Snoop Dogg performing, iconic hip-hop artist
Photo: Columbia Pictures/Getty Images
Since his explosive entry onto the music scene in 1992, Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, has solidified his position as a global icon, transcending the boundaries of hip-hop and embedding himself into mainstream popular culture. His remarkable ability to constantly reinvent himself while staying at the forefront of creative innovation, affectionately earning him the moniker “Uncle Snoop,” speaks volumes about his enduring career. This longevity is a direct result of his lyrical prowess, profound cultural influence, and undeniable musical talent. Snoop Dogg’s extensive discography fearlessly explores a multitude of genres, from smooth R&B and soulful melodies to hard-hitting rock, laid-back reggae vibes, and even inspirational gospel tunes. As this curated list of the best Snoop Dogg songs demonstrates, his artistic range is truly limitless.
Listen to the best of Snoop Dogg.
20: Young, Wild And Free (featuring Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars)
Snoop Dogg’s sustained relevance is a rare phenomenon in the often fleeting world of hip-hop. Unlike many artists who emerged in the same era, Snoop has adeptly navigated the changing tides of the music industry by embracing and collaborating with new generations of artists. His partnership with Wiz Khalifa is a prime example, beautifully illustrated in “Young, Wild And Free.” This track, featuring the infectious vocals of Bruno Mars, was initially conceived as the lead single for the Mac And Devin Go To High School soundtrack. Interestingly, the song’s creation was somewhat serendipitous. Bruno Mars, after hearing a demo version, was so captivated that he personally sent it to Snoop and Wiz, setting in motion a collaboration that would resonate with audiences worldwide. “Young, Wild And Free” became a certified hit, climbing to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song, solidifying its place as a modern classic in Snoop Dogg’s vast catalog.
19: Lay Low (featuring Master P, Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy and The Eastsidaz)
“Lay Low,” a standout track from Tha Last Meal, Snoop Dogg’s fifth studio album and his final release under No Limit Records, is a quintessential West Coast anthem, further cemented by the production genius of Dr. Dre. This song encapsulates the signature G-funk sound that defined an era. Nate Dogg’s smooth, soulful vocals shine on the hook, delivering one of his most memorable performances. Adding to the track’s West Coast flavor, verses from Master P, Butch Cassidy, and The Eastsidaz contribute to a powerful collaboration that highlights Snoop’s successful period as a No Limit soldier. The widespread acclaim and popularity of “Lay Low” served as a fitting and triumphant conclusion to Snoop Dogg’s productive and impactful tenure with the label.
18: Life Of Da Party
“Life Of Da Party” stands as another iconic West Coast party anthem that ignited dance floors and clubs across the nation. Released as the third single from Snoop Dogg’s ninth solo album, Ego Trippin’, this high-energy track features dynamic contributions from Too $hort and Mistah FAB. Scoop DeVille’s electro-funk production provides the perfect backdrop for this celebratory song, creating an irresistible groove that embodies the spirit of West Coast hip-hop and showcases Snoop Dogg’s ability to consistently deliver crowd-pleasing hits.
17: Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Part 2)
Often overshadowed within Snoop Dogg’s extensive repertoire, “What’s My Name Part 2” undeniably deserves recognition as one of his best tracks. This song, propelled by the then-ubiquitous and innovative production of Timbaland, who masterfully infuses funk elements into the beat, became an undeniable summer anthem in the year 2000. Accompanied by yet another iconic music video that further solidified Snoop’s visual artistry, “What’s My Name Part 2” marked Snoop Dogg’s confident and stylish arrival into the new millennium, delivering a certified banger that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
16: Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None) (featuring Warren G, Nanci Fletcher, Nate Dogg and Kurupt)
“Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None),” a deeper cut from Snoop Dogg’s groundbreaking debut album Doggystyle, is a quintessential West Coast classic that perfectly embodies the distinctive California sound and laid-back style that defined the era. Boldly explicit in its lyrical content, the track exudes a raw and uninhibited energy, capturing the youthful and audacious spirit of Snoop Doggy Dogg during his early Death Row Records period. This song remains a fan favorite, representing a key element of Snoop’s early sound and the cultural landscape of 90s hip-hop.
