Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg Reunite for First Album Since Doggystyle — and the Title Is a Joke
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, one of hip-hop’s most iconic duos, are back with a full-length collaborative album for the first time since Snoop’s 1993 debut, Doggystyle. The new project, humorously titled Missionary, dropped on December 13, 2024, through Death Row Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope, marking a nostalgic yet evolved reunion nearly three decades in the making.
A Reunion Decades in the Making
The partnership between Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg defined the early 1990s West Coast sound. Dre produced Doggystyle, introducing the world to Snoop’s smooth, laconic flow over G-funk grooves. Since then, collaborations were sporadic: Dre produced The Blue Carpet Treatment in 2006 and contributed to Snoop’s verses on Compton in 2015, but a full Dre-Snoop album had been absent.
The making of Missionary reportedly began around two years prior to release. Dre pushed Snoop to perfection, reportedly requesting extensions about 85 times, with Snoop responding, “two more days,” until the tracks met Dre’s exacting standards. Snoop praised the experience, stating, “It’s the way [Dre] got me rapping—like a grown Snoop Dogg. He uses my voice like an instrument,” describing how the production treated his vocals almost “like a robot.”
Dr. Dre, now approaching 60, described the album as a high point in his career. In August 2024, he said, “This one is going to show a different level of maturity with my music. I feel like this is some of the best music I’ve done in my career,” echoing the excitement he felt during the creation of The Chronic.
The Joke Behind the Title
The album’s title, Missionary, is intentionally tongue-in-cheek. Dre joked about it as a playful counterpart to Doggystyle, with Snoop chiming in, “The first album was Doggystyle.” The title also serves as a subtle nod to the 30th anniversary of their debut, emphasizing continuity while highlighting their playful dynamic. Music outlets like HipHopDX noted the humorous intent behind the name, reinforcing that it’s more homage than provocation.
Production and Features
Dre is the sole producer on Missionary, ensuring the sound is unmistakably his. Producer Smitty also contributed, expanding the production team. The album features 15–16 tracks, including titles such as “Fore Play,” “Outta Da Blue,” “Shangri-La,” “Hard Knocks,” and “Last Dance With Mary Jane.” Guest appearances span multiple generations and genres, with Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, Jhené Aiko, Sting, Jelly Roll, Tom Petty, and Dre himself on vocals. The album runs approximately 43 minutes and is available for $16.99 on Apple Music.
Reception: Nostalgia Meets Maturity
Early reactions from fans and critics reflect a mix of nostalgia and tempered expectations. On Reddit, a user commented, “Album is decent especially since Snoop is like 53 and Dre is damn near 60. Don’t know what else fans would want at this point. They are past their prime.” A review from The Arts Desk noted, “The incendiary magic that was Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg three decades ago has not been conjured again in this long-awaited reunion,” suggesting the album doesn’t fully recapture the explosive energy of their early work.
Despite this, many praise the growth and maturity on display. Snoop’s rapping demonstrates refined technique and vocal control, aligning with Dre’s vision of a “grown Snoop Dogg.” The production evokes the classic West Coast vibe while blending modern sensibilities, creating a bridge between nostalgia and evolution.
A Triumphant, If Measured, Return
Missionary represents more than just another album — it’s the culmination of decades of musical history between Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. While it may not replicate the raw intensity of Doggystyle, it highlights the duo’s enduring chemistry, technical growth, and ability to innovate even after 30 years. For fans of West Coast hip-hop, it’s a welcome return to a sound both familiar and matured, proving that age hasn’t dulled the artistry of two of the genre’s most influential figures.
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