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.
Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto
Snoop Dogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[ ] = squeaky kid voice
Intro: bad a$$
Is that the black santa claus? (ho ho ho! merry christmas!)
I want a super nintendo ... yeah, sega genesis, yeah,
Street fighter 2, all these games...
[Mommy! is that the black santa claus?
Verse 1: dat nigga daz
It's 12.30 am, christmas eve
I'm out with the gangstas and thieves
Celebratin', postin' up with eggnog [head up up] in my cup
[Put rudolph and moses] lil' bang-bangin' and coastin'
Down the block but be careful for the heart, because it's posted'
Some stay to this day that christmas ain't nothing but another day
But, out of respect, I gotta give the lord his day
Tell me, tell me, where do the homies and bums got to sleep? {nowhere}
Where do hungry and the needy-greedy's got to eat? {but who cares? }
Life is so crucial and cold, [it's worse] for the children
In this world they hopes and dreams can't afford
The young and old churches and spiritual dreams, seasonal things
Heard throughout the ghetto reaches gangstas and dope-fiends, huh
'Cause those who ain't able get it now can finally get it
¡®cause the ghetto santa claus has sprinkled the hood and now we ballin'
Livin' to a new year of better thangs
Celebrate it with some champagne, ha ha, check it ...
Chorus: nate dogg
Santa claus ... is coming straight to the ghetto ...
Bridge: snoop doggy dogg
Now on the first day of christmas, my homeboy gave to me
A sack of the krazy glue and told me to smoke it up slowly
Now on the second day of christmas, my homeboy gave to me
A fifth of hendog and told me to take my mind off that weed
Now by the third day of christmas, my big homeboy gave to me
A whole lot of everything, and it wasn't nuthin' but game to me
Verse 2: bad a$$
Back then, you woke up to the sound of ¡°i saw mama kissing santa¡±
Made you remenisce on the old fashion christmas days
Gifts, miss a fat man jolly with joy
Down ya chimney with toys for lil' girls and boys
Pumped up, I jumped up before the sun peeped in
And hoped to catch a santa claus creepin' down my hall
Ran to the window, put my eyes to the sky
To see if I could see the sleigh that parlayed and pushed a fat guy
I sigh, ain't no sign, but everything under this tree in my house is mine
My bike, that, and this plastic nine'll do fine till next year come
I try to see the same thing, they got us brain washed dumb
And when you find, it ain't no santa, christmas still mean a lot
'Cause it's the time to get together and give all you got
You got food, good moods, and what's better than together with your people
When wishers give a toast by the tree, it's merry christmas
Chorus
Verse 3: snoop doggy dogg (starts during chorus)
(Don't get too close because you might get shot ...
Welcome to the ghetto ...)
Santa claus on the ceiling, jack frost chillin'
Pinch the grinch for being a holiday villain
Season's greetings, all the proceedings
Are brought to you by the church house where we'll be eatin'
Chestnuts roastin' on an open fire
Singin' my jingle, where is kris kringle
I didn't pop, I ain't even shouted
I even stayed in the house, where the homies tried to sneak me out
And all I want for christmas is my 6-4 chevrolet
And a granddaughter for her grandmother beverly
Ain't that somethin'? nah, ain't that nothin'
How it's christmas time and my rhyme's steady bumpin'
Everybody happy, hair still nappy
Gonna steal a gift for my old grandpappy
Catch me giving out turkeys at the church-house
Don't try to work me, just stand in the line and everything gon' be fine
Holla at ya folks, boy, it's goin' down
Ain't no help from no elves, just tha dogg pound
And we passin' out gifts, blazin' up spliffs
Christmas on the row, can you dig it? {can you dig it}
Chorus
Verse 4: tray deee
Christmas eve, by the leaves, every 6 with the year
Girls and boys full off joy with the season cheer
Smell the sky, hella pies and cakes gettin' baked
To be ate after everything gone off your plate
But wait, not tonight it's straight beans and rice
On the table, are we able to proceed tonight?
