Categories
Reviews Snoop Dogg

Snoop Lion – Reincarnated album review

“There’s so much death and destruction and mayhem in music…we losing so many great musicians and we don’t love ’em while they’re here. I wanna be loved while I’m here and the only way to get love is to give love.”

Listening to the brief intro of Snoop Dogg’s latest lifestyle project Reincarnated, it appears he knows the first thing on the listener’s mind: What is this about exactly?

Calvin Broadus has worn numerous hats over the years, from LA Crip to Pimp to Slangologist to Father/Football Coach, all the while staying remarkably true to himself. He’s like the charismatic actor who doesn’t play a role, he plays himself in the role, and makes sure you don’t forget it’s spelled S-N-O-O-P D-O-G-G.

When news spread that he changed his name to Snoop Lion though, it seemed to many like either a gimmick that would be over as soon as it lost it’s cache or finally a sign of him “jumping the shark’. Why does the gangster rap forefather want to suddenly turn his ever present blunt into a peace pipe?

Is Snoop’s desire to be loved while he’s still here the primary reason for his transformation? The answer is no. This album’s perspective before anything else is genuine, which counts for something. The contentment and belief in his voice can be heard with every Wiz Khalifa inspired croon on the 16 track project.

There are no hypocritical moments, no street songs that can be justified by “duality”, just the new Snoop’s desire to bring music from the heart of Kingston to the rest of the world. The album stays true to itself sonically, going from Summery grooves such as “So Long” and “The Good Good” to Dubstep on “Boulevard”. The production is top notch throughout, setting the tone that it’s not about a rapper doing reggae inspired songs, it’s full on deserving of the Reggae categorization.

Lyrically, Snoop spends most of his time basking in the glory of a simple existence: weed smoke, self awareness and love for himself and humanity. The hook of Lighters Up is the mission statement, as Lion pleads for the listener to “put your lighters up, get high with me, fly with me, ain’t no dividing us”.

The features on the album keep the ride smooth (aside from an awkward Miley Cyrus collab). From Angela Hunte’s pleasant vocals on three tracks, to Mavado and Jordan Blakkamoore’s rugged island grumbles, Snoop did a good job of making sure his co-pilots helped represent the hallmarks of the genre in ways that he wasn’t vocally capable.

The fault of this album is most exemplified with his duet “Tired of Running” with Akon. When Snoop’s not praising the almighty, he’s not doing much else. What makes the best Reggae everlasting is the social commentary, and much like in his Hip-Hop career, Snoop treads relatively light on substance here. On an album celebrating spiritual awakening, one would think a song called “Tired of Running” would evoke all types of candor from someone who was a key player in the most violent period in Hip-Hop history, instead it’s a bit of a paint by numbers tale of a person in jail reflecting on their past.

There is nothing wrong with an attempt at substance, especially from a king of the lowest common denominators, but perhaps Snoop Lion can stick around and truly delve into the societal conflict that makes the Rasta life so much of a pleasant alternative.

Categories
Press Releases Snoop Dogg

Snoop Lion Drops New Track and Video Explaining “No Guns Allowed”

SNOOP LION EXPLAINS THE MOTIVATION FOR “NO GUNS ALLOWED” IN NEW

BEHIND THE SONG VIDEO

Today, Snoop Lion releases an exclusive “Behind The Song” video, in which he sheds light on his motivation and message behind his recently released single “No Guns Allowed,” featuring Drake and daughter Cori B.

Going back seven years when he had a run in with the law for gun possession, Snoop explains the danger he had put his family in and from then on – vowed to change his lifestyle. With this record and album, Snoop set out to not only educate the world about reggae but spread the message of what the music is all about: Love, Unity and Positivity — which underscores the entire REINCARNATED project. REINCARNATED the film is out in theaters now, go to SnoopLion.com for more information.

SNOOP LION RELEASES NEW SINGLE

“NO GUNS ALLOWED” FROM REINCARNATED NON-VIOLENCE ANTHEM FEATURES DRAKE AND DAUGHTER CORI B

Earlier this week, Snoop Lion released a new track off his highly anticipated reggae and dancehall themed album REINCARNATED, called “No Guns Allowed” featuring Drake and daughter Cori B.

Snoop Lion debuted “No Guns Allowed” on national TV last week alongside his daughter Cori B on CONAN and has also appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan, The Tavis Smiley Show and Real Time with Bill Maher to speak out on the importance of non-violence in today’s society. The track will be available for purchase on April 2nd via iTunes and will serve as the instant grat track to pre-order the REINCARNATED album.

Categories
Videos

Snoop Lion Premieres First Official Music Video “La La La” from Reincarnated Project

Yesterday, Snoop Lion released the official music video for “La La La”, the first single from his forthcoming Reincarnated album. Snoop Lion teamed up with acclaimed horror film director Eli Roth to create a fun, Halloween inspired music video filled with kids in Halloween costumes and imaginative scenery.

Fans also got a special Halloween treat last night as “La La La” debuted above the Las Vegas strip on the world’s largest LED screen (Harmon Corner’s LED/ Harmon Ave & Las Vegas Blvd), on top of Eli Roth’s multi-leveled horror maze, the GORETORIUM. This is the first music video ever played on the Harmon Corner LED screen!!

Categories
Videos

Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa & Game – Purp & Yellow video

The official music video trailer for the upcoming Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa & Game “Purp & Yellow” LA Leakers SKEETOX Remix. Video premiering soon on Skee.TV! Video showcases some of the Los Angeles Lakers as well including Ron Artest, Matt Barnes, & Shannon Brown, plus DJ Skee & the LA Leakers, Sour Milk & Justin Credible. Directed by Matt Alonzo/Skee.TV

Categories
Press Releases

Multi-platinum Rapper/Producer, Daz Dillinger, To Release New Album, “D.A.Z.”, Featuring Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg

Multi-platinum Rapper/Producer, Daz Dillinger, To Release New Album, “D.A.Z.”, Featuring Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg

* * * * * * * * *
Daz Dillinger of Tha Dogg Pound, Readies New Album For April, “D.A.Z.”, Featuring Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg And More

Former Death Row Records and So So Def recording artist, multi-platinum producer and original Dogg Pound member, Daz Dillinger, will release a brand new solo album in April, entitled “D.A.Z. (Destruction Adds up to Zero)”. The album will feature guest appearances from Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, W.C., Kurupt and more.

With many critically acclaimed albums under his belt, the Long Beach-born rapper recently revealed that the new album, will be a return to the classic West Coast sound. The first single, “D.A.Z.”, will be serviced shortly.

Along with Kurupt, Nate Dogg, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Daz Dillinger revolutionised a sound in the early 90s. His contributions to the legendary albums, Chronic and Doggystyle, quickly established him as one of the most deadliest gangsta rappers/producers on the West Coast. In ’95, Tha Dogg Pound’s (Daz and Kurupt) heavily-anticipated debut Dogg Food, moved nearly 300,000 units in its first week and shot to the number one spot on the Billboard charts. 2Pac then chose Daz as one of the lead producers for All Eyez On Me. He went on to become Death Row’s main producer, producing Snoop’s Tha Doggfather album amongst others, and releasing his successful debut solo album Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back, which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 in ’98.

Following the departure of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, the death of 2Pac, and the imprisonment of Suge Knight, Death Row suddenly lost its momentum – Yet Daz Dillinger’s career as a producer still flourished working with artists ranging from Black Eyed Peas, to the South’s King, T.I.. Later signing with Jermaine Dupri at So So Def in 2006, releasing the album So So Gangsta, which debuted at number 35.

Distributed both digitally and physically, the upcoming new album “D.A.Z. (Destruction Adds up to Zero)” will be laced with 14 banging new tracks produced by Daz himself, and Ivan Johnson, with the exception of “I’m Cool On U” featuring Crystal and MacShawn100, produced by Tha Chill. Other tracks will include, “DPG-4-LIFE”, “G-Spot”, “Set It Off” featuring Snoop Dogg, “Don’t U Eva 4 Get” featuring W.C. and Soopafly, “No Hand Outs Or Favors” featuring Sly Boogy, and “Iz U Ready 2 Die” featuring Ice Cube.

