Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Born in Long Beach, California in 1971, Snoop Dogg began his music career in the early 1990s, rising to fame with his debut album “Doggystyle” in 1993.
Snoop Dogg has since released several more successful albums, including “Tha Doggfather” and “Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss.” He is known for his smooth flow, laid-back style, and catchy hooks. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Dr. Dre and Tupac to Katy Perry and Wiz Khalifa.
In addition to his music career, Snoop Dogg has also made appearances in films and television shows, including “Training Day” and “Starsky & Hutch.” He is also known for his advocacy work, including his support of legalizing marijuana and his efforts to address gun violence.
Snoop Dogg is considered one of the most influential and successful rappers of all time, and has been honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including several Grammy nominations. He remains a prominent figure in popular culture, known for his talent, charisma, and dedication to his craft. Snoop Dogg has also been praised for his ability to evolve with the times while staying true to his roots, making him a revered figure in the music industry.
1. “Beautiful” ft. Pharrell
This Snoop Dogg classic featuring Pharrell, an instant hit upon release, holds its place among his best works. With an up-tempo beat and a smooth hook, “Beautiful” boasts Pharrell’s signature production style on top of Snoop’s rhythmic flow. The lyrics speak to the beauty of life and love in a way that sounds relatable yet aspirational for listeners. On top of charting worldwide and grabbing several award nominations, the song's message of positivity continues to touch people today.
Interestingly, "Beautiful" wasn't initially part of Snoop's 2002 album "Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss," from which it became a single release; rather, it served as part of the soundtrack to Binnes & Noble bookstores' AOL-released sessions CDs. The music video directed by Chris Robinson adds a colorful backdrop to the track with visuals from Rio De Janeiro's Carnival.
Pro Tip: Check out other collaborations between these two artists like "Drop It Like It's Hot," which also topped charts.
Listening to 'Murder Was the Case' is like watching a horror movie, except scarier because it's based on a true story.
2. “Murder Was the Case“
One of Snoop Dogg’s most popular songs is a storytelling masterpiece about murder. This track portrays the rapper as a victim who was shot, and he reflects on his life and decisions that led to his near-death experience. With a haunting piano melody in the background, "Murder Was the Case" tells a chilling tale of violence and survival, cementing Snoop Dogg as one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop history.
The lyrics are raw and intense, with vivid descriptions of gunshots, hospitals, and fear. Snoop Dogg’s delivery is masterful, switching between mournful reflections and aggressive defiance. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with the phrase "murder was the case that they gave me" becoming iconic in pop culture.
What makes this song so impactful is how it puts a human face on gang violence. Instead of glorifying or condemning violent acts, Snoop Dogg paints a nuanced picture of the consequences of such actions. He shows how even those who participate in such violence can be victims themselves.
Overall, "Murder Was the Case" is an essential song in Snoop Dogg’s discography and remains relevant today for its commentary on gang culture and humanizing narratives of violence. To fully appreciate its impact, listeners should take time to analyze the lyrics and study Snoop Dogg’s flow to see why this song transcends time.
Pour yourself a glass of gin and juice and let Snoop Dogg take you on a funky ride with his hit track.
3. “Gin and Juice“
Snoop Dogg's classic hit 'Gin and Juice' showcases his smooth flow and gangsta rap style. The song was released in 1994 as the second single from his debut album 'Doggystyle'. It enjoyed commercial success, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
For a more detailed analysis of 'Gin and Juice', refer to the table below:
| Release Date | November 21, 1994 |
| Album | Doggystyle |
| Label | Death Row Records |
| Genre | West Coast hip hop |
| Length | 3:31 |
| Songwriters | Snoop Dogg, Daz Dillinger |
| Producers | Dr. Dre, Daz Dillinger |
One unique detail about the song is its significance in West Coast hip-hop culture and its impact on popular music. Another notable fact is that G-funk-influenced instrumentals mixed with Snoop Dogg's laid-back lyrics creates a memorable listening experience.
Pro Tip: Turn up the bass to appreciate the gritty instrumentals of this classic track.
Snoop Dogg might have forgotten his own name at some point, but we never will thanks to this classic track.
4. “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)“
This song, which can also be referred to as “What’s My Name?”, is one of Snoop Dogg’s most iconic work. The track was released in 1993 as the first lead single from Snoop Dogg's debut album "Doggy style". It remains a fan favourite due to its catchy and rhythmic beat that seamlessly blends with his smooth West Coast flow.
"Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)“ is based on Snoop Dogg's personal experience. He talks about his rough upbringing in Long Beach, California, and how he transitioned from being a drug dealer to eventually becoming a well-known rapper. With the song's infectious chorus repeating, "Snoop Doggy, Dogg," it has become a staple of '90s hip hop music.
A fun fact about this hit was that it was produced by Dr. Dre who also introduced Snoop Dogg into the industry. This collaboration fast-tracked Snoop's success in the game and established him as one of the rap legends of all time.
Snoop Dogg drops it like it's hot, but I'll be dropping these one-liners like they're even hotter.
5. “Drop It Like It’s Hot“
This entry on the list is the widely recognized “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” a song known for its catchy beats and lyrics. Released in 2004, it quickly became Snoop Dogg's most successful single, staying at No. 1 for three weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features Pharrell Williams, who was also the producer and co-writer of this hit number.
