Snoop Dogg in a fur coat and sunglasses, performing on stage with a microphone
Photo: Columbia Pictures/Getty Images
20: “Young, Wild And Free” (featuring Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars)
Snoop Dogg’s impressive longevity is a rare feat in the often fleeting world of hip-hop. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Snoop has skillfully navigated the evolving landscape of music by collaborating with and embracing artists from newer generations, as exemplified by his successful partnerships with Wiz Khalifa. “Young, Wild And Free” perfectly captures this collaborative spirit, uniting Snoop, Wiz Khalifa, and Bruno Mars for the lead single from the Mac And Devin Go To High School soundtrack. Interestingly, this now-classic track almost didn’t happen. Bruno Mars, after hearing a demo, was so impressed he sent it to Snoop and Wiz, and the song was born. The infectious anthem resonated with audiences, climbing to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song, solidifying its place among memorable Snoop Dogg songs.
19: “Lay Low” (featuring Master P, Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy and The Eastsidaz)
“Lay Low,” a Dr. Dre-produced gem from Tha Last Meal, marked Snoop Dogg’s fifth studio album and his final release under No Limit Records. This track is a quintessential West Coast hip-hop anthem. The song is immediately recognizable for Nate Dogg’s smooth, unforgettable hook, widely considered one of his best vocal performances. Master P, Butch Cassidy, and The Eastsidaz each deliver standout verses, contributing to a track that showcases Snoop Dogg’s successful period as a No Limit soldier. “Lay Low’s” popularity served as a fitting high note to conclude Snoop’s productive and impactful time with the label.
18: “Life Of Da Party”
“Life Of Da Party” is another quintessential West Coast party track that ignited dance floors across the nation. Released as the third single from Snoop’s ninth solo album, Ego Trippin’, it features dynamic contributions from Too $hort and Mistah FAB, all set against the backdrop of Scoop DeVille’s electrifying electro-funk production. This song is a vibrant example of Snoop Dogg’s ability to consistently create music that resonates in clubs and at parties, making it a staple among Snoop Dogg songs for celebratory occasions.
17: “Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Part 2)”
Often overshadowed within Snoop Dogg’s extensive catalog, “What’s My Name Part 2” is a standout track that rightfully earns its spot among the best Snoop Dogg songs. Teaming up with the then-unstoppable producer Timbaland, who infused the track with his signature funky rhythms, “What’s My Name Part 2” became an undeniable summer anthem in 2000. Accompanied by yet another iconic music video, Snoop Dogg confidently stepped into the new millennium with this certified hit, demonstrating his ability to evolve and remain relevant.
16: “Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” (featuring Warren G, Nanci Fletcher, Nate Dogg and Kurupt)
A standout deep cut from Snoop Dogg’s groundbreaking debut album, Doggystyle, “Ain’t No Fun” is a West Coast classic that perfectly captures the distinctive sound and style of California hip-hop. Boldly explicit in its lyrical content, the track is both unrestrained and raw, embodying the youthful energy of Snoop Doggy Dogg during his influential Death Row Records era. This song remains a favorite among fans who appreciate the unfiltered and authentic sound of early Snoop Dogg songs.
15: “Vapors”
Snoop Dogg has proven himself a master at reimagining classic hip-hop songs, skillfully paying homage to the original while injecting his own unique style to breathe fresh life into the track. His rendition of Biz Markie’s “Vapors,” featured on his sophomore album, Tha Doggfather, stands as a testament to this talent. In this cover, Snoop delivers a standout performance, seamlessly weaving together narratives from Daz, Nate Dogg, and Warren G. By taking on this classic, Snoop not only showcased his lyrical prowess but also his deep respect for and understanding of hip-hop culture, creating one of the most appreciated Snoop Dogg songs among purists.
14: “Sexual Eruption”
Snoop Dogg has consistently defied expectations, often zigging when others zag. Never confined by genre boundaries, Uncle Snoop has always been eager to explore diverse sounds, a quality clearly evident in his hit “Sexual Eruption” (later censored to “Sensual Seduction”). This track showcased Snoop experimenting with Auto-Tune, singing and rapping in a style reminiscent of T-Pain. As the lead single from Ego Trippin’, and produced by Shawty Redd, its retro vibe and feel were heavily influenced by the iconic stylings of Roger Troutman of the Zapp Band. “Sexual Eruption” demonstrated Snoop’s willingness to push musical boundaries and redefine the possibilities of hip-hop, adding a unique chapter to Snoop Dogg songs.
