Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre will forever be figuratively attached to the hip. The success of Dre’s epic 1992 LP(Long Play), The Chronic, showcased the then-young Snoop’s distinct and stylish flow, with stand out verses on “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang,” and “F*ck Wit Dre Day.” The following year, Snoop’s debut Doggystyle helped solidify the West Coast’s emergence on the national hip-hop scene. Over 30 years later, Snoop’s Missionary LP, is the closest fans will get to Dre’s signature stadium sound on an entire album. While this LP does not have the mystique of the long-anticipated and unreleased Detox, and has its moments of braggadocios commercialism, overall it’s sonically pleasing, and experiments with various genres while keeping Snoop’s signature sound intact.
The thumping “Outta Da Blue” highlights Snoop and Dre exchanging bars over invigorating production. On “Hard Knocks,” Snoop describes his penchant for defying the odds and overcoming hurdles to reach the finish line and remain in the winner’s circle. The Tom Petty and Jelly Roll-assisted “Last Dance with Mary Jane,” presents a refreshing merger of country and hip-hop. While this might not be what hip-hop purists expected, it’s a delightful fusion.
And “Another Part of Me,” featuring British rock star Sting, is a feel-good track that makes you appreciate the present, especially with Sting’s lyrics, “There’s no better time than today.”
Snoop and Dre together on an album is exactly what fans wanted and what hip-hop needed. It shows that some brotherly bonds are unbreakable, and the people you started your career with will always have an influence on you. If you’re fortunate enough, you can come back years later with a more worldly and mature perspective and do it all over again. The album title is a clever play on words, as Missionary refers to both a sexual position (a nod to Snoop’s Doggystyle) and the idea of a missionary—a charitable hero, whose mission is accomplished.
And there you have it—mission accomplished, fellas! In a world of ever-changing sounds, Missionary reminds us that some musical bonds are timeless, and Dre and Snoop are still at the top of their game.
Words By David Lopez
