Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre have reunited for their highly anticipated album “Missionary,” marking their first full-length collaboration since 1993. Fans were eager to see how the West Coast rap titans would blend their iconic styles in this new project, especially following Snoop’s repurchase of Death Row Records in 2022, which heightened expectations.
The album features 16 tracks that span approximately 46 minutes, with Dr. Dre serving as the primary producer alongside a roster of collaborators, including Sam Snead, Bug the Beats, and Fredwreck. While “Missionary” is not a direct sequel to Snoop’s classic “Doggy Style,” many listeners were curious if it would capture a similar essence.
The opening track, “Foreplay,” sets a soulful tone, blending Snoop’s signature flow with smooth vocals from BJ The Chicago Kid, reminiscent of the classic Stylistics tune. Other standout tracks include “Shang RI,” which utilizes the same sample as De La Soul’s “Stakes Is High,” showcasing Snoop’s clever wordplay.
“Out the Blue,” the album’s second single, exemplifies the chemistry between Snoop and Dre, featuring a playful back-and-forth that recalls their earlier collaborations. The track “Hard KNX” introduces a beat shift that surprises listeners, showcasing Dre’s trademark production skills alongside a creative interpolation of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.”
One of the album’s highlights is “Thank You,” where Snoop delivers high-energy verses, sampling the well-known “Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself.” This track captures the essence of late ’90s hip-hop and is anticipated to resonate with long-time fans. Conversely, “Another Part of Me,” featuring Sting, received mixed reviews, particularly regarding Snoop’s use of autotune, which some listeners found less appealing.
The collaboration with Method Man in “Skyscrapers” stands out for its cinematic production and celebratory horns, while tracks like “Guns and Smoke” featuring Eminem and 50 Cent aim to recapture the raw energy of classic hip-hop collaborations. However, some tracks, such as “Fire,” received less enthusiastic feedback, with critics suggesting they may require more listens to fully appreciate.
Snoop’s lyrical prowess shines throughout the album, with many critics noting that he sounds revitalized and at the top of his game. The closing track, “The Negotiator,” encapsulates the album’s journey, featuring a minimalist soul riff that reflects on Snoop and Dre’s legacy in the hip-hop industry.
Overall, “Missionary” has garnered a range of responses, with some listeners disappointed by the absence of a G-Funk sound reminiscent of their earlier work. Nevertheless, many agree that the album is a well-produced project that showcases Snoop’s lyrical depth and Dre’s production genius. Critics have rated the album a solid four out of five, suggesting that while it may not meet everyone’s expectations, it still stands as a significant contribution to contemporary hip-hop.
As fans continue to dissect the album, it’s clear that “Missionary” represents a new chapter for Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, blending nostalgia with modern experimentation while paving the way for future collaborations.