“D.A.Z. (Destruction Adds up to Zero)” out in April, on Dogg Pound Records.

Categories
2pac/Tupac 50 cent Press Releases Snoop Dogg

SNOOP DOGG, TUPAC SHAKUR, & DR.DRE GIVE THE Ultimate Death Row Fan Something TO CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SNOOP DOGG, TUPAC SHAKUR, & DR.DRE in the biggest unreleased box set of 2009

SNOOP DOGG, TUPAC SHAKUR, & DR.DRE GIVE THE Ultimate Death Row Fan Something TO CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SNOOP DOGG, TUPAC SHAKUR, & DR.DRE in the biggest unreleased box set of 2009

The late Tupac Shakur, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Dr. Dre join 50-Cent and Alicia Keys with the high profile releases scheduled to hit shelves on November 24, 2009. Today, Death Row Records confirmed the release of the “Ultimate Death Row Collection” in preparation for this holiday season. The ultimate collector’s edition is a collaboration of platinum selling hits from legendary Death Row artists Tupac Shakur, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre and more. The 3 discs set features 60 tracks from Death Row artist packaged with a DVD of popular music videos, unreleased footage, and a limited addition Death Row T-Shirt. The box set boasts 20 unreleased tracks from Snoop Dogg, Danny Boy, Kurupt, Dogg Pound, OFTB, The Lady of Rage, Crooked I and more. Legendary hits from the nineties such as “How do you want it”, “California Love”, and “Nuttin but a G-Thing”, show up amongst other Billboard topping tracks. This release follows this years highly anticipated albums The Chronic Re-Lit and Snoop Dogg’s Lost Sessions Vol.1. “I’m very proud of this collection. We’ve re-mastered a mix of classic tracks recently discovered in our vault. This is authentic Death Row.” commented WIDEawake / Death Row SR. VP John Payne

Tracklisting:

DISCS 01

1. California Love – 2pac/Dr. Dre
2. Nuthin But A G Thang – Dr. Dre
3. Gin and Juice – Snoop Doggy Dogg
4. How Do You Want It – 2pac
5. Dre Day – Dr. Dre
6. Who Am I – Snoop Doggy Dogg
7. Regulate – Warren G
8. I Ain’t Mad At Cha – 2pac
9. Let Me Ride – Dr. Dre
10. Doggy Dogg World – Snoop Doggy Dogg
11. 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted – 2pac / Snoop Doggy Dogg
12. To Live and Die In LA – Makaveli
13. Murder Was The Case – Snoop Doggy Dogg
14. New York, New York – Tha Dogg Pound
15. Afro Puffs – Lady of Rage

DISCS 02

1. 6 Shooter – The LBC Crew
2. Everybody Needs To Slow Down – Kurupt
3. With Me Tonight – Jewell, Storm
4. Sticky Situation – J.Flexx
5. Rock, Roll, & Bounce – Danny Boy
6. Consider Me – Sixx Feet Deep
7. That Was Then This Is Now – OFTB, Kurupt, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Big Pimpin’
8. All Eyez On Me – 2pac
9. I Dont Care What The People Say – Tha Dogg Pound
10. These Reasons – Kurupt
11. Aint Got No Time – OFTB
12. Doggystyle 1996 – The LBC Crew, Warren G, Snoop Doggy Dogg
13. Sunday – Big Pimpin’
14. Super Ho – Lil C-Style, Snoop Doggy Dogg
15. Never Had A Friend Like Me – 2pac

DISCS 03

1. Do It Again – Crooked I
2. All We Do – Swoop G
3. So In Love – Danny Boy
4. “Spit Game” by Petey Pablo
5. Natural Born Killaz – Dr. Dre, Ice Cube
6. 187 – Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre
7. Black Diamond – Jewell
8. It Might Sound Crazy (Remix) – Daz Dillinger, Too Short
9. Big Pimpin’ – Tha Dogg Pound
10. Caught Up In The Game – Doobie, Danny Boy
11. Midnite Hour – Lady of Rage
12. Aint No Trippin – Soopafly
13. Aint No Fun – Snoop Doggy Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt
14. Real Thugs – Crooked I
15. This Type Of Flow – Soopafly

