Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre return to a familiar position on Missionary, a triumphant reunion that’s grown from the roots of where it all started. Guests include Eminem, Jelly Roll, and Sting.
Snoop Dogg brings it all back to the beginning with Missionary, his highly anticipated album produced with longtime friend Dr. Dre. The album takes fans back to the golden era of West Coast hip-hop, and by no coincidence, has dropped on the 30th anniversary of Doggystyle. With an all-star lineup featuring Eminem, Jelly Roll, 50 Cent, Sting, Jhene Aiko, and more, Missionary is not only a celebration of Snoop’s legacy, but a reminder of the magic his partnership with Dre creates.
The buzz about the album began way back in late 2022 when Snoop first mentioned it on social media, later confirming its development during an appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast. “Me and Dr. Dre have been working on an album for the past two months,” Snoop revealed, adding, “It’s produced by Dr. Dre. It’s our 30th anniversary to Doggystyle. And the name of the album is Missionary.” When pressed on the title, Snoop quipped, “The first album was Doggystyle.” The album’s announcement came with a cheeky trailer featuring two missionaries approaching a woman in lingerie, capped with the tagline, “Your ad said you were dedicated to missionary work!” It’s classic Snoop humor, offering a playful nod to his career-long knack for blending comedy with serious messages.
What sets Missionary apart is the blend of past and present. The album’s production harks back to the gritty, funk-infused sound of Snoop’s early records, but with a mature twist. Snoop himself called it “masterful” in a January 2024 update, praising Dre’s ability to push him creatively. “It’s like a grown Snoop Dogg,” he said. “[Dr. Dre] uses me like a f*cking robot and I love it because I love to be produced. I love to be challenged.”
Missionary features an impressive roster of guests, from hip-hop heavyweights like Method Man and BJ the Chicago Kid to unexpected voices like Tom Petty and Sting. Tracks like “Space” and “Glad You Came” highlight the album’s mix of storytelling, huge hooks, and Dre’s signature polished production. Missionary is a reunion showing that after nearly three decades, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre prove they still have the chemistry and vision to stand above the competition. And it’s a milestone worth celebrating.