Snoop Dogg’s 25 most essential tracks, ranked

On the 30th anniversary of Snoop's first album, we're counting down the best songs from the legendary rapper/product spokesman/weed ambassador

Music Lists Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg’s 25 most essential tracks, ranked
Left: Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images, Center: Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic, Right: Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Graphic: Karl Gustafson

It’s been quite a journey for Snoop Dogg, one that began 30 years ago with the November 23, 1993 release of his debut album Doggystyle. No longer public enemy number one, as he was for a period of time in the 1990s, Snoop is now a beloved part of American life, one of a handful of stars whose face and name is instantly recognizable to people of all ages.

Indeed, Snoop recently put his Teflon status to the test by sparking headlines with a social media post where he claimed he was “giving up smoke,” then revealing a week later that he wasn’t actually giving up weed, he’d just been hired as a spokesman for a line of “smokeless stoves.” Only a celeb with Snoop’s versatile, likable vibe—he’s equally comfortable alongside Dr. Dre, Martha Stewart, or Willie Nelson—could pull off a stunt like that and suffer minimal blowback. But enough of the side hustle stuff. Let’s bring this back to where it all started for Snoop: the music. What follows are the 25 essential songs that explain Snoop’s journey from gangsta rap outsider to a family-friendly legend.

previous arrow24. “Life Of Da Party” (2008) next arrow
Snoop Dogg - Life Of Da Party (Official Music Video) ft. Too Short, Mistah F.A.B.

A bit of a throwback for Snoop when it was released in 2008, “Life of Da Party” revives G-Funk for the late 2000s: the ’70s funk vibe remains strong but the rhythms are stiffer, as are the swaths of synths. What distinguishes the track is how there’s not much menace here: Snoop is residing as the grand impresario of good times, keeping the vibes chill and giving plenty of space for his guests—which include Too Short and Mistah F.A.B.—to have fun, too.

11 Comments
Most Popular
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Share Tweet Submit Pin