It is almost time for Snoop’s new release “Iz It a Crime?”, featuring Pharrell, Wiz Khalifa, and two tracks produced by Eminem’s right-hand man, Mr. Porter.
Snoop Dogg’s 21st solo album “Iz It a Crime?” is officially landing on May 15 after, in true Snoop fashion, a quick delay from the surprise May 13 release he teased earlier this week.
This new project comes just several months after “Missionary”, Snoop’s long-anticipated collaborative album with Dr. Dre, which dropped in December 2023. Despite the heavyweight pairing and legendary features, including one with Eminem and 50 Cent, that album faded from conversation faster than expected. Now, Snoop is pivoting back to a solo release — and bringing new energy with him.
Speaking on Access Hollywood with Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover, Snoop explained the inspiration behind the album title, saying it came from people questioning his actions. But musically, his perspective has shifted:
“As an artist, when I first came out, I was so into me, so into making sure I was doing the right things. I think now I’m so into the people, into the public. What do they love of me, what do I do that makes them love me musically? So, I’m trying to focus on that. At the beginning of my career, I was focused on me, now I’m focused on you”.
“Iz It a Crime?” features an impressive lineup, from Sexyy Redd and Wiz Khalifa to West Coast legends like Battlecat and Rick Rock. There is also a reunion with platinum collaborator Pharrell Williams and a pair of tracks featuring a familiar name from the Shady camp: Mr. Porter, aka Denaun.
Denaun produced and is featured on two tracks: “Cold Summer” and “My Friend”. Considering that Eminem’s hype man is skilful as a solo artist in both rapping and singing, hip hop and soul, it will be interesting to see which side of his creativity he brings to the project.
On their previous collaboration, “Tomorrow” for the TV series “Godfather of Harlem”, Denaun took the side of soul, and it worked so well that we probably should expect just that from their new tracks.
Snoop and his wife Shante “Boss Lady” Broadus are pictured on the cover, repping Long Beach with coordinated outfits and local pride. The album is dropping through Death Row Records and is reportedly tied to a new film, though details on that part remain under wraps.
If everything goes according to plan, “Iz It a Crime?” will be out tomorrow. And with this lineup, it is worth the wait.