Categories
Articles

Top 5: Hip-Hop Protégés

Snoop Dogg

Snoop D-O-double-G has been around for so long that it’s hard to imagine him being the protégé of anyone. He is, though. Way back in the early nineties, Cordazar Calvin Broadus was fresh out of high school and a couple of convictions of cocaine trafficking. His freestyle over an old En Vogue song somehow made its way to The Dr. Dre’s ears, and after an audition, Snoop Doggy Dogg found a home at Death Row Records. He certainly has a thing for doctors, as he not only caught the attention of Dr. Dre, but also The D.O.C. (from gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A.), who gave him pointers on how to craft some good rap. Random fact: Snoop is a spokesperson for “Chronic Candy,” made in Switzerland and tastes like… you guessed it: marijuana. On second thought, maybe that’s not so random.

Eminem

Probably the most famous protégé in the history of hip-hop, Eminem made a huge name for not only himself when his Slim Shady and Marshall Mathers LPs came out, but also Dr. Dre, the man who seems to be some kind of talent magnet. That or he just knows how to pick those rappers; thanks to Em, his label, Aftermath Records, found its biggest star, and with Dr. Dre producing the bulk of his albums, Eminem became the rapper that you and your mom knew about. In any case, Eminem’s undying obsession with controversy ensured that music listeners will always be likewise obsessed with Slim Shady – and how could we not? It’s not everyday that a non-African-American rapper has the power to shock you like no gangsta rap has ever done.

50 Cent

From one rapper with an eye for talent to another, Eminem must’ve been taught well by Dr. Dre because when he picked up 50 Cent, he got Aftermath Records another multi-platinum superstar rapper. A little know fact about 50 is that he had some help before Eminem and Dre came along; Jam Master Jay was technically his first mentor in the art of writing songs. After 50 Cent got shot in the infamous nine-bullet-wound incident, one of his CDs found its way into Eminem’s hands, he got flown out for an audition… and everyone knows what happened after that. The lesson here? If you want to make it big you’ve got to go straight to the top – that’s where the people with the jets are.

Drake

You might know him as that guy in the wheelchair from that Degrassi show, but apparently, Aubrey “Drake” Graham raps even better than he acts. Actually, it might have something to do with the producers of his show getting rid of the entire cast, but that’s a different story. After working on a bunch of mixtapes in his early career, Drake finally ended up on Lil Wayne’s Young Money label, and was (still is, probably) one of the most hyped Canadian rappers in a long, long time. It remains to be seen if Lil Wayne, his mentor who’s pretty young himself, can pull a Dr. Dre, but given how Drake is doing on the charts, the chances look pretty good.

Danja

Rappers aside, one of the biggest protégés in hip-hop music has to be “Danjahandz,” or simply Danja, who’s been the perfect student for Timbaland. This record producer has worked with Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Lloyd Banks, T.I., and of course, Timbaland himself, picking up a couple of Grammys along the way. Stepping out of his mentor’s shadow though, Danja’s experience with piano and drums sets him apart from other beat-makers who go completely digital and forgo their instruments, and this strategy earns him at least 50k per track at the last count. Not too shabby.

Categories
Press Releases

EA SPORTS PRESENTS NBA LIVE 10 MIXTAPE HOSTED BY DJ MICK BOOGIE Featuring De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, B.o.B, Dead Prez, Afrika Bambaataa & more

EA SPORTS PRESENTS NBA LIVE 10 MIXTAPE HOSTED BY DJ MICK BOOGIE Featuring De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, B.o.B, Dead Prez, Afrika Bambaataa & more

NBA LIVE 10 In Stores 10/6/09

EA SPORTS(TM) NBA LIVE 10 is partnering up with renowned DJ/Producer Mick Boogie to host the NBA LIVE 10 mixtape. The mixtape brings together the hottest tracks from the NBA LIVE 10 soundtrack to consumers on October 6, 2009, and can be downloaded at www.NBALiveMixtape.com

The mixtape features a collection of songs from the soundtrack, including never before heard tracks from 88 Keys, Afrika Bambaataa, B.o.B, David Banner, De La Soul, Dead Prez, Matt & Kim, Murs, Pete Rock, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Zion I and more.

