West Coast hip-hop icon Daz Dillinger joined All The Smoke for a candid conversation about his storied career, his behind-the-scenes influence on Death Row Records’ golden era, and his transition from music to entrepreneurship.
In the hour-long episode, the legendary producer and member of Tha Dogg Pound opened up about everything from early studio sessions with Dr. Dre and Tupac to reclaim ownership of his catalog decades later.
One of the most notable takeaways from the interview was Daz’s announcement that he recently regained publishing rights to some of his most recognizable work. Through copyright reversion laws, he now receives royalties for classic tracks he helped create including seminal records like “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha.” The legal victory marks a turning point in the long fight for ownership by many West Coast pioneers.
Daz reflected on his early years in the studio, starting at age 16 when he worked on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. He credited both Dre and Warren G as early mentors in music production. The conversation included details about his creative process, often starting with drums before layering basslines and melodies, as well as the collaborative energy that defined in-person sessions during the 1990s.
He recalled his work with Tupac Shakur, noting that their catalog includes dozens of unreleased songs. He also discussed producing several landmark tracks such as “Ain’t No Fun” and “Murder Was the Case,” along with his role in shaping Doggystyle and other West Coast staples.
Beyond the music, Daz addressed personal tensions and family dynamics, including his long but fractured relationship with Snoop Dogg, his cousin. He explained how their fallout lasted over a decade, rooted in personal matters following the loss of his mother. Despite past differences, his ties to figures like Kurupt, Brandy, and Ray J underscore his deep roots in both the music and entertainment industries.
The episode also featured stories from his time at Death Row Records, including a dramatic moment involving master tapes being switched out, a glimpse into the intensity and control struggles within the label at the time.
In recent years, Daz has shifted his focus to real estate and construction. Now based in Georgia, he spoke about his ventures in tax-delinquent property auctions and residential contracting. He’s developed themed Airbnb properties, including what he calls the “Dog Pound Museum Resort”, featuring villas named after West Coast legends like Snoop, Ice Cube, and Tupac.
His business strategy emphasizes financial literacy, long-term planning, and the importance of understanding the legal and tax sides of entertainment.
When it comes to the current state of hip-hop, Daz shared observations on how things have changed, particularly in how artists handle public feuds. Where past conflicts often led to in-person confrontations, he sees today’s disputes as more online and performative.
He also commented on the rise of artists like Kendrick Lamar and expressed support for those continuing to evolve West Coast sound and identity. Still, he maintained that foundational voices from the region often go underappreciated, in part due to their business independence and low-profile lifestyles.
Now balancing his music with business, Daz is preparing the release of a new album, a follow-up to Retaliation, Revenge, and Get Back. He also shared reflections on raising his daughter, Jasmine Dion, who is beginning her own journey in music, and on his desire to keep giving back to his community while building a sustainable future.
