Snoop Dogg Talks R&B Roots, Death Row Evolution, and His Legacy on the R&B Money Podcast

Snoop Dogg, a name synonymous with hip-hop, sat down with Tank and J. Valentine on the R&B Money podcast for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion illuminated his deep ties to R&B, the reinvention of Death Row Records, and his reflections on navigating the music industry with authenticity and love.

From the moment Snoop stepped into the room, the energy shifted. Known for his laid-back demeanor and unshakable confidence, the Doggfather himself expressed his genuine admiration for the podcast. “I don’t think y’all understand,” Snoop said with a laugh. “I wanted to be on this show. People been calling me for podcasts, but this one? I made time. Y’all are doing something special.”

The R&B Foundation

While Snoop’s hip-hop credentials are undeniable, he was quick to remind listeners of his roots in R&B. “That’s my first love,” he shared. “My mother raised me on R&B music. I was a ’70s baby, coming into the living room dancing with her and her friends while they played Teddy Pendergrass, the Isley Brothers, Curtis Mayfield…all that good stuff.”

Snoop’s musical upbringing wasn’t limited to living room parties. The church played a pivotal role in shaping his artistry. “I hated it at the time,” he admitted, “but they’d make me lead songs. That pressure, those harmonies…it all prepared me for who I am now.” He even recalled the early influence of his cousin Nate Dogg. “Nate was taking church songs and flipping them into hood songs. You listen to his music, and you can hear the deacon in him,” Snoop said. “That’s the environment we came from. Church was in everything we did.”

Snoop’s transition into rap allowed him to blend these influences seamlessly. “Rap was a little bit of singing and a lot of rapping,” he explained. “It gave me a way to take what I learned in church and bring it to the streets.”

The Evolution of Death Row Records

One of the most striking moments in the podcast was Snoop’s discussion of his acquisition of Death Row Records. For Snoop, buying the legendary label wasn’t just about reclaiming his past—it was about redefining its future.

“Death Row was built on hip-hop, but I wanted to clean it up and give it a new image,” Snoop said. “I started with my album, Back on Death Row, and then decided to take it further. I wanted to make Death Row an R&B powerhouse too.”

Snoop detailed how he brought artists like October London under the Death Row umbrella. “I took him off Def Jam and brought him to Death Row,” he said. “We started working on his album, Rebirth of Marvin, and I knew it was going to shake things up. Some people were skeptical, but when they heard his voice, it shut everybody up. That’s the power of good music.”

The vision for Death Row now includes a broader sonic palette, emphasizing artistry over genre boundaries. “Death Row can still be hip-hop at its core, but why not expand?” Snoop asked. “It’s about making timeless music, just like we did back in the day.”

Lessons in Longevity

Snoop’s career spans over three decades, and he credits his success to a combination of love, discipline, and professionalism. “Love is the answer to everything,” he said. “When I face negativity, I respond with love and success. That’s how you navigate the streets and the business.”

He also emphasized the importance of mastering his craft, whether in music, film, or other ventures. “When I’m on a set, I learn everybody’s lines, not just mine,” he revealed. “I want to be prepared for anything. Directors know they can trust me to deliver because I show up early, I’m professional, and I’m ready to work.”

This dedication extends to his entrepreneurial ventures. From his collaboration with Martha Stewart to launching a successful kids’ program, Doggyland, Snoop has consistently demonstrated his ability to reinvent himself. “It’s about filling voids,” he explained. “When I saw that the news was all bad, I created GGN News Network to bring good vibes. When I wanted to connect with kids, I made Doggyland. It’s all about evolving.”

Manifesting Success

Snoop’s ability to manifest success is rooted in his belief in the power of words. “The pen is mightier than the sword,” he said. “What you write becomes your reality. I learned that the hard way when I realized I was writing about death and living it. Now, I write about life, love, and legacy.”

He shared how this shift in mindset influenced his music. “On Doggyland, I wrote about being a grandfather before I even had grandkids,” he said. “Now I’m living that reality. Words are powerful, so you have to use them wisely.”

A Legacy Beyond Music

As the conversation drew to a close, Snoop reflected on his broader legacy. “We mean everything to our people,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to be on our best behavior. We represent more than ourselves.”

From his philanthropic efforts to his mentorship of younger artists, Snoop’s impact extends far beyond the studio. “I’ve got about 70 people working for me now,” he said. “It’s not just about making money; it’s about creating opportunities and building something that lasts.”

Snoop’s appearance on the R&B Money podcast was a masterclass in longevity, reinvention, and staying true to oneself. As he continues to break boundaries and inspire others, one thing is clear: the Doggfather’s legacy is far from finished.