I wonder what the morn's bringin' so it's hard to doze off
Three 'o clock in my socks I crack the dope song
Hopin' when I open the door I'll see santa
Now who the hell is this in this blue bandana
Messin' with the boxes that's up under the three
Look like santa claus been crossed to a woman to me
Now I'm comin' to see, the whole picture gettin' clearer
How we have messed; I says best get nearer
Mirror, mirror, please, it's seemed I've be deceived
And thank the same trick for the gifts I receive
So I creep back, and act like I ain't even peeped it
This'll be me and mom's private secret
Chorus till fade
The song Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto by Snoop Dogg is a track that highlights the struggles that people in the ghetto face during Christmas time. The song features various artists and is an amalgamation of different styles and experiences. The song begins with a young boy who is excited to see a Black Santa Claus and is hopeful to get some gifts. The first verse by Dat Nigga Daz highlights how the people in the ghetto live day by day, struggling to find a place to sleep and food to eat. He observes that while some may argue that Christmas is just another day, others respect the holiday and the Lord. The chorus sung by Nate Dogg talks about how Santa Claus goes straight to the ghetto, bringing joy to the people living in the poverty-stricken area.
The second verse performed by Bad A$$ reminisces about the Christmas days of yore where people woke up to the sound of Mama kissing Santa. He reflects on how gifts brought joy to children, and the Christmas spirit could create happiness in the ghetto. He talks about how despite the absence of Santa, Christmas continues to hold significance, bringing people together to celebrate and enjoy the day. The third verse by Snoop Doggy Dogg describes the experience of celebrating Christmas in the ghetto. He talks about the chestnuts roasting, children singing carols, and people sharing love and happiness. He notes that while the elves may not help, the Dogg Pound is there to give out gifts and celebrate with the community. The final verse by Tray Deee describes his experience of celebrating Christmas Eve with his friends and family, indulging in traditional food and eagerly waiting for Santa Claus. He talks about the joy that the season brings and how it is vital to cherish the moments with loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Is that the black santa claus? (ho ho ho! merry christmas!)
The singer expresses surprise at seeing a black Santa Claus and acknowledges the holiday cheer.
I want a super nintendo ... yeah, sega genesis, yeah,
Street fighter 2, all these games...
The child expresses his desire for cool video games as gifts from Santa Claus.
[Mommy! is that the black santa claus?
That is the black santa claus! mommee! mommee! mommee!]
A child gets excited about seeing a black Santa Claus and asks his mother for confirmation.
It's 12.30 am, christmas eve
I'm out with the gangstas and thieves
Celebratin', postin' up with eggnog [head up up] in my cup
The artist is hanging out with his criminal friends on Christmas Eve, drinking eggnog and having a good time.
[Put rudolph and moses] lil' bang-bangin' and coastin'
Down the block but be careful for the heart, because it's posted'
The artist and his friends are driving around the neighborhood while partying, but they have to be careful of the police presence.
Some stay to this day that christmas ain't nothing but another day
But, out of respect, I gotta give the lord his day
Although some people consider Christmas just another day, the singer still acknowledges it as a day of celebration and pays respect to the religious origins of the holiday.
Tell me, tell me, where do the homies and bums got to sleep? {nowhere}
Where do hungry and the needy-greedy's got to eat? {but who cares? }
The singer questions where homeless people and the hungry will find shelter and food on Christmas, acknowledging the poverty in his community and the lack of care from society.
Life is so crucial and cold, [it's worse] for the children
In this world they hopes and dreams can't afford
Life is hard for everyone, but especially for children who struggle to have their hopes and dreams realized due to poverty and other struggles.
The young and old churches and spiritual dreams, seasonal things
Heard throughout the ghetto reaches gangstas and dope-fiends, huh
Despite the difficulties of life, churches and spirituality are still present in the ghetto, even in places where drugs and crime are prevalent.
'Cause those who ain't able get it now can finally get it
¡®cause the ghetto santa claus has sprinkled the hood and now we ballin'
The ghetto Santa Claus has provided gifts for those who couldn't afford them, allowing the community to finally feel some joy and celebrate together.
Livin' to a new year of better thangs
Celebrate it with some champagne, ha ha, check it ...
The singer looks toward the new year with hope and plans on celebrating with some champagne.
Santa claus ... is coming straight to the ghetto ...
The chorus emphasizes the arrival of Santa Claus in the ghetto and the joy he brings.
Now on the first day of christmas, my homeboy gave to me
A sack of the krazy glue and told me to smoke it up slowly
The singer recalls receiving drugs from his friend as a gift on the first day of Christmas.
Now on the second day of christmas, my homeboy gave to me
A fifth of hendog and told me to take my mind off that weed
On the second day of Christmas, the singer's friend gives him alcohol and encourages him to stop smoking weed.
