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.
Sets Up
Snoop Dogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Sets Up!) Chest out
In and out, in and out
Lift your arm, lift your arm
In a circle, in a circle
Swang out, hang out, bang out
Show these motherfuckers right where you from
[Snoop Dogg]
Coolest of the cool, I'm the god damn man
Heater so hot need a god damn fan
Everybody want gangsta, suckas don't live it
Til' they talkin' through that glass like 'see you in a minute'
That's not the bigg boss dogg
I've been in it since a youngin', I'm a East-side hogg
21st Street ridin', rollin' with my partners
Hat to the back in a rag spillin' vodka
Stompin' through the city in my big blue Chuck's
Lil' homies on the corner not givin' a fuck
So I chunked up the set like what's happenin' with you
Shit I just do what I do, I'm just stackin' it too
Is what he said to a loc as I dipped on out
Or as we say on the East-side, you cripped on out
See the sunshine and palm trees, livin' it up
Don't forget the block boys givin' it up
Where you from loc?
[Chorus: x2]
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
[Snoop Dogg]
For the rules of the game, represent your shit
Flag around the steering collar makin 'em sick
Shoot, the L.B. made me, gang-bang for real
If ya made it through the '80s I'm a product of the shady
Snoop D-O-doub', it's what I does
I'm worldwide love, the homies is like cause
Stuck to the script and kept claimin' the team
They love it when I chunk it on the TV screen
Like a, boss would do, how the fuck could you
Deny my gangsta, haters in my rear-view
All around the world they respectin' a G
Overseas they respectin' the C, that's on me
I did it like I did it mayne
Uh, if you ain't did it you ain't did a thing
Uh, you come through you better holler at me
You need beats you better holler at P
Now put your sets up
[Chorus: Pharrell]
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
The lyrics of Snoop Dogg's song "Sets Up" are an ode to gang culture and the importance of representing one's "set," or clique, in a confident and bold manner. The chorus, performed by Pharrell, encourages listeners to raise their chests, lift their arms, and swang out to "show these motherfuckers right where you from."
Snoop Dogg's verses are filled with references to his own gang experience, proudly claiming his place as the "big boss dogg" and noting that he's been a part of the game since he was young. He also touches on the idea that many people want to be seen as gangsters without actually living that life, calling them "suckas."
Despite the heavy subject matter, the song maintains an upbeat and catchy rhythm, thanks to Pharrell's production and Snoop Dogg's smooth delivery. The message of pride and representation is clear throughout - this is a song for those who aren't afraid to rep where they're from and show off their gangster bona fides.
Line by Line Meaning
(Sets Up!) Chest out
Get ready, prepare yourself. Stand tall and show confidence.
In and out, in and out
Breathe in and out to stay calm and focused.
Lift your arm, lift your arm
Raise your arm to show your allegiance to your gang or team.
In a circle, in a circle
Turn around in a circle so everyone can see you and where you're from.
Swang out, hang out, bang out
Move your body in a cool, confident way to show that you belong.
Show these motherfuckers right where you from
Demonstrate to anyone who doubts you that you are loyal to your hometown or gang.
Coolest of the cool, I'm the god damn man
I am the epitome of cool; no one else can compare. I am confident and in control.
Heater so hot need a god damn fan
My gun is so powerful that it needs a fan to cool down. I am a dangerous individual.
Everybody want gangsta, suckas don't live it
Many people try to act like gangsters, but they don't truly understand or live the lifestyle.
Til' they talkin' through that glass like 'see you in a minute'
They will only realize the true consequences of their actions once they are locked up and speaking through a glass divider during visitation.
That's not the bigg boss dogg
I am not just any ordinary gangster, I am one of the biggest and most respected leaders in my area.
I've been in it since a youngin', I'm a East-side hogg
I have been involved in gang activity since I was young, and I am a proud member of the East-side gang.
21st Street ridin', rollin' with my partners
I am cruising down 21st Street with my gang members.
Hat to the back in a rag spillin' vodka
I am wearing my hat backwards and carrying a rag soaked in vodka, which is a common drink among gangsters in my area.
Stompin' through the city in my big blue Chuck's
I am confidently making my way through the city while wearing my iconic blue Chuck Taylor sneakers.
Lil' homies on the corner not givin' a fuck
My young gang members on the street corner are fearless and unbothered by anyone who tries to mess with us.
So I chunked up the set like what's happenin' with you
I proudly showed my gang sign to show my affiliation and to challenge any rivals who might be present.
Shit I just do what I do, I'm just stackin' it too
I am just doing my thing, making money and accumulating wealth like any successful gangster would.
Is what he said to a loc as I dipped on out
I said this confidently to one of my fellow gang members as I left the scene.
Or as we say on the East-side, you cripped on out
We have a term for leaving our gang territory, which is called 'cripping out'.
See the sunshine and palm trees, livin' it up
I am enjoying the good life in my hometown and taking advantage of the beautiful weather and scenery.
