Snoop releases the top selling album of his career 21 years ago on this date
On this day in 1993, Calvin Broadus aka Snoop Doggy Dogg, dropped his debut solo album Doggystyle under the legendary, but now defunct Death Row banner. With production exclusively from Dr. Dre right on the heels of the epic The Chronic album, Snoop was able to piggyback off the momentum of that legendary project that introduced him to the world, almost ensuring his success.
The Long Beach native infused the everyday gangster lifestyle of a Rollin’ 60s Crip into his music, which helped to create the criteria for what is now known as the “gangsta rap” genre of Hip Hop. The animated cover by artist Joe Cool and the real-life scenario skits added to the authenticity of this West Coast wonder years masterpiece. This project also introduced the world to a young five year old Lil’ Bow Wow, whose foul mouth appears on a skit or two of Doggystyle.
Tracks such as “Gin & Juice”, “Serial Killer”, and “Lodi Dodi” an ode to Snoop’s favorite storytelling MC Slick Rick, give listeners a peek into the life of the formwer hustler turned gangster rapper. Songs like “Murder Was The Case” seemed to be life imitating art, as not long after the success of the album, the Doggfather was hit with a murder charge for the shooting death of Philip Woldermarian, but was acquitted in 1996.
This four-micer went on to go quadruple platinum, setting the pace for Snoop’s illustrious music and film career. Salute to Snoop, Dre, Suge, Warren G, and everyone else that was down with Death Row and the Doggfather for giving the people this classic album!
-Sha Be Allah(@KingPenStatus)