15: Vapors
Snoop Dogg has consistently demonstrated a remarkable talent for reimagining classic hip-hop songs, paying homage to the originals while seamlessly injecting his own unique style and perspective to breathe new life into them. His rendition of Biz Markie’s iconic “Vapors” stands as a prime example of this skill. Featured on his sophomore album, Tha Doggfather, Snoop’s “Vapors” is often cited as one of the strongest performances on the entire record. He skillfully weaves together narratives alongside Daz, Nate Dogg, and Warren G, creating a compelling and cohesive track. By choosing to cover this hip-hop classic, Snoop not only showcased his lyrical dexterity but also affirmed his deep respect for and extensive knowledge of hip-hop culture’s rich history.
Alt text: Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams collaborate on the hit song “Beautiful.”
14: Sexual Eruption
Always one to defy expectations and venture into uncharted musical territory, Snoop Dogg has never shied away from experimenting with diverse sounds and genres, a characteristic vividly illustrated by his hit track “Sexual Eruption” (later often censored to “Sensual Seduction”). In this song, Uncle Snoop boldly embraced Auto-Tune, delivering both sung and rapped vocals reminiscent of T-Pain’s signature style, showcasing his versatility. As the lead single from Ego Trippin’, produced by Shawty Redd, “Sexual Eruption” draws heavily from the retro-futuristic vibes and stylistic influences of the legendary Roger Troutman of the Zapp Band. “Sexual Eruption” served as a clear statement of Snoop Dogg’s commitment to breaking down genre boundaries and expanding the creative possibilities for MCs in music.
13: Doggy Dogg World (featuring Tha Dogg Pound, Nanci Fletcher and The Dramatics)
Anyone familiar with the best Snoop Dogg songs is well aware of his deep appreciation for classic R&B and soul music. This love for music history permeates his melodic lyricism, creating a signature sound. “Doggy Dogg World” is a testament to this, a posse cut that only Snoop Dogg could flawlessly execute, bringing together Tha Dogg Pound, the legendary vocal group The Dramatics, and vocalist Nanci Fletcher. Beyond the music, “Doggy Dogg World” boasted one of the most iconic music videos of 90s hip-hop. The visual masterfully recreated the aesthetic of 70s Blaxploitation films, featuring cameos from Pam Grier, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Antonio “Huggy” Fargas, and Ron “Super Fly” O’Neal, among other notable figures. This star-studded video event cemented “Doggy Dogg World” as a defining moment, marking Snoop Dogg’s ascent to true superstar status.
12: Still A G Thang
By the time Snoop Dogg began working on his third album, his career was at a crossroads, facing uncertainty and change. The hip-hop landscape was shifting; 2Pac’s tragic death, Dr. Dre’s departure from Death Row Records, and Suge Knight’s legal troubles all contributed to a sense of upheaval. Snoop Dogg recognized the need for transformation and made a pivotal decision to join forces with Master P’s No Limit Records, a label then dominating the rap scene. “Still A G Thang” emerged from this period, with Snoop effortlessly gliding over the smooth production of Beats By The Pound. His vocal performance on this track definitively proved that he possessed the star power to create hits independently, outside of Dr. Dre’s shadow and the Death Row machine. “Still A G Thang” reaffirmed his position as a major force in hip-hop, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability.
11: Lodi Dodi (featuring Nancy Fletcher)
Revisiting his roots and paying tribute to one of his most significant influences, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg delivered his West Coast interpretation of “Lodi Dodi,” set against the backdrop of Dr. Dre’s signature G-Funk production. Snoop’s “Lodi Dodi” is widely considered one of the best hip-hop covers ever recorded, a testament to his skill and respect for the genre’s history. By infusing a New York hip-hop standard with a distinct West Coast flavor, the result was a timeless classic, rightfully earning its place among the best Snoop Dogg songs of his illustrious career. This brilliant reimagining of the 1985 classic is a source of pride for both Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, solidifying Snoop’s status as a true hip-hop innovator and historian.
10: The Shiznit
“The Shiznit” is, in its purest form, West Coast cruising music, a perfect embodiment of the laid-back, smooth sound synonymous with the region. It also serves as undeniable proof of the unparalleled musical chemistry between Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, solidifying their status as one of the most dynamic MC/producer pairings in hip-hop history. Dr. Dre’s production on “The Shiznit” is meticulously crafted, perfectly complementing Snoop’s relaxed, melodic flow and vividly descriptive lyrics. Without a doubt, “The Shiznit” is a certified hip-hop classic, representing a golden era of West Coast music and showcasing the unique talents of both Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at their creative peak.