Additionally, three NBA Live 10 exclusive tracks will be available at www.NBALiveMixtape.com in support of the video game release. These songs will also be available for download The first track will be Mick Boogie feat. Kidz In The Hall, Donnis & Daytona “Class Of Our Own,” available for download September 28, 2009.

Followed by Mickey Factz & B.o.B. “Mind Got Blown,” on September 30, 2009 and the third song will be De La Soul “La La La,” on October 2, 2009.

The NBA LIVE 10 video game will be released on October 6th and features several innovations to the core gameplay experience and online game modes. The groundbreaking Dynamic DNA service, driven by Synergy Sports Technology, will make a return in NBA LIVE 10, with significant improvements that will allow players to connect their game to the NBA season like never before.

The NBA LIVE franchise has graced multiple generations of consoles for over 15 years, and has sold more than 35 million units lifetime. The game will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information, log onto www.easports/nbalive10.com.

Categories
DJ Drama Press Releases

DJ DRAMA RETURNS WITH ALL-STAR COLLECTION; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” BLENDS WORLD FAMOUS DJ’S MIXTAPE STYLE WITH ORIGINAL TRACKS; AMONG THE SPECIAL GUESTS ARE T.I., SNOOP DOGG, AKON, FLO RIDA, GUCCI MANE, TREY SONGZ, AND BUN B; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” IS OUT NOW

DRAMA RETURNS WITH ALL-STAR COLLECTION; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” BLENDS WORLD FAMOUS DJ’S MIXTAPE STYLE WITH ORIGINAL TRACKS; AMONG THE SPECIAL GUESTS ARE T.I., SNOOP DOGG, AKON, FLO RIDA, GUCCI MANE, TREY SONGZ, AND BUN B; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” IS OUT NOW

Aphilliates/Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist Drama has announced this week’s release of his eagerly anticipated new album, “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2.” The collection – which features the banging hit single, “Day Dreaming (Feat. Akon, Snoop Dogg, and T.I.)” – is available in stores and online now.

The ATL-based Drama is known far and wide for his legendary “Gangsta Grillz” mixtapes. “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” continues in the same flowing formula as 2007’s “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM,” with all-new original material that gathers together a veritable who’s-who of modern hip-hop. Among the rap icons included are Flo Rida, Gucci Mane, Trey Songz, LA the Darkman, OJ Da Juiceman, Bun-B, Nas, Ludacris, The-Dream, Busta Rhymes, Too $hort, Lil Boosie, Yo Gotti, and Willie the Kid. Production comes from such studio luminaries as Drumma Boy, Zaytoven, and Affiliates in-house beat maker V12 Da Hitman.

“This album broadens the movement and just brings good music to the table,” says Drama. “With the albums, mixtapes and artists, I’m keeping the music alive for those who are coming up under us and representing hip-hop. I don’t want to make it too complicated. It’s just about giving everybody something to ride to and giving them what they want.”

“Day Dreaming (Feat. Akon, Snoop Dogg, and T.I.)” has proven a major Urban radio success, while the track’s companion video clip is in rotation at BET. The album’s new single, “Ridiculous (Feat. Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti & Lonnie Mac),” is impacting now at Urban outlets nationwide.

Drama can be seen spinning on two upcoming installments of BET’s 106 & Park, slated for Wednesday, May 20th and Friday, May, 22nd. What’s more, he will be DJing at T.I.’s hugely anticipated farewell concert, set for this Sunday, May 24th, at Atlanta’s Philips Arena.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, please see Drama’s official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/djdrama.

Categories
Akon DJ Drama Snoop Dogg T.I.P. Videos

DJ Drama – Day Dreaming video featuring Akon, Snoop Dogg, and T.I. from his new album Gangsta Grillz: The Album

DJ Drama – Day Dreaming video featuring Akon, Snoop Dogg, and T.I. from his new album Gangsta Grillz: The Album