Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – Interview with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre

Episode Title: Interview Only: Snoop Dogg believes ORIGINALITY is lacking in Today's Rap!
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction and Background

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, renowned hip-hop legends Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre join host Daniel Jeremiah for an in-depth discussion about their illustrious careers, upcoming collaborations, and their perspectives on the current state of the rap industry.

2. Reflecting on Their Careers

Dr. Dre opens the conversation by reflecting on his journey, emphasizing his focus on the future rather than dwelling on past achievements.

Dr. Dre (01:17): "Man, it's incredible. Hopefully I'm inspiring some new up-and-coming rappers and producers and engineers... I'm always thinking forward. I don't live my life with a rear view mirror."

Snoop Dogg adds a humorous note about their reluctance to revisit their old works, highlighting their continuous growth.

Snoop Dogg (01:37): "I like to masturbate and Dre and Fred have a show called Masturbators coming soon."

Despite the light-hearted banter, both artists convey a deep respect for their legacies and the impact they've had on the music industry.

3. Reunion and New Album: Missionary

The heart of the episode revolves around Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's upcoming collaborative album titled Missionary. Daniel Jeremiah probes into the origins and creative process behind this reunion after nearly three decades since their first collaboration in 1993.

Snoop Dogg shares the genesis of the project, emphasizing mutual respect and the desire to contribute to each other's legacies.

Snoop Dogg (03:02): "Dr. Dre seen me out there freelancing, doing my shit. He was like, let me do your next album. Give me two weeks."

Dr. Dre discusses the collaborative dynamics, highlighting their shared vision and commitment to quality.

Dr. Dre (03:23): "I love him, and he's my brother... We gonna go get that. We gonna earn that."

The duo humorously recount the practical challenges of bringing their creative visions to fruition, particularly the often-overestimated timelines.

Snoop Dogg (04:02): "Just give me two days, Nick."

Dr. Dre (04:09): "Y'all said two days about 40 times."

4. Views on the Current Rap Scene

A significant portion of the discussion delves into their critique of today's rap landscape, focusing on the perceived lack of originality and musicianship.

Snoop Dogg passionately advocates for authenticity and originality in music creation.

Snoop Dogg (09:59): "Be original. Be original. Because right now it's so much copycat mimicking sound... Find your voice, Find your production sound, Find your ear for who you are, and be original."

Dr. Dre echoes this sentiment, expressing concerns over the homogenization of beats and the over-reliance on technology.

Dr. Dre (10:12): "Find your collaborator... the continuity is everything."

Both artists lament the shift from traditional musicianship to technology-driven production, calling for a renaissance of skill and creativity.

Dr. Dre (10:26): "I don't like the idea of one producer on one album. The continuity is everything."

5. Goals for the New Album and Industry Impact

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre articulate their aspirations for Missionary, aiming to not only deliver exceptional music but also influence the industry's direction toward greater musicianship and originality.

Snoop Dogg (18:01): "My thing with this album is to reset the music industry."

Dr. Dre (18:05): "I want to hear where it's going to go next and hopefully it's like guys or girls that studying actually are playing."

Their collaboration seeks to inspire new producers and engineers, setting a benchmark for quality and artistic integrity.

Dr. Dre (21:56): "I'm hoping to inspire the new and up-and-coming young engineers... So hopefully I'm an inspiration for all the new and up-and-coming producers and engineers."

6. Closing Remarks

In their final thoughts, both artists emphasize the timeless nature of their work and their continuous commitment to excellence.

Snoop Dogg (21:38): "This record is timeless. That's the only thing that age is relevant to."

Dr. Dre (20:27): "What I'm hoping from this album is I'm trying to impress producers and especially engineers with the sonics."

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of their enduring partnership and mutual respect, promising listeners a groundbreaking addition to their musical legacy.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Dre (01:37): "I've never listened to any of the music I've done."

• Snoop Dogg (05:32): "My Grammy is my kids in the football league, made it to the NFL."

• Snoop Dogg (10:12): "Be original... even if it ain't hitting stay you."

• Dr. Dre (12:12): "By the way, I'm not disrespecting anything that's happening right now. I'm just talking about some substance that's getting ready to happen moving forward."

• Snoop Dogg (18:06): "Get back to making quality music. Get back to having a whole body of work."

Conclusion

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the minds of two of hip-hop's most influential figures. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre not only reminisce about their storied careers but also set a visionary roadmap for the future of rap music. Their unwavering commitment to originality and musicianship serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a clarion call for the industry's next generation.

Listen to the full episode on iHeartRadio or your preferred podcast platform.