9: B__ch Please (Featuring Xzibit and Nate Dogg)
As both Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre established themselves as solo artists and achieved independent success, their reunion on “Bch Please,” from Snoop’s fourth album Top Dogg, was a highly anticipated and celebrated moment for fans. The collaboration proved to be another gem in their respective catalogs. Featuring a standout guest verse from Xzibit, “Bch Please” emphatically demonstrated that the organic musical connection and chemistry between Snoop and Dre remained as potent as ever. Undeniably one of the best Snoop Dogg songs to emerge from his No Limit Records period, “B__ch Please” also benefits from the soulful vocals of Nate Dogg, who once again graced the track with his signature sound, evoking the nostalgia of their earlier collaborations and solidifying the song’s classic status.
8: The Next Episode (Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg)
In a clever nod to their musical partnership, Snoop Dogg famously declared at the end of “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang,” “So just chill ’til the next episode,” subtly hinting at a future collaboration. In 1999, Snoop made good on this promise, delivering “The Next Episode” alongside Dr. Dre, featured on Dre’s seminal 2001 album. This track served as a true West Coast hip-hop reunion, also featuring Kurupt and the unforgettable vocals of the late Nate Dogg, who provides an iconic bridge. “The Next Episode” became a massive hit, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sampling David Axelrod and David McCallum’s “The Edge,” the song is a standout track from 2001, an exceptional follow-up that further solidified Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s place as one of hip-hop’s greatest duos.
Alt text: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform “The Next Episode,” iconic West Coast hip-hop collaboration.
7: Murder Was The Case
After reaching the pinnacle of rap superstardom, Snoop Dogg’s life began to mirror the narratives in his music in unexpected and challenging ways. While his hit songs dominated the charts, Snoop found himself facing serious legal troubles, on trial for murder. “Murder Was The Case,” a timeless classic with some of Dr. Dre’s most compelling production work, became a semi-autobiographical reflection of Snoop’s real-life experiences. The song explores the story of a gangster presented with a stark choice: to embrace a path of redemption and change or to continue down a destructive path. “Murder Was The Case” represents a pivotal and transformative moment in both Snoop Dogg’s personal life and his evolving artistic career, marking a turning point and showcasing his willingness to confront complex themes in his music.
6: Beautiful (featuring Pharrell)
The creative synergy between Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams is undeniable, reaching its peak on “Beautiful,” a quintessential summer anthem released in 2003. Widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs in hip-hop history, “Beautiful” showcases The Neptunes’ production prowess at its finest. Snoop Dogg rises to the occasion, delivering one of his most nuanced and heartfelt vocal performances. Featuring additional vocals from the legendary Charlie Wilson, “Beautiful” climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most beloved and enduring Snoop Dogg songs of the 2000s, a testament to the timeless appeal of their collaboration.
5: Deep Cover (Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg)
It’s a rare feat for an artist’s debut song to achieve classic status, but Snoop Dogg accomplished just that with “Deep Cover.” In one of the most memorable debut performances in hip-hop history, Snoop Dogg introduced himself to the world as Dr. Dre’s protégé on this groundbreaking track. Released in October 1992, “Deep Cover” served as the lead single from the soundtrack of the crime thriller film of the same name. The song also marked Dr. Dre’s first solo release after his highly publicized departure from NWA and his subsequent feud with Eazy-E. While Snoop’s on-screen presence in the music video might have been somewhat reserved, his vocal delivery on “Deep Cover” was anything but. He effortlessly flowed over Dre’s hard-hitting production, making a grand and impactful entrance into the hip-hop mainstream. “Deep Cover” proved to be so influential that it was later remade by Big Pun and Fat Joe, further cementing its legacy as a timeless classic from Uncle Snoop.
4: Who Am I (What’s My Name)?
Following his scene-stealing contributions to Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, anticipation for Snoop Dogg’s debut album Doggystyle reached unprecedented levels, making it one of the most highly awaited debut albums in music history. When Doggystyle finally arrived, it not only met but exceeded expectations. The lead single, “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?,” brilliantly interpolating George Clinton’s iconic “Atomic Dog,” served as the catalyst that propelled Doggystyle to sell over 800,000 copies in its first week alone, a remarkable feat. The seamless synergy between Snoop’s distinctive flow and Dr. Dre’s masterful production proved to be the perfect formula to launch Snoop Dogg into hip-hop superstardom, solidifying his place as the genre’s newest and brightest star.
