A decade ago, Snoop Dogg took a stylistic detour that surprised fans and critics alike with the release of BUSH, a slick, funk-driven album that traded hardcore rhymes for warm melodies, live instrumentation, and summertime vibes. Released in May 2015 and entirely produced by Pharrell Williams, BUSH wasn’t just a genre shift—it was a creative pivot that reminded listeners of Snoop’s ability to evolve without losing his essence.
Packed with infectious grooves and retro-futuristic production, the album saw Snoop leaning fully into a laid-back, soulful sound. Tracks like “Peaches N Cream” and “California Roll” blended West Coast cool with a disco-era bounce, made all the more vibrant by features from Charlie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Gwen Stefani. Pharrell’s sonic fingerprints are all over the project—bright keys, rubbery basslines, and shimmering synths that keep the energy light and polished from start to finish.
Snoop’s presence throughout is effortless. Rather than delivering sharp-edged bars, he floats through each track with charm and confidence, opting for vibe over aggression. It’s the sound of a veteran artist enjoying the music rather than trying to dominate it—a celebration of groove, style, and feel-good energy. Even on deeper cuts like “I Knew That” and “Run Away,” the album retains its cohesive atmosphere, built on rich production and a clear artistic vision.
BUSH may not have been built for chart dominance or rap purists, but it succeeded in its ambition to offer something different. At a time when many artists were chasing trends, Snoop and Pharrell instead channeled the spirit of classic funk and soul into a record that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Ten years later, BUSH remains one of Snoop Dogg’s most distinctive efforts—a stylish outlier in a catalog known for versatility. It’s a reminder that reinvention can still sound timeless, and that Snoop, even after decades in the game, still knows how to surprise his audience while staying true to himself.