Snoop's debut album, Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre and released in 1993 by Death Row Records, debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Selling almost a million copies in the first week of its release, Doggystyle became certified 4× platinum in 1994 and spawned several hit singles, including "What's My Name?" and "Gin & Juice". In 1994 Snoop released a soundtrack on Death Row Records for the short film Murder Was the Case, starring himself. His second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted at number one on both charts, with "Snoop's Upside Ya Head" as the lead single. The album was certified double platinum in 1997.
After leaving Death Row Records, Snoop signed with No Limit Records, where he recorded his next three albums, Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). Snoop then signed with Priority/Capitol/EMI Records in 2002, where he released Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss. He then signed with Geffen Records in 2004 for his next three albums, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, and Ego Trippin'. Malice 'n Wonderland (2009), and Doggumentary (2011) were released on Priority. Snoop Dogg has starred in motion pictures and hosted several television shows, including Doggy Fizzle Televizzle, Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, and Dogg After Dark. He also coaches a youth football league and a high school football team. In September 2009 Snoop was hired by EMI as the chairman of reactivated Priority Records.
In 2012, after a trip to Jamaica, Snoop announced a conversion to Rastafarianism and a new alias, Snoop Lion. As Snoop Lion he released a reggae album, Reincarnated, and a documentary film of the same name, about his Jamaican experience, in early 2013. His 13th studio album, Bush, was released in May 2015 and marked a return of the Snoop Dogg name. His 14th solo studio album, Coolaid, was released in July 2016. Snoop has 17 Grammy nominations without a win.
In 2018, he released his first gospel album, Bible of Love.
Kool Moe Dee ranks Snoop at No. 33 in his book There's a God on the Mic, and says he has "an ultra-smooth, laidback delivery" and "flavor-filled melodic rhyming". Peter Shapiro describes Snoop's delivery as a "molasses drawl" and AllMusic notes his "drawled, laconic rhyming" style. Kool Moe Dee refers to Snoop's use of vocabulary, saying he "keeps it real simple...he simplifies it and he's effective in his simplicity".
Snoop is known to freestyle some of his lyrics on the spot for some songs – in the book How to Rap, Lady of Rage says, "Snoop Dogg, when I worked with him earlier in his career, that's how created his stuff... he would freestyle, he wasn't a writer then, he was a freestyler," and The D.O.C. states, "Snoop's [rap] was a one take willy, but his shit was all freestyle. He hadn't written nothing down. He just came in and started busting. The song was "Tha Shiznit"—that was all freestyle. He started busting and when we got to the break, Dre cut the machine off, did the chorus and told Snoop to come back in. He did that throughout the record. That's when Snoop was in the zone then."
Peter Shapiro says that Snoop debuted on "Deep Cover" with a "shockingly original flow – which sounded like a Slick Rick born in South Carolina instead of South London" and adds that he "showed where his style came from by covering Slick Rick's 'La Di Da Di'". Referring to Snoop's flow, Kool Moe Dee calls him "one of the smoothest, funkiest flow-ers in the game". How to Rap also notes that Snoop is known to use syncopation in his flow to give it a laidback quality, as well as 'linking with rhythm' in his compound rhymes, using alliteration, and employing a "sparse" flow with good use of pauses.
Snoop re-popularized the use of -izzle speak, particularly in the pop and hip-hop music industry.
Snoop Dogg is a lifelong fan of professional wrestling. On March 30, 2008, Snoop Dogg appeared at WrestleMania XXIV as a Master of Ceremonies for a tag team match between Maria and Ashley Massaro as they took on Beth Phoenix and Melina. On a March 23, 2015 episode of Raw, Snoop Dogg appeared in a segment with Hulk Hogan and Curtis Axel. At WrestleMania 32, he accompanied his cousin Sasha Banks to the ring for her match, rapping over her theme music. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
Broadus made a special guest appearance in All Elite Wrestling on the January 6, 2021, episode of AEW Dynamite, titled New Year's Smash. During this appearance, Snoop appeared in the corner of Cody Rhodes during Rhodes's match with Matt Sydal. He later gave Serpentico a Frog Splash, with Rhodes then delivering a three-count.