3: Drop It Like It’s Hot (featuring Pharrell)
Pharrell Williams’ undeniable Midas touch is unmistakably present in “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed Snoop Dogg songs of the 2000s. Released as the lead single from his R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece album, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” remains Snoop Dogg’s biggest hit to date, achieving the milestone of becoming his first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Neptunes’ minimalist yet infectious production style provided the ideal sonic landscape for Snoop’s signature laidback delivery. The track also boasts one of the most instantly recognizable and catchy hooks in recent music history, making it a ubiquitous anthem in 2004. Recognizing its immense impact and popularity, Billboard officially named “Drop It Like It’s Hot” the most popular Rap Song of the decade, solidifying its place in music history.
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’…” This iconic opening line is arguably one of the most recognizable intros in music history, instantly transporting listeners to the golden era of West Coast hip-hop. As the lead single from Dr. Dre’s groundbreaking album The Chronic, “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” perfectly embodies the essence of 90s West Coast G-Funk. While Dr. Dre was already a well-established star, this track served as the launching pad that catapulted Snoop Doggy Dogg (as he was then known) into global superstardom. Sampling “I Want’a Do Something Freaky To You” by Leon Haywood, “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” 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, a testament to its cultural significance and enduring impact. Without question, “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” captures Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at their absolute creative zenith.
1: Gin and Juice
“Gin and Juice” reigns supreme as the quintessential Snoop Dogg song, effectively serving as his official calling card to the world. Released as the second single from his debut album Doggystyle, “Gin and Juice” perfectly encapsulates Snoop’s laid-back persona and West Coast lifestyle. Exploring the theme of an impromptu house party with effortless storytelling, set against Dr. Dre’s masterful sample of “I Get Lifted” by KC And The Sunshine Band, “Gin And Juice” is not only considered one of the best Snoop Dogg songs ever recorded, but it also inadvertently popularized “gin and juice” as a cocktail choice within popular culture. Featuring another unforgettable music video and an incredibly catchy hook that has become deeply ingrained in the pop culture lexicon, “Gin and Juice” reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying its status as a timeless classic and Snoop Dogg’s signature song.
Best Of The Rest
Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg – California Gurls
Snoop Dogg has consistently demonstrated an effortless ability to enhance mainstream pop music with his signature West Coast flavor, and his feature on Katy Perry’s global hit “California Gurls” is a prime example. His verse adds a layer of cool and credibility to the pop anthem.
Snoop Lion feat. Collie Buddz – Smoke the Weed
In the early 2010s, Snoop Dogg underwent a stylistic and spiritual transformation, temporarily adopting the moniker Snoop Lion and venturing into reggae music. “Smoke the Weed,” a collaboration with reggae artist Collie Buddz, stands out as one of the highlights from his brief but intriguing foray into the reggae scene, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to experiment.
7 Days of Funk – Let It Go
“Let It Go” is a standout track from the funk-focused collaborative project 7 Days of Funk, a partnership between Dam-Funk and Snoopzilla (Snoop Dogg’s funk-inspired alias at the time). This project pays loving tribute to the pre-gangsta rap era sound of Los Angeles, delving into the rich musical history of the city and showcasing Snoop’s versatility beyond his traditional hip-hop sound.
Snoop Dogg – I Wanna Rock
Paying homage to the iconic and influential rap track “It Takes Two,” Snoop Dogg’s “I Wanna Rock” is a high-energy and infectious track that stands out as one of the finest cuts from his 1999 album Malice N Wonderland. The song effectively captures the spirit of classic hip-hop while showcasing Snoop’s signature style.
Snoop Dogg feat. Xzibit – Bitch Please
While Snoop Dogg is most famously associated with his work on Death Row Records, he has also built an extensive and impressive discography across various other record labels. In the late 1990s, he partnered with No Limit Records for a trilogy of albums. “Bitch Please,” featured on No Limit Top Dogg, is widely considered one of the strongest tracks from this period, highlighting his successful transition and continued relevance outside of Death Row.
