Snoop Dogg has been a regular visitor to our shores over the last number of years and will make his latest appearances in our capital city when he plays two of the most anticipated shows of the summer in the intimate confines of The Academy on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th June. A veteran of the rap game, Snoop has sold more than 30 million records since his debut more than twenty years ago and, during that time, has earned his rightful place among hip hop royalty.
entertainment.ie music editor John Balfe caught up with Snoop for a chat before his Dublin shows and found him to be in very fine form indeed.
Snoop, you're no stranger to Ireland, having played numerous shows here over the years. What is it that keeps drawing you back here?
I have been coming to Ireland every year for the last ten years. We have a lot of fun here and the crowds are always up for a good time. Dublin is my favourite city outside the USA. We have made great friends here over the years , it's always good to catch up and swap tall tales and mixtapes and play to the Dublin crowds.
When you think of the gigs you've played here over the years - Oxegen, Phoenix Park being just two of them - what is the best memory from those shows that springs to mind?
First time I played Oxegen at the racetrack was special. The kids knew all the words and when we did House of Pain's 'Jump Around' the sight of 40,000 people jumping around tends to stick in your head. We were buzzing for days after that!
You seem to be one of those performers who's able to transfer energy you get from the crowd into your own performances. How important is a hot crowd to your live show?
People come to my shows to party , the crazier they get , the crazier I get. Dublin crowds are always hot and the Academy is going to be on fire.
It's now been more than 20 years since you released your first full record 'Doggystyle'. How do you stay current and relevant during such a long period of time, especially when so many artists from that era have fallen by the wayside?
I work hard to stay on top of the game, it’s fun, but it’s my job and I have to put in the hours and the effort. I always listen to the new sounds coming from the streets, and keep checking the mix tapes.
Some people were taken aback when you announced that you wanted to known as Snoop Lion and the subsequent dancehall/reggae record which followed. Did people get the wrong idea with this? Was it meant more to express a different side of your musical personality?
Check out the film 'Reincarnated'. That explains that musical and spiritual journey.
Will the Dublin shows on 10th & 11th June reference all aspects of your career so far, from the 'Doggystyle' days all the way up to 'Reincarnated'?
We'll pick 'n mix all the hits, from back in the day to yesterday!
Who, in your opinion, are some of the best young up 'n coming names in hip hop and rap?
Check out Hydro and Inkwell , that’s today's favourite. Stay tuned to my Underground Heat Show, we are pushing the best new young un’s.
Thanks for your time! Any last words for your Irish fans?
Get ready to party Bigg Boss Dogg style!
Snoop Dogg plays The Academy on Abbey Street on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th June. Tuesday's show is completely sold out but a handful of tickets remain for Wednesday shows and are available via Ticketmaster.