Why John Cale, the Velvet Underground Legend, Is a Secret Snoop Dogg Superfan

John Cale and Snoop Dogg might seem worlds apart—a Welsh avant-garde maestro in his late 70s and a West Coast hip-hop icon—but the legendary musician has revealed a surprising admiration for the rap superstar. The Velvet Underground co-founder, known for constantly pushing musical boundaries, openly praised Snoop Dogg’s groundbreaking style and influence in a recent interview.

Cale, whose career has spanned from shaping rock history in the 1960s to producing and releasing experimental music well into the 21st century, has never been one to conform. After revolutionizing rock with The Velvet Underground, he went on to produce seminal acts like The Stooges and develop a rich solo catalog that defies easy categorization. His 2016 album MFANS reimagined his 1982 work through a modern electronic lens, showcasing his relentless drive to evolve.

Speaking to Pitchfork, Cale singled out Snoop Dogg’s 2004 hit “Drop It Like It’s Hot” as one of the most pivotal records of his life. “This thing has no genealogy,” he marveled. “I have no idea where this came from. It just landed here. Unbelievable. So original.” He praised the linguistic flair that Snoop brings to rap—the trademark “Sh-shi-shizzle” style—calling it “very branded” and uniquely his own. While candid about disliking misogyny in rap, Cale expressed a wholesome love for the genre.

In a separate interview with Loud In Quiet, Cale further revealed his affection for Snoop’s personality and musical collaborations. “I always get a giggle out of Snoop,” he said, highlighting another artist connected to the rapper—Kokane—whom he compared to soul legend Sly Stone for his dynamic vocal range and style.

What makes Cale’s admiration particularly compelling is how it underscores his creative ethos: a refusal to rest on past laurels and an eagerness to embrace sounds from across genres and generations. His openness to hip-hop’s innovations is evident in his recent experimental projects, which incorporate contemporary influences while maintaining his signature sonic exploration.

John Cale’s respect for Snoop Dogg is a testament to music’s power to bridge seemingly disparate worlds, and to the enduring spirit of artists who constantly seek new frontiers—no matter their age or background.