The groovy rap style accompanied by Pharrell’s smooth vocals makes this song an instant classic. The beat was created with an unconventional approach using mouth clicks instead of drums, and it proved to be the right formula to make it a smash hit that dominated radios everywhere.
One unique aspect of “Drop It Like It’s Hot” is how the phrase has become popular slang globally; it refers to dancing or partying wildly or doing something with enthusiasm. Even beyond music circles, people use this phrase as a form of expression.
To get the full effect of this track, we recommend listening to it on quality speakers that allow you to hear every detail— from every snap and click in the beat to each word uttered by Snoop and Pharrell.
So, next time you want to dance or party wildly, "drop it like it's hot" while humming along with one of Snoop Dogg's greatest hits!
Roll me up and pass me over, because this collaboration between Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg is the joint we've been waiting for.
6. “Roll Me Up” (Willie Nelson ft. Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson)
This particular track features Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson collaborating over a calm, rhythmic beat. In the song, they all talk about their shared love for smoking cannabis. Snoop Dogg's verse includes references to Bob Marley and how he has 'got it going on' due to his smoking habits. The track also has a prominent focus on social commentary with each artist talking about different social issues.
Interestingly, the song was rolled up in response to the federal government's announcement that they would be cracking down on medical marijuana dispensaries in California. Willie Nelson's camp convinced everyone involved in the song that it would be essential to speak up about this issue through their music. The result of their collaboration is an impactful tune that highlights both the joys and struggles of being an advocate of cannabis legalization.
With 'Life of Da Party,' Snoop proves he's not just a rapper, but also an expert in throwing epic soirées.
7. “Life of Da Party“
With groovy beats and catchy lyrics, it highlights the party life, luxury cars and living an extravagant life. It has been popular on dance floors since its release. Another interesting fact: "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece" was Snoop's fifth studio album, released under Geffen Records in association with Doggystyle Records and Star Trak Entertainment label.
Even aliens couldn't resist grooving to Snoop's 'Signs', proving that his music truly is out of this world.
8. “Signs”
This hit song made its mark in 2004 and is marked as one of Snoop Dogg's top tracks. "Signs" features Justin Timberlake and Charlie Wilson, bringing a unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul to the scene. The beat combined with Snoop's lyrics captivate listeners and encourage them to groove along. This chart-topping masterpiece solidified Snoop's place as a hip-hop force to be reckoned with.
Expanding on the song's influence, "Signs" still resonates with music enthusiasts today due to its acclaimed beat composition along with captivating lyrics about love and relationships. This track showcases a different side of Snoop Dogg while adapting his unique style to produce an unmatched sound for its time.
For those who haven't heard this song yet, it’s definitely worth listening to for an unparalleled musical experience. With a beautiful blend of genres and Snoop Dogg's signature vibe, it leaves an unforgettable impression on listeners.
Don't miss out on this incredible piece of art; Hear out Snoop Dogg's 'Signs' featuring Justin Timberlake and Charlie Wilson now!
Listen to 'Young, Wild and Free' and you'll feel like a teenager again, minus the acne and awkward phase.
9. “Young, Wild and Free”
One of Snoop Dogg's most popular songs is a collaboration with Wiz Khalifa titled "Young, Wild and Free". It is a laid-back anthem about embracing life's pleasures, such as smoking weed and partying. The track was released in 2011 as part of the soundtrack for the film "Mac & Devin Go to High School" and quickly became a hit, reaching the top five on multiple charts.
"Young, Wild and Free" features a catchy hook sung by Bruno Mars that captures the spirit of carefree youth. Snoop Dogg delivers smooth verses with his trademark laid-back flow while Wiz Khalifa adds his energetic sound to the mix. It also includes an iconic line from Snoop Dogg: "So what we get drunk? So what we smoke weed? We’re just having fun, we don’t care who sees".
Interestingly, the song's music video features comedic actor Mike Epps as a substitute teacher trying to keep Snoop and Wiz in check. The video has amassed over 450 million views on YouTube so far.
It's worth noting that "Young, Wild and Free" was not without controversy. Some criticized it for promoting a lazy lifestyle and glamorizing drug use among young people. However, Snoop Dogg defended it as just having fun and living life on one's terms.
(Source: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8456174/snoop-dogg-songs-best-hits-list)
Snoop Dogg knows how to make the ladies swoon, and he does it with more than just his rap skills in "Sexual Eruption".
10. “Sexual Eruption” (AKA “Sensual Seduction“)
This track goes by various titles including “Sensual Seduction” and was released in 2007. It is part of Snoop Dogg’s album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. This catchy song brings a unique flavor of funk to the rap scene as it samples elements from various classic songs such as Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye and I Wanna Rock by Luke. This song is an excellent mix of chill vibes mixed with Snoop’s rhythmic flow.
Listeners have noted that the music video for this hit was particularly entertaining, with its nod to the 80s retro style, rotating sets, and slow-motion visuals. The melody bridged generations and appealed to fans both old and new, securing its spot among Snoop's greatest hits.
What sets this single apart from other Snoop tracks is the chorus that depicts a memorable story intertwined with an infectious melody that can linger on for days after just one listen.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