Don't forget the block boys givin' it up
I am always loyal to my fellow gang members on the block who are holding it down for our territory.
For the rules of the game, represent your shit
In order to be a successful gangster, you must always represent your gang and follow the rules of the lifestyle.
Flag around the steering collar makin 'em sick
I am proudly displaying my gang colors on my car, which intimidates anyone who might be watching.
Shoot, the L.B. made me, gang-bang for real
Long Beach, my hometown, is where I learned to be a gangster and fight for my territory.
If ya made it through the '80s I'm a product of the shady
The 1980s were a particularly violent and dangerous time for gangs in my area, and anyone who survived that era is considered a tough and legendary figure.
Snoop D-O-doub', it's what I does
Snoop Dogg is my name and being a gangster is my lifestyle.
I'm worldwide love, the homies is like cause
I am respected and loved by people all around the world, especially by my fellow gang members.
Stuck to the script and kept claimin' the team
I have always been loyal to my gang and have never abandoned them, no matter what.
They love it when I chunk it on the TV screen
My fans love to see me throw up gang signs on television, as it demonstrates my authenticity and loyalty to my roots.
Like a, boss would do, how the fuck could you
I behave like a boss who is in control and respected, and I cannot understand how anyone would dare disrespect me or my gang.
Deny my gangsta, haters in my rear-view
I am aware of my haters who try to deny my gangster lifestyle, but I choose to ignore them and focus on what I am doing.
All around the world they respectin' a G
People all over the world respect and admire a real gangster, and I am one of them.
Overseas they respectin' the C, that's on me
Even overseas, people are aware of and respect the Crip gang, which I am a part of.
I did it like I did it mayne
I've been successful in my gangster lifestyle for a long time, and I did it my way.
Uh, if you ain't did it you ain't did a thing
If you haven't lived the lifestyle of a gangster and been a part of a gang, then you haven't really accomplished anything.
You come through you better holler at me
Anyone who comes through my territory better show me respect and acknowledge my authority.
You need beats you better holler at P
If you need music production or beats, you better get in touch with Pharrell, my collaborator and friend.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CALVIN BROADUS, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, PHARRELL L WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@treyvonwilliams
"Sets Up"
(feat. Pharrell)
[Chorus: Pharrell]
(Sets Up!) Chest out
In and out, in and out
Lift your arm, lift your arm
In a circle, in a circle
Swang out, hang out, bang out
Show these motherfuckers right where you from
[Snoop Dogg]
Coolest of the cool, I'm the god damn man
Heater so hot need a god damn fan
Everybody want gangsta, suckas don't live it
til' they talkin' through that glass like 'see you in a minute'
That's not the Bigg Bo$$ Dogg
I've been in it since a youngin', I'm a Eastside hogg
21st Street ridin', Rollin' with my partners
Hat to the back in a rag spillin' vodka
Stompin' through the city in my big blue Chuck's
Lil' homies on the corner not givin' a fuck
So I chunked up the set like what's happenin' with you
Shit I just do what I do, I'm just stackin' it too
Is what he said to a loc as I dipped on out
Or as we say on the Eastside, you Cripped on out
See the sunshine and palm trees, livin' it up
Don't forget the block boys givin' it up
Where you from loc?
[Chorus: Pharrell]
(Sets Up!) Chest out
In and out, in and out
Lift your arm, lift your arm
In a circle, in a circle
Swang out, hang out, bang out
Show these motherfuckers right where you from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
[Snoop Dogg]
For the rules of the game, represent your shit
Flag around the steering collar makin 'em sick
Shoot, the L.B. made me, gangbang for real
If ya made it through the '80s I'm a product of the shady
Snoop D-O-doub', it's what I does
I'm worldwide love, the homies is like cuz
Stuck to the script and kept claimin' the team
They love it when I chunk it on the TV screen
Like a, Bo$$ would do, how the fuck could you
deny my gangsta, haters in my rearview
All around the world they respectin' a G
Overseas they respectin' the C, that's on me
I did it like I did it mayne
Uh, if you ain't did it you ain't did a thang
Uh, you come through you better holler at me
You need beats you better holler at P
Now put your sets up
[Chorus: Pharrell]
(Sets Up!) Chest out
In and out, in and out
Lift your arm, lift your arm
In a circle, in a circle
Swang out, hang out, bang out
Show these motherfuckers right where you from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
Show me where you're from
@kiahenry9700
I will always be a Snoop Dogg fan. This is my shit.
@illustratyr3620
This shyt is tough!
@nossni666a4
Solid beat
@_jungletunes
NEPTUNES !! ++++
@TheRastaganja
Tha boss
@wilborcolombo8433
snoop sempre pesado do jeito que eu gosto monstrao!!!!
@__errebe__
Falaaaa irmão...!
@israelgonzalez1414
Ayayayyyyy chiquititooo!
@kiarastollenwerck4176
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!
@randymarsh6552
Coolest of the Cool. I'm the God Damn Man!