File this under: “Holy crap, did this just happen?” To answer you: Yes, yes it did. What’s your take on this…interesting collaboration? Let us know in the comments!
After Snoop Lion premiered his brand new single live on Conan last week, fans have been hotly anticipating the song’s official release. The final version, which Snoop uploaded to SoundCloud today, features a brand new verse from Drake, as well as vocals from his own daughter, Cori B. As a major player in the West Coast-East Coast rivalry of the early-90’s, it’s great to now see Snoop reversing his stance on gun violence and standing up against it. The song also features a side of Drake we really haven’t seen before, as he reflects on the tragic loss of some friends due to shootings last summer in Toronto. Although there is no download link yet, those interested in this song will be able to find it on Snoop Lion’s upcoming album, Reincarnated, dropping April 23.
If anyone doubts that Snoop Lion has what it takes anymore to make an impact in music anymore or that his name change is just a gimmick, this song is proof that the switch was his best career move in years. The Major Lazer produced beat brings it back to the origins of the modern wave of bass music, Dub Reggae, the original style of heavy bass experimentation. In his “Ask Me Anything” on Reddit this week, Snoop revealed that he smokes 80 blunts a day, every day, which certainly keeps up with Bob Marley‘s pound a week. The wonderful chorus by Angela Hunte complements Snoops verses’ lyrics which sing praise to Rastafarian King Salassie I. This single will be released December 8th and his full album, produced by Major Lazer will be available in February, along with a DVD of the same name chronicling his time in Jamaica embracing Rastafarian culture and music. If the rest of the album incorporates the spirit and sound of Reggae as much as this and the first single “La La La,” it may very well be the best Reggae album since Bob Marley was alive. The first single “La La La” is also included for your listening pleasure below.
Snoop Lion, aka Snoop Dogg, makes an interesting move trying his hand at a straight reggae track. I feel like he pulls it off alright, but what really stood out to me was the Diplo production. Always versatile, the Philly-based artist displays his electronic, islandy Major Lazer sound on this one. Few producers can match the minimal, but incredibly intricate style of Diplo. Along with this single, Snoop Lion announces his upcoming reggae LP, Reincarnated. The Doggfather sending good vibrations at a time when we could all use some.
