For those who have grown up woth hip hop, and for those who have immersed themselves in the ‘golden era’ of when hip hop really started to take the music charts by the throat, the pairing of Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg is essentially as good as it gets. And, while ‘Missionary‘, the latest project from this iconic pairing, doesn’t reach those groundbreaking, game changing heights (think ‘Chronic’, ‘Doggystyle’ and ‘2001’) of years gone by, they do shake the game up with a fantastic project that has moments of pure nostalgia, while continuing to remain relevant – something that is far more difficult to do in the modern music landscape.
From the JUMP, the signature sound underpins the project and while it manoeuvres through different pockets of the hip hop / commercial / maintstream realm, there is a constant totem – the iconic sound of Dr Dre and his impeccable production, the silky smooth, well crafted, conversational tone of everyones favourite uncle – Snoop Dogg, and most important, how this duo are the eptiome of the ‘steel sharpens steel’ mantra. For decades, Dr Dre has been one of the most recognisable names and sounds in hip hop. You won’t find a ‘Best Producers’ conversation take place in any barbershop or on any street corner that won’t hear the words Dr Dre uttered with pride and confidence. His ability to curate dope ass music, to really make soundtracks that stick to your ribs, is top tier. His ability to bring the best out of Snoop Dogg is second to none.
Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre aren’t just hip hop artists – they almost transcend the culture with the brand they have built over the last 30+ years. So, it’s no surprise that when their paired up to bring this long awaited collaborative project to hip hop heads worldwide, that it wasn’t going to be the same gritty, g-funk laced, hardcore gangsta rap that had been such a staple of their previous projects. Instead, ‘Missionary‘ continues the trajectory of Snoop Dogg, bridging that gap between streets, vehicles and clubs – like very few have been able to successfully do. Few (if any) artists have such a diverse catalogue, but then again, few are Snoop Dogg, the most iconic emcee / rapper / artist in pop culture history!
In short, Dre’s production is inspired, and Snoop sounds reinvigorated and like he’s enjoying working with Dre again.
Overall, this album has something for everyone, but due to the length of time hip hop heads have been waiting for this project, we’re fully prepared for the ‘didn’t live up to the hype’ narrative. And, truth be told, both viewpoints would be correct. For those hoping to be transported back to their youth, sipping on gin and juice while smoking dime bags and crip walking on street corners – you may need to dust off Doggystyle for that. If you want to hear a vibrant, fun, inspired version of the ‘new’ and updated G funk sound, with a little more maturity in message and slightly less misogyny, and some dope pairings that only Snoop and Dre could pull of with authenticity – hit play on ‘Missionary‘ immediately.
Now, for something a little different, let’s highlight some of the most kick-ass moments of this listening experience!
‘Thank You’
This is one HELL of a track! It’s catchy, could earn a playlist spot in the crib, the car or any party and really showcases the chemistry between the two and has its own energy that blasts through the speakers! This is in HEAVY rotation.
‘Skyscrapers’
Method Man is not only one of the best feature emcees of all time, but he is another iconic name and voice in hip hop, and he brings the fire on this joint! No chorus, just straight bars as the trio of Snoop, Meth and Smitty all vie for best verse.
‘Last Dance with Mary Jane’
Story-telling Snoop is back at his best, talking about the love of his life – which can be interpreted however you like! Jelly Roll also pens a quality narrative, blurring the lines between weed and women, while Tom Petty and his instrumental addition, make this a banger!
‘Sticcy Situation’
G funk at its finest, this track slaps and the beat switch up is NUTS! Coco Sarai is a perfect addition to this joint too, from the hook to her bars, and K.A.A.N is no slouch either. It’s so well delivered that if just feels like the one song, and not two ‘halves’ slapped together. Flames.
‘Gunz N Smoke’
The most weirdly polarising track on the project for me. On one hand, it’s exactly what I expected – three emcees who have a great chemistry, steeping up to the plate and each delivering a hot verse. It is also probably the ‘safest’ and grimiest joint on the album. On that note, it’s a big win, but in the holistic project, where the envelope has been pushed will a range of crazy and well crafted collaborations – it may struggle under the weight of its own expectation.
‘Hard Knocks’
Doesn’t deliver the same beat switch / cohesion that ‘Sticcy Situation’ does, and therefore can seem like two tracks, BUT in saying that, I’d love a full version of ‘each’ part of this track! The first part of the joint is somewhat of an anthem, the second really hones in on Snoop’s journey.
All in all, Snoop and Dr Dre are BACK! While the other producers Snoop has worked with over his career have more catered to Snoop’s style and vibe, Dre has continued to push him to level up and really grow as an artist. Snoop sounds refreshed, and he has a bounce in his step, and Dre delivers a soundscape that both supports this and allows Snoop (and the featured artists!) to really standout.
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