Jan. 14, 2025
By Alexandra Ruiz
Staff Writer
It has been over 30 years since rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre came out with “Doggystyle,” the album that brought G-funk to the world. “Missionary” is a sequel with an inspirational tone and the same energy.
Released on Dec. 13, the album consists of 13 tracks featuring artists 50 Cent, Jhené Aiko, Alus, BJ the Chicago Kid, Cocoa Sarai, Dem Jointz, Eminem, Fat Money, Jelly Roll, K.A.A.N., Method Man, Tom Petty, Smitty, Stalone and Sting.
In August, Dre told Entertainment Tonight that he and Snoop wanted to “show a different level of maturity” by releasing a “motivational yet unpolished record” to close out 2024.
“Fore Play,” which features American singer BJ the Chicago Kid, is a brief yet impactful one-minute opener. With stirring beats and uplifting chords, the track leaves listeners wanting more.
He has a lot to be proud of, and this album showcases that.
“Outta Da Blue” is a classic in which Dre and Snoop rap back and forth over a nostalgic, ‘80s-style beat, which is a beautiful nod to the early days of their careers.
The lyrics “Still Dre / still on top / still got it” mean that, even though it has been a long time since they collaborated, Dre and Snoop can still create great music together.
In “Another Part of Me,” Snoop takes on psychedelic rock with Sting. They take turns singing and rapping about their experiences and what they have learned from their struggles and triumphs.
Explaining the importance of taking risks, Sting sings, “In the moment jump up on it / see the ocean / stay in motion.” These lines offer good advice to listeners.
Although the sound of fans cheering at the beginning and end of the song throws off the album’s cohesion, “Another Part of Me” is an enchanting one-off.
“Last Dance With Mary Jane,” which features country singer and rapper Jelly Roll, samples rock artist Tom Petty’s 1993 song “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”
Petty sings, “Last dance with Mary Jane / one more time to kill the pain,” and then, Jelly Roll joins in for the chorus.
Addressing Snoop’s history using marijuana, the song delivers a powerful message about the detrimental effects of drug abuse.
The album ends with “The Negotiator,” which has cinematic strings, dreamy chimes and hypnotic jabs of the guitar that lay the foundation for Snoop to take his victory lap. Reflecting on how far he has come in his career, Snoop sings, “Built a legacy you can’t replace.” He has a lot to be proud of, and this album showcases that.
Overall, “Missionary” is a refreshing return for Snoop and Dre. The sound matches their old songs, and the duo provides a Hollywood-style free-for-all vibe that is fun to listen to. It has been three decades, but this album proves these music icons still have a lot to offer.