Snoop Dogg would join The Miz to host both nights of WrestleMania 39. During Night 1, he accompanied Rey Mysterio in a lowrider during his entrance, paying tribute to the late Eddie Guerrero. On Night 2, he introduced Shane McMahon to face The Miz in another spontaneous match. McMahon would sustain a quad injury during the match prompting Snoop Dogg to improvise and finish the match himself, ultimately defeating Miz. Snoop Dogg's improvisational acts were lauded by wrestlers and executives, including WWE chief content officer Triple H.
Fallin' Asleep On Death Row
Snoop Dogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hangin' on the dope spot slangin' they keys
Four lil, five lil, six lil cops
Leanin' in the cut, 'bout to get popped
Not, knowin' I'm scopin' on the roof
I got my red beam, better have ya bulletproof
Cause the light don't miss once I
Put it to ya dome they got my homies jacked
Al Capone was a hero of mine
I've shot plenty niggas and cops
So fuck one time
Where they at? where they at? oh
They in the back
So I gotsta take my time and
Make sure that my nine
Get him, got him, spot him, shoot him
He's shot and now they call me Snoop Gotti
I'm like a fugitive, Harrison Ford
Slidin' in the Chevy now
The shit's gettin' heavy
But you know I can't choke so
I call my nigga Loc
Gotta find the hideaway and a
Big bag of smoke
Can't be fuckin' wit' my niggas
While they makin' they dope
Cause if ya slippin'
Ya fallin' asleep on Death Row
Now some muthafucka done snitched on me
And the judge just sentenced me
To do about a century
I'm mobbin' through the county main line
Back in 9500, just tryna handle mines
Spittin' game at my homies about
The good ol' days as we try to pass time
Waitin' for the chains
To Chino, I see no reason to cry
When a nigga's still alive, right?
Five o'clock wake up, call roll
Call Doggy Dogg be at the chow hall from
There I roam the yard
Still representin' to the fullest
So you know what time it is
I shank a nigga in a minute
Abiding rules of the pen
I adapt quick, don't take shit from no nigga
Hittin' pushups by the g's to get bigger
Eight months, I'm on swole, my mind's clearer
Everyday of my life I take
A glimpse in the mirror
And guess what the fuck I'm startin' to see
I still regulate sleepin' in the penitentiary
The lyrics of Snoop Dogg's song "Fallin' Asleep On Death Row" depict a vivid and gritty narrative of life on the streets, the cycle of crime, and the consequences that ultimately lead the singer to prison.
In the first stanza, Snoop Dogg describes a scene where young gangsters are selling drugs, referred to as "G's" or gangsters, on a corner. However, they are being watched by police officers, creating a sense of impending danger. Snoop Dogg, positioned on a rooftop with a red laser sight, calls attention to his ability to navigate the dangerous environment, recognizing that one wrong move could result in violence. He also references historical figures like Al Capone and his own involvement in shootings, conveying a sense of defiance towards authority.
The second stanza shifts to Snoop Dogg's experience within the prison system. He reveals that someone has betrayed him, causing him to receive a very long prison sentence. He describes his time behind bars, specifically in the county jail and later in Chino, California, showcasing his resilience and determination to survive. Through reminiscing about the "good ol' days" with his friends, he tries to maintain a sense of normalcy and camaraderie. Snoop Dogg also highlights the strict rules and hierarchies within the prison, suggesting that he abides by the code but also takes no nonsense from others.
The third stanza delves into the physical and mental challenges of prison life. Snoop Dogg mentions exercising and getting physically stronger while trying to maintain his sanity. He describes the daily routine and the way in which he confronts his own reflection in the mirror. This self-reflection represents his acknowledgment of the consequences of his actions and the impact they had on his life. Despite everything, Snoop Dogg asserts his ability to still regulate and maintain control, even within the confines of the penitentiary.
