Years
Snoop Dogg Says His Football League Will Produce 50 NFL Players Within 10 Years
Snoop Dogg runs a youth football league in California that has produced some NFL players. Most recently former University of Oregon Ducks and newest running back for the Kansas City Chiefs De'Anthony Thomas became the latest former Snoop Youth Football League member to be drafted in the NFL. In total SYFL has ...

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