He may not be the best rapper of all time, or the best songwriter of all time, but the Long Beach, California-born lyricist Calvin Broadus Jr. might just somehow be the best entertainer of all time. Just think about it—who doesn’t like Snoop Dogg? He’s worked with everyone from Dr. Dre to Martha Stewart. And he’s been releasing music now for more than 30 years.
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And along the way during that illustrious, genre-defining career, Snoop has penned some iconic tracks, many of which have stood the test of time. And here below, we wanted to explore a trio of tunes. Three tracks that remain on the airwaves today and in the ears of many a music fan. Indeed, these are three eternal rap songs from Snoop Dogg.
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“Drop It Like It’s Hot” from R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004)
With Snoop on the microphone and Pharrell Williams on the beat, this song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks. And it has to be one of the strangest songs to do so. Despite having big name stars, the track is completely unique thanks to its mellow beat, which includes tongue-made sounds from Pharrell. Nevertheless, the track promulgated the phrase drop it like it’s hot, and in so doing made Snoop a chart-topper yet again 10 years into his career. On the popular track, Snoop rapped,
When the pimp’s in the crib ma
Drop it like it’s hot
Drop it like it’s hot
Drop it like it’s hot
When the pigs try to get at you
Park it like it’s hot
Park it like it’s hot
Park it like it’s hot
And if a n—a get a attitude
Pop it like it’s hot
Pop it like it’s hot
Pop it like it’s hot
I got the Rollie on my arm and I’m pouring Chandon
And I roll the best weed ’cause I got it going on
“Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” from Doggystyle (1993)
After the world got to know Snoop on Dr. Dre’s iconic 1992 LP The Chronic, the smooth-talking rapper quickly followed up his rising-0star moment with his own solo album in 1993, Doggystyle. On that LP was his debut solo single “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” Produced by Dre, the track hit No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and serves as a perfect introduction to fans still getting to know the artist. On the breakout hit, Snoop raps,
From the depths of the sea, back to the block
Snoop Doggy Dogg, funky as the, the, The D.O.C
Went solo on that a–, but it’s still the same
Long Beach is the spot where I served my ‘c—e
Follow me, follow me, follow me, follow me, but don’t lose your grip
Nine-trizzay’s the yizzear for me to f–k up s–t
“Gin and Juice” from Doggystyle (1993)
Another hit track from Snoop’s 1993 debut solo LP, this song also peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. But this offering also earned Snoop a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. With a chorus sung by David Ruffin Jr., the son of the famous Temptations singer, “Gin and Juice” is a quintessential party track. It’s still one played often at frat parties, house parties, in the club, and wherever people are having a good time. On the song, Snoop raps,
With so much drama in the L-B-C
It’s kind of hard bein’ Snoop D-O-double-G
But I, somehow, some way
Keep comin’ up with funky-a– s–t, like, every single day
May I kick a little something for the G’s
And make a few ends as I breeze through?
Two in the mornin’ and the party’s still jumpin’
‘Cause my momma ain’t home
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