Snoop Dogg talks legacy, 2Pac regret, and reinvention on The Breakfast Club [VIDEO]

West Coast Icon Promotes New Album “Iz It A Crime” and Responds to Fat Joe

This morning, Snoop Dogg joined DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Jess Hilarious on The Breakfast Club to talk about his legendary career, his personal growth, and his latest project, Iz It A Crime. The conversation was rich with insight, emotion, and humor, reinforcing why Snoop has remained a relevant cultural icon for over 30 years.

Snoop Dogg has one of the most interesting career trajectories in entertainment history. His rise came from the fallout of Dr. Dre’s fallout with Eazy-E and Ruthless Records. As a result, Snoop was the first solo artist to drop an album on Death Row Records. However, his relationship with then-label head, Suge Knight, led to his tense exit from the label. Decades later, Snoop Dogg returned to Death Row, as the owner.

Now, Snoop has Death Row releasing gospel albums, being positive in the industry, and releasing his own albums. He spoke about this on The Breakfast Club.

Reflecting on a West Coast Legacy

Snoop opened the interview by acknowledging his transition from rap icon to grandfather. He emphasized the wisdom and perspective that comes with age. Therefore, discussing how being a grandparent has softened him in ways he never expected. Reflecting on his career, he cited the impact of Doggystyle, collaborations with Dr. Dre, and the shaping of West Coast hip-hop culture.

Importantly, Snoop drew a line between being a rapper and being a musician. “If you’re a musician, you can make music until you die,” he said, emphasizing that his current mindset is focused on longevity and legacy rather than trends.

He touched on the evolution of hip-hop, criticizing the oversaturation of similar-sounding artists and lack of originality. For Snoop, the West Coast has never left—it’s just evolved. He acknowledged Kendrick Lamar’s dominance while stressing that legacy can’t be measured by radio spins alone.

Purpose, Philanthropy, and the Next Generation

Beyond the music, Snoop delved into his sense of purpose, emphasizing his work with the Snoop Youth Football League and the children’s series Doggyland. He spoke passionately about generational wealth and ownership, particularly the lessons he’s passing down to his grandkids: “Thanks for the buildings, the money, the structure,” he quoted his grandson saying proudly.

He also discussed his newfound role as a mentor, often helping emerging artists like Sexyy Red and October London. “I always find artists when they’re at this point, and I become part of their life,” he said. Snoop described his approach to mentorship as rooted in generosity, often appearing on independent projects without contracts or fees.

The Weight of Regret: Losing 2Pac

A particularly emotional moment came when Snoop opened up about his biggest regret—not squashing a disagreement with Tupac Shakur before his death. “He was really my friend,” Snoop said. The regret still sits with him decades later, exacerbated by the chaotic environment at Death Row and the loss of a personal bond that once meant everything.

However, Snoop shared that Tupac’s mother gave him a sense of closure. “I got a chance to hug her and talk to her… that gave me half-clarity on where I was with him.”

He also revealed the pain behind his song “My Friend,” written after the loss of his own brother. “I cried the first 20 times I heard that song,” he admitted. It’s one of the few tracks he says he could never perform live.

Iz It A Crime: A Statement, Not Just an Album

Snoop promoted his new album Iz It A Crime, describing it as a return to bars, lyricism, and musical depth. He specifically highlighted the track “Me & OG Snoop” with Sexy Red, recounting how their natural chemistry in the studio created a standout moment. “She reminded me of me. She just don’t give a,” he said of Sexy Red.

The album is also a family affair. His wife appears on the cover, and Snoop proudly explained that this is the first time she’s featured front and center. It’s a tribute to her support throughout his career. Through his career, Snoop and his wife have had their ups and downs.

On his 2009 album, Malice N Wonderland, Snoop actually included a voicemail with his wife on a song. Now, he has his wife on his album’s cover.

Addressing the Fat Joe Controversy

One of the most buzzed-about moments came when Snoop responded to Fat Joe’s claim that Kendrick Lamar had surpassed both him and Tupac in West Coast dominance. Snoop shot back, “You can’t say that and you’re not from there,” emphasizing that such declarations need to come from within the culture.

While he acknowledged Kendrick as “the king,” Snoop was clear that longevity matters. “Thirty years at the top—not the middle or bottom—means something,” he said. Fans on X echoed the sentiment, sparking a debate on legacy, impact, and regional pride.

Viral Humor and Cannabis Culture

The interview wasn’t without laughs. DJ Envy asked if anyone had ever tried to out-smoke Snoop, prompting the now-viral reply: “Yeah, and they died.” Snoop recounted moments of cannabis-induced chaos, including one fan getting stuck in a guitar after passing out in his studio.

He also revisited the moment he joked about quitting weed, revealing that it caused panic among fans and business partners. “Double Dutch called me thinking they were going to lose the business,” he laughed.

Social Media Criticism and the Trump Event Backlash

Snoop addressed criticism over his performance at a Trump-affiliated crypto event. Some online accused him of selling out. Snoop clapped back: “Don’t hit me on Instagram with that—I’ll hit you right back in the DMs.” He explained that his appearance was tied to a long-standing business relationship and not a political endorsement. “I represent the gangster party,” he declared.

However, Snoop also explained that he did the event as a favor to a business associate. His associate was appointed by Trump to be in his cabinet. With that, he threw the Crypto Ball, and asked Snoop to DJ. So, he said he did it as a favor. Snoop explained he’d do the same for Charlamagne, if he asked.

A Transparent Journey

From losing friends and family to evolving into an entrepreneur, Snoop showed that vulnerability and growth can coexist with success. “I mastered loving me and loving people,” he said. He acknowledged that letting go of the gangster persona was difficult, but necessary for survival and legacy.

The interview, in Snoop’s own words, is a reminder: “You can do the right thing if you put your mind to doing the right thing. Crips can get old too.”