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.
First Place
Snoop Dogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
My eye (first place), ooh
Champion on every street that I survive
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
My eye (first place), ooh
OG, S-N-double O-P
'Fore a nigga show up, gotta envelope me
Big dog, you could never short me (what?)
I need it all upfront, no backend
Since a lil' nigga, Dogg got it crackin'
On deck all times, no lacking
Head on swivel 'cause anything can happen
I was banging before I was rapping (rapping)
I was slanging before it was trapping (trapping)
Always on go, it's automatic
Gold medal caught my eye, I gotta have it
We lost Nip too soon, that's tragic
But he gave LA more wins than Magic
More wins than Kobe and Shaq did
Champions never die, they everlasting
Convertibles and Cuban links just like a prize
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
My eye (first place), ooh
Champion on every street that I survive
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
My eye (first place), ooh
I'm a boss, I'm a genius, I can't turn it off
A lot of niggas not caught from this cloth
You are witnessing a gangster evolve
After all the run-ins with the law (what?)
After life threw me all them curveballs (curveballs)
You'da thought I gave up, but nah (nah)
Grow man, thug it out, stand tall
Who sold millions of records and balled?
Never slowed up, no no, not at all
From the streets of Long Beach, it's the Dogg
I hustled every day, how you think I got it all?
Did it my way, I done broke a lot of laws
Always came in first place, I ain't never tied with y'all
Everything real, I ain't never lied to y'all
First place (first place)
Convertibles and Cuban links just like a prize
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
My eye (first place), ooh
Champion on every street that I survive
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
My eye (first place), ooh
The lyrics of Snoop Dogg Tdot Illdude's song "First Place" celebrate the idea of winning and being on top. Snoop Dogg boasts about his achievements and his success as an OG, a boss and a genius. The imagery of "convertibles and Cuban links just like a prize" highlights the idea of material wealth as a sign of victory. The golden medal, which caught his eye, represents the ultimate prize and symbolizes his determination to win. He references Nipsey Hussle, who passed away too soon, but who gave Los Angeles more wins than Magic, Kobe, and Shaq. Snoop Dogg pays homage to him as an everlasting champion.
The lyrics also highlight how Snoop Dogg overcame adversity and challenges to become a champion. He mentions his run-ins with the law and how he never gave up despite life throwing him curveballs. He attributes his success to his hustle, his ability to do things his way, and to always coming in first place. He says he never slowed down, never tied with anyone; everything about him is real, and he has never lied to his audience.
Overall, "First Place" is an anthem celebrating Snoop Dogg's journey to success and his status as a champion.
Line by Line Meaning
Convertibles and Cuban links just like a prize
I am living the high life with fancy cars and expensive jewelry, which are like rewards for my success.
I gotta win, the golden medal caught my eye (first place)
I am determined to be the best and achieve my goals, and the prospect of winning a gold medal motivates me to work hard for first place.
My eye (first place), ooh
In my mind, I can see myself winning first place and achieving my dreams.
Champion on every street that I survive
Despite the obstacles and challenges I face, I am considered a champion because I have persevered and overcome them.
OG, S-N-double O-P
I am a respected and established figure in the rap industry, known as Snoop Dogg (or OG), with a unique style represented by my initials 'S-N-double O-P.'
Money talk, nigga, bullshit walk
People who can't deliver results with their talk are irrelevant, because in the end, money is the ultimate measure of success.
'Fore a nigga show up, gotta envelope me
Before anyone tries to work with me, they need to pay me upfront in cash (envelope) as a sign of respect for my time and talent.
Big dog, you could never short me (what?)
As a major figure in the rap game, nobody can cheat or betray me because I have the power and influence to ensure they pay what they owe me.
I need it all upfront, no backend
I demand payment in full before I even start work on a project, rather than waiting for royalties (backend) which may not fully reflect the value of my contributions.
Since a lil' nigga, Dogg got it crackin'
I have been making moves and creating success for myself since I was young, using my skills and ambition to break into the rap industry and establish my career.
On deck all times, no lacking
I am always prepared and ready for anything that comes my way, never caught off guard or unprepared.
Head on swivel 'cause anything can happen
I am constantly vigilant and aware of my surroundings, knowing that in the rap game, anything can happen and you need to be prepared for anything.
