In Episode 139 of the R&B Money Podcast, Snoop Dogg steps into the spotlight alongside hosts Tank and J. Valentine, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into his musical evolution. Known for his iconic hip-hop career, Snoop dives into the R&B influences that shaped his sound, offering new insights into his childhood, rise to fame, and the profound impact of soul music.
Raised on a steady diet of classic R&B by his mother in the 1970s, Snoop reveals that his musical journey began long before he became a rap legend. He recalls learning piano, singing in church, and being encouraged by his aunt and grandmother to nurture his musical talents. “I was raised with a love for R&B, and it has always been a major part of my sound,” Snoop shares. His early exposure to gospel and soul music laid the foundation for what would later influence his unique style in hip-hop.
Though his musical roots were grounded in R&B, Snoop’s path to rap wasn’t straightforward. At the age of 12, he began rapping under the name “Snoop Rock ski,” a nod to The Fat Boys’ Kool Rock. After years of trying to break into the industry, he finally landed a record deal at 19, despite facing rejections from labels that didn’t see him as the next DJ Quik.
One of the key turning points in Snoop’s career came when Warren G helped him get his demo into the hands of Dr. Dre. Snoop had to choose between collaborating with Above the Law or Dre, and he made the career-defining decision to align himself with the West Coast legend. That decision would propel him into the spotlight and forever change his musical trajectory.
Snoop speaks with reverence about how West Coast hip-hop incorporated rich R&B elements, giving tracks on The Chronic and Doggystyle a distinct musical foundation. For Snoop, the inclusion of talented vocalists and musicians played a key role in creating the signature sound that resonated across genres.
Reflecting on his early success, Snoop recalls the rough moments that made him appreciate his eventual rise. One of his most memorable career highlights was performing at the 1993 Soul Train Awards with Dr. Dre in a lowrider, receiving recognition from legends like Anita Baker and Quincy Jones. He also recalls the challenges he faced while recording The Chronic, including struggles with rent and living in a cramped Hollywood apartment. Despite these hardships, Snoop’s resilience led to his breakthrough, with his first hit single “Deep Cover” marking the beginning of his rise.
Snoop’s career has been far from linear, marked by both triumphs and dark periods. He opens up about the chaotic 7-day tour he did with Onyx, Run DMC, and the Ghetto Boys, a time filled with pressures and conflicts. The release of The Chronic and Doggystyle would bring new highs, but Snoop also faced personal challenges, including a murder charge in 1993 that influenced much of his music. Through it all, Snoop’s ability to shift his narrative and manifest a positive future shines through, with songs like “Doggy Land” marking a prophetic shift toward personal and professional growth.
As an actor, Snoop opened up about his role in Training Day and the challenges of portraying a character drastically different from his own personality. He also reflects on the professionalism he brings to his acting, including memorizing his co-stars’ lines and delivering his scenes with precision. His willingness to learn and grow in Hollywood showcases the depth of his versatility.
In one of the more surprising revelations, Snoop shares how he bought Death Row Records, aiming to bring new life to the label while staying true to its hip-hop roots. His first project with the label was an R&B album featuring artists like Raphael Saadiq and Miguel, marking a significant departure from the label’s gangsta rap legacy. “It was time to evolve,” Snoop explains, reflecting on the role of R&B in shaping both his music and his label’s future.
During their conversation, Snoop expresses gratitude for his career and all the opportunities that came his way. He credits his mother for instilling in him a positive outlook on life and his commitment to spreading good energy, even in the face of challenges and much more.
