Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre: A 30-Year Brotherhood Rekindled with New Album ‘Missionary’

LOS ANGELES – In the music world, trust is key, and for Snoop Dogg, no one embodies that more than legendary producer Dr. Dre. Their collaboration, which started over 30 years ago with Snoop’s groundbreaking debut album Doggystyle, has become a cornerstone of hip-hop history.

Now, the dynamic duo is back together for Snoop Dogg’s 20th studio album, Missionary, which drops this Friday. Their bond, forged in the early days of their careers, has only grown stronger over the decades—a rare feat in the ever-evolving music industry.

Crafting Perfection with ‘Missionary’

“We were just raw talent back then, and it worked,” Snoop reflected during a recent interview, a blunt in hand. “Now, we’re seasoned professionals, fine-tuning every detail.”

The 15-track album boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Eminem, 50 Cent, Sting, Method Man, Jelly Roll, Tom Petty, and Jhené Aiko.

Snoop and Sting Collaborate on ‘Another Part of Me’

Snoop and British music icon Sting recently took the stage together on The Voice to perform Missionary’s lead single, “Another Part of Me.” The track samples The Police’s classic “Message in a Bottle,” originally written and performed by Sting in 1979.

Sting, who first met Snoop on The Voice set, said he was impressed by the rapper’s versatility. “Snoop challenged me to try something new, and I loved it,” said Sting, who also played guitar on the track.

Beyond Music: Snoop’s Expanding Empire

Snoop Dogg continues to break boundaries beyond the recording studio. From his standout role as a correspondent at the Paris Olympics to co-hosting a cooking show with Martha Stewart, Snoop has become a cultural icon.

This year alone, he launched two alcohol brands with Dr. Dre: Gin & Juice (a canned cocktail) and Still G.I.N., a premium gin inspired by the duo’s iconic track “Still D.R.E.” Additionally, Snoop and his son Cordell Broadus unveiled a thriving ice cream brand.

Snoop’s daughter, Cori Broadus, also entered the spotlight with her reality series, Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story, which premiered last week on E!.

Returning to the Studio with Dr. Dre

Despite his busy schedule, Snoop found time to return to the studio with Dr. Dre nearly two years ago to begin work on Missionary. Dre’s vision was clear: bring Snoop’s music back to the forefront.

“Dr. Dre understands my artistry like no one else,” Snoop shared. “He pushes me to deliver my best, even guiding my delivery and enunciation to perfection.”

One standout track on the album, “Now or Never,” holds deep personal significance for Snoop. Dedicated to lost loved ones, including his younger brother, the song brought him to tears during recording. “It’s a reflection of life’s bittersweet moments,” Snoop said.

Revitalizing Death Row Records

Since acquiring Death Row Records in 2022, Snoop has been on a mission to rebuild the label’s legacy. Partnering with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Records and Interscope, Missionary marks a new chapter for the once-controversial label.

Snoop has also expanded Death Row’s reach into new ventures, including a Doggystyle animated film and a partnership with Fortnite. “We’re taking Death Row to places it’s never been before,” he said.

A Journey of Growth and Wisdom

Looking back on his journey, Snoop credits pivotal moments, such as his 1996 murder trial acquittal, for shaping his perspective. “I had to make tough choices and distance myself from certain influences,” he admitted. “But those decisions gave me wisdom and longevity.”

As Snoop Dogg continues to redefine success, Missionary serves as a testament to his enduring artistry and his unbreakable bond with Dr. Dre.

Source: AP News