House of Music

Snoop Dogg

Missionary

Death Row

Release Date: December 13th, 2024

Album Review by Arik Ruiz

Snoop Dogg has never been one to rest on his laurels, nor has he allowed his extensive back catalog to overshadow his future ambitions. Over the course of the 21st century, he has embarked on numerous projects, both musical and beyond, cementing his position as a beloved figure in American pop culture. Fresh off an electrifying appearance at the Paris Olympics, his latest album, Missionary, taps into his roots. The title serves as a deliberate nod to his legendary debut, Doggystyle, and reunites him with longtime collaborator Dr. Dre as producer. This album is a clear tribute to his fans, delivering one of his most cohesive records in two decades.

For anyone familiar with Snoop’s style, Missionary offers exactly what you’d expect: pure West Coast hip-hop infused with rubbery beats and his signature playful delivery. True to form, the album is brimming with marijuana references, with Snoop fully embracing the cartoonish elements of his persona and making them his own.

There’s plenty to savor here. Early standouts like “Shangri-La” and “Outta Da Blue” hit hard, the latter featuring a clever interpolation of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes.” Method Man makes a memorable appearance on “Skyscrapers,” a standout collaboration between two hip-hop legends. “Now Or Never” boasts an impressive feature from BJ The Chicago Kid, while the introspective “Last Dance With Mary Jane” cleverly riffs off Tom Petty’s classic to explore Snoop’s enduring love affair with cannabis.

The production is equally noteworthy. Now firmly established as a music mogul and industry titan, Dr. Dre crafts impeccable beats, weaving in nuanced sonic details. Tracks like “Gorgeous” feature gritty, unfiltered West Coast funk, while “Gangsta Pose” radiates pure confidence and no-nonsense energy. However, not every track hits its mark. “Gunz N Smoke” boasts a stellar lineup of guest artists, including 50 Cent and Eminem, but their contributions feel underwhelming. Similarly, the Sting sample on “Another Part Of Me” seems out of place amidst the album’s overall sonic landscape.

Even so, such criticisms feel minor in the grand scheme of things. Over the years, Snoop Dogg’s relentless creativity has yielded both hits and occasional missteps, with some albums veering into experimental territory, like his ventures into reggae and gospel. But on Missionary, his partnership with Dr. Dre across the album’s entirety brings out the best in him. The result is a masterclass in classic hip-hop, reminding us why Snoop remains one of the most iconic voices in the genre.

I would give this 3/4 stars.