I was banging before I was rapping (rapping)
I grew up in the streets and was involved in gang activity before I found success in the rap industry.
I was slanging before it was trapping (trapping)
I was selling drugs before it became a popular trend (trapping) in the rap industry.
Always on go, it's automatic
I am always moving forward and taking action, consistently working towards my goals without hesitation.
Gold medal caught my eye, I gotta have it
I am motivated by the prospect of achieving greatness and winning awards, which drives me to work hard and strive for first place.
We lost Nip too soon, that's tragic
I am mourning the loss of my colleague and friend, Nipsey Hussle, who passed away too soon and left a void in the rap community.
But he gave LA more wins than Magic
Despite his tragic death, Nipsey left a legacy of success and accomplishment, particularly in his hometown of Los Angeles, where he achieved more than even the famous basketball player Magic Johnson.
More wins than Kobe and Shaq did
Nipsey's legacy of success is even more impressive than that of two legendary Lakers basketball players, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.
Champions never die, they everlasting
Even though Nipsey is no longer with us, his accomplishments and legacy live on, inspiring others to strive for greatness and become champions themselves.
I'm a boss, I'm a genius, I can't turn it off
I am confident and successful, as both a powerful figure in the rap industry and a masterful creative mind, and I can't just switch off my success and talent.
A lot of niggas not cut from this cloth
Most people don't have the inherent talent, skill, and drive required to succeed in the rap industry, which is why few can achieve my level of success.
You are witnessing a gangster evolve
I am constantly growing and evolving, becoming a better version of myself, and solidifying my reputation as a successful rapper and powerful figure in the industry.
After all the run-ins with the law (what?)
Despite my history of legal troubles and conflicts with authorities, I have still managed to achieve great success in the rap game, proving that my talent and skill outweigh my past mistakes.
After life threw me all them curveballs (curveballs)
Despite all the unexpected challenges and difficulties I have faced in my life, I have continued to persevere and succeed.
You'da thought I gave up, but nah (nah)
Despite appearances or assumptions, I have never given up on my dreams or my passion for music, and continue to push forward with determination and drive.
Grow man, thug it out, stand tall
I am a mature, grown man who has experienced many hardships and struggles, but I keep fighting and pushing through with strength and resilience.
Who sold millions of records and balled?
I have achieved enormous commercial success, selling millions of records and enjoying a lavish lifestyle as a wealthy and influential rapper.
Never slowed up, no no, not at all
Despite all my successes, I have never rested on my laurels or become complacent, and continue to work hard and push forward at all times.
From the streets of Long Beach, it's the Dogg
I hail from the streets of Long Beach, California, and have achieved immense success as Snoop Dogg, one of the most iconic and recognizable rappers in the world.
I hustled every day, how you think I got it all?
I achieved my success through hard work and consistent effort, hustling every day to make the most of my talents and achieve my goals.
Did it my way, I done broke a lot of laws
I have always done things on my own terms, refusing to conform to anyone else's expectations or standards, even if it meant breaking the law or going against conventions.
Always came in first place, I ain't never tied with y'all
I have always been a winner, never settling for second place or tying with anyone else, and always pushing myself to be the best.
Everything real, I ain't never lied to y'all
I am always genuine and real with my fans and listeners, never pretending or lying to them about who I am, what I've done, or what I stand for.
First place (first place)
I am driven to achieve greatness and win first place in everything I do, never settling for second or playing it safe, because that's what it takes to be a true champion.
Lyrics © CTM Outlander Music LC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Thomas Jude Goodwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sawab
One of the most underrated song ever👆🅿️
Ultimate games
One of the best songs to drop this year.
Hehuch4 Sgudhdj
All Snoop dogg Songs
Yann
Love it !! a Master piece 😍😍😍😍
CANDYSOULonline
this is beautiful! those strings. his voice... very nice!
Linda Hawkins
Beautiful song just bring back good memories.
Father_ Skúria Artist
Muita Alma Nesta Musica
TheYolo FanArmy
I'm rolling a blunt best music to roll while rolling #SNOOPDOGGTV much love stay medicated
Joaquín Castro
Best song of this album. Amazing sample
Andrew Flood
I LOVE THIS FREAKING SONG !!!