Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode: Interview Exclusive with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

Release Date: October 18, 2024
Duration: Approximately 70 Minutes

1. Introduction and Special Guests

In this special edition of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith welcomes two iconic figures in the music industry: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Expressing his excitement, Stephen A. emphasizes the significance of having these legends on his show.

Stephen A. Smith [01:02]: "When I tell you who I've got on next, what they going to bring to the table. When I say their names, it speaks for itself. The hell with the Stephen A. Smith show today. This ain't even the Stephen A. Smith show today. This is Snoop Dogg in the house and the one and only Dr. Dre."

2. Dynamic Duo: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

The conversation begins with playful banter, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship and professional bond between Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. They refer to themselves as "Batman and Robin," illustrating their collaborative dynamic in the music world.

Snoop Dogg [02:39]: "AKA Batman and Robin, are back in Gotham City."

3. The New Album: "Missionary CD"

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around their latest project, "Missionary CD." Both artists express pride in their work, emphasizing the album's quality and its role in revitalizing musicianship within the industry.

Snoop Dogg [48:15]: "My thing with this album is to reset the music industry."

Dr. Dre [65:24]: "I'm hoping to inspire the new and up-and-coming young engineers the way I was inspired by Bruce Switian with the Thriller album."

4. Maintaining Artistic Integrity in a Changing Industry

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg critique the current state of the music industry, particularly the over-reliance on technology and the prevalence of "beat makers" versus "producers." They advocate for a return to genuine musicianship and originality.

Snoop Dogg [24:04]: "There's a lot of beat makers, though, Doc. That's what the difference between your era and this era is, that there aren't too many producers as much as there are beat makers."

Dr. Dre [23:28]: "There's somebody in somebody's garage that's going to be the next Snoop or Dre or the next Prince or Michael Jackson."

5. The Importance of Collaboration

Both artists stress the significance of collaboration in their careers. They discuss finding the right partners who share their vision and spirit, ensuring that their creative endeavors are cohesive and impactful.

Snoop Dogg [34:07]: "Our spirit's gotta match. Like, we gotta damn near be the same people."

Dr. Dre [35:05]: "Finding the right person to collaborate with is as difficult as anything else."

6. Constructive Criticism and Mutual Respect

Stephen A. Smith delves into how Dr. Dre provides feedback to Snoop Dogg. Snoop explains that Dr. Dre’s criticisms are always constructive, aimed at helping him grow and succeed without feeling diminished.

Snoop Dogg [04:19]: "I love the criticism. It's constructive criticism. It's never taken as hate."

Snoop Dogg [09:18]: "He just tells me when I do it wrong."

7. Mentorship and Legacy

The duo reflects on their roles as mentors and their influence on younger artists and producers. Dr. Dre emphasizes his desire to inspire the next generation of engineers and producers, while Snoop Dogg discusses his involvement in programs like "The Voice" and youth football leagues.

Dr. Dre [65:24]: "I'm hoping to inspire the new and up-and-coming young engineers the way I was inspired by Bruce Switian with the Thriller album."

Snoop Dogg [43:33]: "I love giving back to a kid that has no opportunity because I was that same kid."

8. Philanthropic Efforts: Education and Youth Programs

Nate Thompson, co-host and former NHL player, discusses their philanthropic initiatives aimed at transforming the education system to cultivate leaders rather than just employees. They highlight their efforts at USC and the establishment of youth football leagues to support children with special needs.

Dr. Dre [53:08]: "We're trying to change the way the education system is operating for these kids."

Snoop Dogg [55:26]: "We show parents how to take those kids that they've been hiding and bring them out and have a good time."

9. The Super Bowl Performance: A Memorable Moment

A standout moment in the episode recounts their performance at the Super Bowl. Dr. Dre shares the immense nerves leading up to the event, while Snoop Dogg humorously downplays his own anxiety by mentioning he was "smoking like a mother."

Dr. Dre [61:58]: "Anything can go wrong. You're depending on literally 3,000 people to do their job properly."

Snoop Dogg [63:30]: "I was smoking like a mother."

10. Reflections on Success and Impact

In closing, both artists reflect on their journeys and the positive impact they've had on their communities and the music industry. They underscore the importance of self-mastery and remaining true to one's roots, emphasizing that their success is a testament to their dedication and authenticity.

Snoop Dogg [46:48]: "When you master yourself, you understand? You don't require nobody but yourself."

Dr. Dre [38:27]: "It goes back to that whole generic fucking saying, like, I wish I knew then what I know now."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen A. Smith [01:02]: Announces Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg as special guests, highlighting their stature in the industry.

• Snoop Dogg [04:19]: "I love the criticism. It's constructive criticism. It's never taken as hate."

• Dr. Dre [23:28]: Discusses the emergence of new talent in the industry poised to make significant impacts.

• Snoop Dogg [34:07]: Emphasizes the importance of matching spirits in collaborations.

• Dr. Dre [35:05]: Talks about the challenge of finding the right collaborators.

• Snoop Dogg [48:15]: "My thing with this album is to reset the music industry."

• Dr. Dre [65:24]: "I'm hoping to inspire the new and up-and-coming young engineers…"

Concluding Remarks

The episode offers an in-depth look into the collaborative genius of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, their commitment to elevating the music industry, and their dedication to mentoring the next generation. Stephen A. Smith masterfully navigates through their stories, providing listeners with valuable insights into their careers, philosophies, and ongoing projects.

This summary encapsulates the core discussions and highlights of the episode, ensuring that even those who haven't listened to the podcast can grasp the essence of the conversation between Stephen A. Smith, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg.