The 90s saw a massive explosion of rap and hip-hop artists that revolutionized the music scene. Snoop Dogg is one of the biggest and most successful artists to come out of this era. His early career under the guidance of Dr. Dre brought with it some of the most iconic and popular rap and hip-hop tracks of the decade.
This list looks at some of the most influential and popular releases from Snoop Dogg’s early years. The beginning of a fantastic career that continues to this day.
Gin & Juice
After establishing himself as a new star in the rap and hip-hop scene, thanks to collaborations with Dr. Dre on The Chronic album, Snoop Dogg released his debut album Doggystyle. The second single from the album Gin & Juice is one of the most popular Snoop Dogg tracks of all time.
It was a commercial success reaching #8 on the Billboard charts and selling 700,000 copies. It embraces the laid-back Snoop Dogg lyrical talents and the West Coast G-Funk style that was insanely popular at the time.
Who Am I (What’s My Name)?
Gin & Juice is possibly one of Snoop Dogg’s most recognizable tracks, but the start of his solo career was with Who Am I (What’s My Name). This introduction to Snoop as a solo artist cemented his position as a serious force in the rap and hip-hop scene.
Peaking at #8 on the Billboard charts, it’s a groovy track with Snoop’s signature rapping. It is guaranteed to get 90s rap and hip-hop fans dancing with a catchy hook and supporting chorus vocals. One of Snoop Dogg’s best early releases that also made it to our best karaoke songs from the 90s list.
Doggy Dogg World
Wrapping up the single releases from Snoop Dogg’s debut album, Doggy Dogg World was notable for the big line-up of collaborating artists and the fact it was a European-only single release.
Kurupt and Daz Dillinger joined in to add their own rap sections, while the 70’s era R&B and soul group The Dramatics delivered a powerful performance elevating the track further. Combining this with Snoop’s smooth rap style made it an instant classic. It was truly one of the best hip hop songs of the 90s.
Bitch Please
As the 90s came to a close, Snoop Dogg released his fourth studio album, No Limit Top Dogg. From that album is the raunchy track featuring Xzibit and Nate Dogg. Due to the subject material, there were three versions of this track.
The original explicit version is the one I’m highlighting here, but most people might recognize the radio version that replaces “Bitch Please” with “Trick Please” in the lyrics. A clean version also mutes out some of the most explicit segments. But for authenticity’s sake, you always need to go with the original to get your groove on.
Murder Was the Case
Another fantastic track from Snoop Dogg’s debut album is the groovy and dark Murder Was The Case. This track spins a tale where Snoop Dogg is shot but then makes a deal with the devil. It’s a grittier and darker storyline that leans into the perils of a gangsta lifestyle.
While darker, it still oozes the smooth groove and vibe that only Snoop’s iconic voice can provide. It also ended up on the short film soundtrack with the same name but with an updated remix. Dr. Dre produced both.
Still A G Thang
The year was 1998, and Snoop Dogg was with a new label, No Limit Records. His third studio album, Da Game Is to Be Sold Not to Be Told, dropped, and Still A G Thang was the lead single. It reached #19 on the Billboard charts and was a fantastic lead single for the album.
Leaning heavily into the West Coast hip hop and gangsta rap vibes, it’s a bouncy track with some interesting callbacks and hints to Snoop Dogg’s earlier hit Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang. A must-listen for any hip-hop fan.
Doggfather
Doggfather is the third single released from Snoop Dogg’s second studio album Tha Doggfather. The year was 1996, and Snoop Dogg was riding on the success of his first album. And this release has gone down as one of his greatest tracks.
Despite its excellent reputation now, at the time, it didn’t even chart in the USA but did reach #20 in the UK charts. Plus, you have to love the classic black and white gangster movie theme for the music video.
Vapors
Continuing Snoop Dogg’s frequent collaborations with Charlie Wilson, this banger of a track was the second single released from Snoop Dogg’s second studio album. But some people don’t realize this was a cover of the Biz Markie track of the same name originally released in 1988.
A slick and refined cover that helped bring a West Coast hip-hop flavor to an already fantastic track. Biz Markie even appeared in the video, adding further legitimacy to the fresh cut.
Snoop Bounce
The groovy and bouncing Snoop Bounce is an often overlooked track from Snoop Dogg’s second album Tha Dogfather. Once again, the collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson delivers.
The infectious beat is an intelligent use of a sample from More Bounce to the Ounce from Zapp, initially released in 1980. An excellent example of the creative use of sampling in the hip-hop and rap scene of the 90s.
Tha Shiznit
Snoop Dogg’s first album was littered with impressive tracks. Tha Shiznit is often listed as among the best. It features a smooth and stylish groove and is a perfect example of Snoop Dogg’s freestyle rapping skills.
The Doggystyle album debuted at #1 on the album charts, sold a massive 806,858 copies in its first week, and is widely regarded as Snoop Dogg’s best album. And with fantastic tracks like Tha Shiznit, it is no surprise why it has earned that accolade.
Fo Shizzle My Nizzle
Snoop Dogg is one of the biggest stars to emerge from the 90s era of hip-hop and rap. Past the 90s, Snoop continued to release albums and collaborated with many artists, often to massive commercial success. But to this day, his early albums are considered the best of his illustrious career. A unique icon and one of the pioneers of the G-Funk West Coast style.
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.