Since he emerged in 1992 on Dr. Dre’s Deep Cover, Snoop Dogg has become an acclaimed rapper, actor, producer, as well as an American icon. His laid-back personality and charisma have helped him crossover to mainstream America: while his acting resume has largely been centered on urban films, he has made countless appearances in such disparate mainstream venues as the NBC television show Las Vegas, the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, WrestleMania XXIV, and Orbit Gum commercials. His ubiquity sometimes overshadows his musical accomplishments, but Snoop has long been a hip-hop pioneer and legend. In no particular order, here are the best Snoop Dogg songs:
1. Nuthin’ But a “G” Thang, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, 1993
Everybody knows this song. Your mother knows this song, even if she hates it. Dre and Snoop effortlessly trading verses sent the standard for Grade A West Coast rap soaring to new heights back in 1993. It’s still fresh and goes well with any party or drive. This is easily one of the best Snoop Dogg songs every recorded.
2. Drop It Like It’s Hot, Snoop Dogg’s R&G; (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, 2004
Snoop dropped one of the catchiest songs of the past decade when he released this as a single. Thanks to the minimalist production of the Neptunes, Snoop reasserted his status in the game over this, one of the best Snoop Dogg songs, and introduced another catchphrase, the title, into the American lexicon.
3. Gin and Juice, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, 1993
Probably the best single off his debut album, this ode to hedonism proved Snoop could make hit singles without vocals from Dr. Dre. It’s been hugely influential, referenced by scores of rappers and even covered by non-hip-hop artists.
4. Deep Cover/187, Deep Cover soundtrack, 1992
This was Snoop Dogg’s introduction to the world, and is a classic example of early nineties gangsta rap. Its understated production draws attention to the lyrical content, which helps establish Snoop’s street credibility, and recaptures the feel of N.W.A.’s most compelling work.
5. Murder Was the Case, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, 1993
A departure from the rest of the songs on the debut, Murder Was the Case is a sobering look into the perils of gang life. Featuring a near-death Snoop meditating on his mistakes, and then being manipulated by the devil into yielding his eternal soul, it’s easily the most powerful record on Snoop’s debut.
6. The Next Episode, Dr. Dre’s 2001, 1999
On the heels of the last line of Nuthin’ But a “G” Thang, “So just chill, til the next episode,” it’s fitting that on Dr. Dre’s sequel to his classic The Chronic, he revisit some of the original classic material. Rather than trying to forcefully recapture the magic of the first song, Dre and Snoop create a song dissimilar in form and structure that just as easily highlights their natural chemistry and charisma, and just as strongly represents the West Coast as any of their earlier work.
7. 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted, Tupac Shakur’s All Eyez On Me
Before Death Row imploded Tupac and Snoop, were comrades-in-arms as well as labelmates, each hugely successful and popular stars, and each facing separate legal difficulties. This resulted in a excellent collaboration, with each rapper wallowing in their notoriety. The hook, featuring Tupac crooning, “Ain’t nothin but a gangster party,” married to an enjoyable up-tempo pop-sounding record make this one of the best songs in either man’s catalogue.
8. Beautiful, Snoop Dogg’s Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$, 2003
While Snoop was signed to Master P’s No Limit Records, he quickly released three albums to fulfill his contractual obligations. Those records contain a surfeit of material ranging from slightly above average to mediocre, the result of uninspired production from No Limit’s in-house producers and an uninspired Snoop, but during this time Snoop first started to work with the Neptunes and produced the lush and atypically un-misogynistic Beautiful. The falsetto hook and breezy production make this definitively one of the top 10 Snoop Dogg songs.
9. Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None), Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, 1993
If Gin and Juice is Doggystyle’s best single, then Ain’t No Fun is definitely the album’s raunchiest. Featuring Kurupt, Warren G, and Nate Dogg, the four trade lascivious verses over a breezy up-tempo Dr. Dre beat. Snoop easily outshines them all. What makes it one of the best Snoop Dogg songs is how unadulterated and carefree it is. It’s definitely not for the prudish listener, but it exemplifies Snoop Dogg doing what he does best: making catchy and lascivious music.
10. What’s My Name, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, 1993
On the first single of his debut album, Snoop dazzles with tongue-twisting slang-filled rhymes as he celebrates his success, and wallows in machismo. It holds up well to this day, which is one of the reasons why it is one of the top 10 Snoop Dogg songs. The other two are Snoop’s mic presence and the catchinessof Dre’s beat.
Honorable Mentions
These songs didn’t make the cut, but are still among the best Snoop Dogg songs ever recorded.
• Sexual Eruption, Ego Trippin’
• Lay Low, The Last Meal
• Vapors, Tha Doggfather
• Doggy Dogg World, Doggystyle
• Bang Out, R&G; (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece
• Vato, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
• Candy, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
• Gz and Hustlas, Doggystyle
• Wanted Dead or Alive, Gridlock’d soundtrack
• Lil’ Ghetto Boy, The Chronic
• F— Wit Dre Day, The Chronic