13: “Doggy Dogg World” (featuring Tha Dogg Pound, Nanci Fletcher and The Dramatics)
Anyone familiar with the best Snoop Dogg songs knows of his deep appreciation for classic R&B and soul music; this influence is woven into his melodic lyrical style, reflecting a rich understanding of Black music history. Only Snoop could successfully assemble a posse cut featuring Tha Dogg Pound, the legendary Dramatics, and vocalist Nanci Fletcher. “Doggy Dogg World” was further enhanced by one of the most memorable music videos of 90s hip-hop, paying tribute to 70s Blaxploitation films with appearances by Pam Grier, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Antonio “Huggy” Fargas, and Ron “Super Fly” O’Neal, among others. This star-studded visual underscored the impact of “Doggy Dogg World,” marking a high point in Snoop Dogg’s ascent to superstardom and a memorable entry in Snoop Dogg songs lists.
12: “Still A G Thang”
By the time Snoop Dogg began working on his third album, his career faced a period of uncertainty. The hip-hop landscape was shifting dramatically; 2Pac’s tragic death, Dr. Dre’s departure from Death Row Records, and Suge Knight’s legal troubles signaled a major transition. Snoop himself needed to reinvent his image and sound. He made a significant move by joining Master P’s No Limit Records, which was then dominating the rap scene. “Still A G Thang” emerged from this period, with Snoop smoothly delivering his verses over production by Beats By The Pound. This track proved that Snoop could create hits independently of Dre and Death Row, asserting his continued relevance and solidifying his status among top Snoop Dogg songs.
11: “Lodi Dodi” (featuring Nancy Fletcher)
Over Dr. Dre’s signature G-Funk production, Snoop Dogg presented his West Coast interpretation of “Lodi Dodi.” Paying homage to one of his key influences, Slick Rick, Snoop’s “Lodi Dodi” is widely considered one of the best hip-hop covers ever recorded. By infusing a New York hip-hop classic with West Coast flavor, the result was a timeless track and one of the standout Snoop Dogg songs in his extensive career. This brilliant reimagining of the 1985 classic was a source of pride for both Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, showcasing Snoop’s respect for hip-hop history.
10: “The Shiznit”
Simply put, “The Shiznit” is quintessential West Coast cruising music, and powerful evidence of the unparalleled chemistry between Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre as an MC/producer duo. Dr. Dre’s production is perfectly crafted to complement Snoop’s melodic flow and vivid storytelling. “The Shiznit” is undeniably a hip-hop classic, embodying the golden era of West Coast sound and a must-listen among Snoop Dogg songs for any hip-hop enthusiast.
9: “B__ch Please” (Featuring Xzibit and Nate Dogg)
As both Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre established successful solo careers, they reunited on “B__ch Please,” featured on Snoop’s fourth album, Top Dogg, and the result was another hit. Featuring a memorable guest verse from Xzibit and, once again, soulful vocals from Nate Dogg, “B__ch Please” reaffirmed the enduring and organic musical connection between Snoop and Dre. It stands out as one of the best Snoop Dogg songs to emerge from his No Limit Records period, reminiscent of their earlier collaborations.
8: “The Next Episode” (Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg)
In the closing lines of “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang,” Snoop Dogg famously says, “So just chill ’til the next episode,” hinting at a future collaboration. In 1999, Snoop delivered on that promise with “The Next Episode,” a track with Dr. Dre from his iconic 2001 album. Featuring Kurupt and the late Nate Dogg, who provides an unforgettable bridge, “The Next Episode” was a celebrated West Coast reunion. Reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sampling David Axelrod and David McCallum’s “The Edge,” “The Next Episode” is a standout track, an exceptional follow-up by one of hip-hop’s greatest duos and a cornerstone of Snoop Dogg songs collections.
7: “Murder Was The Case”
After achieving global fame, Snoop Dogg’s life began to mirror the narratives in his music. While his hits dominated the charts, he faced a real-life murder trial. “Murder Was The Case,” backed by some of Dr. Dre’s most compelling production, became a timeless classic. It’s a semi-autobiographical account of Snoop’s personal experiences, a song about a “gangsta” presented with a choice to change his life for the better or continue down a destructive path. This track marked a transformative moment in both Snoop Dogg’s personal life and his career, making it a deeply significant entry among Snoop Dogg songs.
6: “Beautiful” (featuring Pharrell)
The creative synergy between Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams was undeniable on “Beautiful,” a defining summer anthem of 2003. Considered one of hip-hop’s greatest love songs, “Beautiful” showcases The Neptunes at their production peak, while Snoop rises to the occasion with one of his most captivating vocal performances. Reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and featuring additional vocals from the legendary Charlie Wilson, “Beautiful” remains one of the best Snoop Dogg songs of the 2000s, highlighting his versatility and appeal.