Overall, "Fallin' Asleep On Death Row" provides an introspective look into the street life, the adversities it brings, and the harsh realities of incarceration. Snoop Dogg, with his characteristic smooth flow and lyrical storytelling, presents a captivating tale of survival, resilience, and introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
One lil, two lil, three lil G's
A small group of gangsters hanging out together
Hangin' on the dope spot slangin' they keys
Dealing drugs on the street corner
Four lil, five lil, six lil cops
A small group of police officers
Leanin' in the cut, 'bout to get popped
Hiding and preparing to be arrested
Not, knowin' I'm scopin' on the roof
Unaware that I am watching from above
I got my red beam, better have ya bulletproof
I have a sniper scope on my weapon, so it's best to wear body armor
Cause the light don't miss once I
Because the laser sight ensures accuracy when I
Put it to ya dome they got my homies jacked
Aiming at your head, they have arrested my friends
Now they reachin' for they chrome
Now they are grabbing their guns
Al Capone was a hero of mine
I admire the notorious gangster Al Capone
I've shot plenty niggas and cops
I have shot numerous individuals, including both gang members and police officers
So fuck one time
I do not fear the police
Where they at? where they at? oh
Where are the police? Where are they? Oh
They in the back
They are hiding
So I gotsta take my time and
So I must be patient and
Make sure that my nine
Ensure that my gun
Get him, got him, spot him, shoot him
Find him, capture him, identify him, shoot him
He's shot and now they call me Snoop Gotti
After shooting him, I am now referred to as Snoop Gotti
I'm like a fugitive, Harrison Ford
I am similar to a fugitive, like the character portrayed by Harrison Ford in movies
Slidin' in the Chevy now
Driving in a Chevrolet car now
The shit's gettin' heavy
The situation is becoming difficult
But you know I can't choke so
But you know I cannot give up, so
I call my nigga Loc
I contact my friend Loc
Gotta find the hideaway and a
Need to locate a safe place and
Big bag of smoke
A large quantity of marijuana
Can't be fuckin' wit' my niggas
Cannot mess with my friends
While they makin' they dope
While they are producing drugs
Cause if ya slippin'
Because if you make a mistake
Ya fallin' asleep on Death Row
You will be caught and face death penalty (Death Row is a metaphorical reference to high-risk criminal activities)
Now some muthafucka done snitched on me
Now someone has betrayed me by providing information to the authorities
And the judge just sentenced me
And the judge has recently imposed a heavy prison sentence on me
To do about a century
To serve a prison term of approximately one hundred years
I'm mobbin' through the county main line
I am moving through the main area of the county jail with confidence
Back in 9500, just tryna handle mines
In cell block 9500, just trying to deal with my own problems
Spittin' game at my homies about
Speaking convincingly to my friends about
The good ol' days as we try to pass time
The past times when things were better, as we attempt to occupy ourselves
Waitin' for the chains
Awaiting the process of being transported in handcuffs
To Chino, I see no reason to cry
To Chino State Prison, I have no reason to shed tears
When a nigga's still alive, right?
Because I am still alive, isn't that right?
Five o'clock wake up, call roll
Being woken up at five in the morning for the prisoner count
Call Doggy Dogg be at the chow hall from
Summon my friend Doggy Dogg to join me at the cafeteria
There I roam the yard
There, I walk around the prison exercise area
Still representin' to the fullest
Still fully displaying my gang affiliation
So you know what time it is
So you understand the situation
I shank a nigga in a minute
I can stab an individual at any moment
Abiding rules of the pen
Following the codes and regulations of the prison
I adapt quick, don't take shit from no nigga
I adjust rapidly, and I do not tolerate any nonsense from anyone
Hittin' pushups by the g's to get bigger
Doing push-ups with my gang members to increase our strength
Eight months, I'm on swole, my mind's clearer
After eight months, I have become more muscular and my mind is more focused
Everyday of my life I take
Every day of my life, I reflect on
A glimpse in the mirror
A brief look at myself in the mirror
And guess what the fuck I'm startin' to see
And to my surprise, I am beginning to see
I still regulate sleepin' in the penitentiary
I am still in control of my life even while confined in prison
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aliaune Thiam, Calvin Broadus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jessica Bryant
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