Now by the third day of christmas, my big homeboy gave to me
A whole lot of everything, and it wasn't nuthin' but game to me
On the third day of Christmas, the singer's friend gives him a variety of gifts, including valuable life advice.
Back then, you woke up to the sound of ¡°i saw mama kissing santa¡±
Made you remenisce on the old fashion christmas days
Gifts, miss a fat man jolly with joy
Down ya chimney with toys for lil' girls and boys
The artist remembers the nostalgic feeling of waking up on Christmas morning, inspired by the classic song, and the joy that Santa Claus brought by delivering gifts.
Pumped up, I jumped up before the sun peeped in
And hoped to catch a santa claus creepin' down my hall
The artist was excited to wake up early and catch Santa Claus delivering presents in his house.
My bike, that, and this plastic nine'll do fine till next year come
I try to see the same thing, they got us brain washed dumb
The singer is happy with the gifts he received but realizes that society has conditioned people to believe that Christmas is all about buying material objects.
And when you find, it ain't no santa, christmas still mean a lot
'Cause it's the time to get together and give all you got
Even if Santa Claus isn't real, Christmas still holds meaning because it's a time to come together and show love to others.
Santa claus on the ceiling, jack frost chillin'
Pinch the grinch for being a holiday villain
The artist pictures Santa Claus on the ceiling and Jack Frost outside while playfully poking fun at the Grinch for being the holiday villain.
Chestnuts roastin' on an open fire
Singin' my jingle, where is kris kringle
The artist describes the cozy scene of roasting chestnuts while also singing and wondering about Kris Kringle's whereabouts.
I even stayed in the house, where the homies tried to sneak me out
And all I want for christmas is my 6-4 chevrolet
The artist stays inside with his friends but still desires a new car as a Christmas gift.
And a granddaughter for her grandmother beverly
Ain't that somethin'? nah, ain't that nothin'
The singer mentions a wish for his grandmother to have a granddaughter, realizing that it may not mean much in comparison to other problems but still matters to him.
How it's christmas time and my rhyme's steady bumpin'
Everybody happy, hair still nappy
Even during Christmas, the artist's music continues to be popular, and everyone is enjoying the holiday despite their hair being unkempt.
Catch me giving out turkeys at the church-house
Don't try to work me, just stand in the line and everything gon' be fine
The singer is giving out turkeys at the church for those who need them, encouraging people to simply line up and not take advantage of the situation.
Christmas on the row, can you dig it? {can you dig it}
The singer is enjoying his Christmas on the row, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the ghetto and all its characters.
Christmas eve, by the leaves, every 6 with the year
Girls and boys full off joy with the season cheer
The singer describes the feeling of Christmas Eve and how everyone, especially children, is excited about the holiday spirit.
Smell the sky, hella pies and cakes gettin' baked
To be ate after everything gone off your plate
The air is filled with the aroma of pies and cakes being baked for Christmas dinner and dessert.
But wait, not tonight it's straight beans and rice
On the table, are we able to proceed tonight?
Despite the excitement of Christmas, the artist acknowledges that not everyone has a fancy dinner and wonders if they will even have enough to eat.
So I creep back, and act like I ain't even peeped it
This'll be me and mom's private secret
The singer catches someone messing with the gifts under the tree but decides to ignore it and keep it a secret between him and his mother.
Writer(s): STAMPS JAMARR ANTONIO, HAYES ISAAC LEE, ARNAUD DELMAR, HALE NATHANIEL D, BROADUS CALVIN CORDAZOR
Contributed by Sophie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@d1inonly
R.I.P. to the great Nate Dogg and the supremely underrated Bad Azz. This will forever slap.
@kennyhardy1884
KING ON THE HOOKZ! 💯
@killaskrilla5320
If you not bumpin this on Xmas
we cant kick it.
@quantaps4887
DAMN RIGHT
@dollarsignhtotheo2dubbs579
2022 it's that time of year 🎅 Happy Holidays yall 🎄💨💯
@yayoclubtv3209
Onnahood
@MrJay2006
‼️
@jonathanpatterson41
God bless the ones that’s here and R.I.P to those we lost 😞 MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 World 🌎
@thisisnotatestthisistheend
Yee
@fba_mann6535
Every year i be jammn this