5: “Deep Cover” (Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg)
Few artists can claim their debut song is a classic, but Snoop Dogg achieved just that. With one of the most memorable introductions in hip-hop history, Snoop Dogg was presented to the world as Dr. Dre’s protégé on “Deep Cover.” Released in 1992 as a single from the soundtrack of the crime thriller of the same name, this track was also Dre’s first release after his high-profile split from NWA and his feud with Eazy-E. Despite appearing somewhat reserved in the video, Snoop’s flow on the record is effortless, gliding over Dre’s hard-hitting production and making a grand entrance into the hip-hop mainstream. “Deep Cover” was so impactful it was remade years later by Big Pun and Fat Joe, cementing its status as another timeless classic from Uncle Snoop and a crucial early example of Snoop Dogg songs’ impact.
4: “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”
Doggystyle was arguably the most anticipated debut album in music history. Following his standout contributions to Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, expectations for a Snoop Dogg solo album were incredibly high. When Doggystyle was released, it not only met but exceeded these expectations. The lead single, “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?,” which cleverly samples George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog,” was the driving force behind Doggystyle selling over 800,000 copies in its first week. Snoop’s distinctive flow and Dre’s masterful production created the perfect formula to launch Snoop as hip-hop’s newest superstar, making this song essential to any collection of Snoop Dogg songs.
3: “Drop It Like It’s Hot” (featuring Pharrell)
Pharrell’s Midas touch was fully evident in “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” one of the defining Snoop Dogg songs of the 2000s. Released as the lead single from the R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece album, it remains Snoop’s biggest hit to date, marking his first No. 1 on the Billboard 100. The Neptunes’ minimalist production provided the ideal sonic backdrop for Snoop’s relaxed delivery, and the track featured one of the catchiest hooks ever, making it an inescapable hit in 2004. Recognizing its immense popularity, Billboard named “Drop It Like It’s Hot” the most popular Rap Song of the decade, confirming its place among the most iconic Snoop Dogg songs.
2: “Nuthin’ But A G Thang” (Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg)
“One, two, three and to the fo’/Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at the do’…” – arguably one of the most recognizable song introductions in music history. As the first single from Dr. Dre’s seminal album The Chronic, “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” embodies the essence of 90s West Coast G-Funk. While Dr. Dre was already a star, this track propelled Snoop Doggy Dogg (as he was then known) to superstardom. Sampling “I Want’a Do Something Freaky To You” by Leon Haywood, the song marked Snoop’s first entry into the Billboard Top 10 and was later inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Music. “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” undeniably captures Snoop and Dre at their creative zenith, representing the pinnacle of Snoop Dogg songs.
1: “Gin and Juice”
“Gin and Juice” is the quintessential Snoop Dogg song, acting as his official calling card and solidifying his iconic status. As the second single from Doggystyle, it explores the theme of an impromptu house party over Dr. Dre’s sample of “I Get Lifted” by KC And The Sunshine Band. “Gin and Juice” is not only one of the best Snoop Dogg songs, it also popularized a cocktail choice among liquor enthusiasts while showcasing Snoop’s exceptional storytelling abilities as he narrates life in Long Beach, California (LBC). Featuring another memorable music video and an incredibly catchy hook that became ingrained in pop culture, “Gin and Juice” peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 100 and remains the ultimate representation of Snoop Dogg songs and his cultural impact.
Best Of The Rest
Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg – California Gurls
Snoop Dogg has consistently demonstrated his ability to enhance mainstream pop music, and his feature on Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” is a perfect example. His smooth verse adds a layer of cool to this pop hit, showcasing his versatility beyond traditional Snoop Dogg songs.
Snoop Lion feat. Collie Buddz – Smoke the Weed
In the early 2010s, Snoop Dogg transitioned into Snoop Lion, embracing reggae music. “Smoke the Weed,” a collaboration with Collie Buddz, stands out as a highlight from his foray into the reggae scene, demonstrating his adventurous spirit even outside of typical Snoop Dogg songs.
7 Days of Funk – Let It Go
The collaborative project 7 Days of Funk between Dam-Funk and Snoopzilla (Snoop’s moniker at the time) pays tribute to the pre-gangsta rap funk sound of Los Angeles. “Let It Go” exemplifies this funk-focused direction, showcasing a different facet of Snoop’s musical interests beyond his more famous Snoop Dogg songs.
Snoop Dogg – I Wanna Rock
Paying homage to the iconic rap track “It Takes Two,” “I Wanna Rock” is a standout track from Snoop’s 1999 album Malice N Wonderland. This song is a high-energy, beat-driven track that showcases Snoop’s ability to innovate while respecting hip-hop traditions, offering a different vibe compared to some of his smoother Snoop Dogg songs.
Snoop Dogg feat. Xzibit – Bitch Please
While Snoop Dogg is most famous for his work with Death Row Records, he built an extensive catalog with other labels. In the late 1990s, he joined No Limit Records, releasing three albums. “Bitch Please,” from No Limit Top Dogg, is considered one of the best tracks from this era, highlighting his successful transition and continued hit-making ability even outside his Death Row years, adding another dimension to the world of Snoop Dogg songs.
