The Surprising Reason Why John Cale Loves Snoop Dogg

John Cale and Snoop Dogg. At first glance, these two figures from vastly different musical worlds might seem an unlikely pair. Cale, the Welsh maestro and founding member of the iconic Velvet Underground, is known for his avant-garde approach to rock music, while Snoop Dogg, the West Coast rap legend, has dominated hip-hop with his smooth flow and laid-back style. However, what may seem like an odd pairing has a surprising backstory—one that reveals Cale’s deep admiration for Snoop Dogg and his music.

While a man in his 70s from the valleys of Wales obsessing over a hip-hop artist might seem unusual, Cale is not an artist who fits neatly into any box. His career has always been marked by genre-defying creativity, constantly pushing the boundaries of music. From his time in The Velvet Underground—arguably one of the most influential rock bands of all time—to his solo ventures as a producer and experimental artist, Cale has made it his mission to never sit still. It is this mindset that leads him to find inspiration in places others might not expect—like in the beats and rhymes of Snoop Dogg.

A Love for Snoop Dogg’s Sound

Cale has always been fascinated by the art of sound production, and when speaking to Pitchfork, he expressed his admiration for one of Snoop Dogg’s most iconic tracks, Drop It Like It’s Hot. “This thing has no genealogy,” Cale remarked. “I have no idea where this came from. It just landed here. Unbelievable.” He continued to praise the originality of the track, calling it “so original,” and admiring how the production, crafted by Pharrell Williams, had a unique, genre-defying quality to it.

Cale was especially captivated by Snoop Dogg’s distinct linguistic style, noting how his “sh-shi-shizzle” became an integral part of his brand. “It’s very branded; I don’t know what it is, but it’s his,” Cale said, reflecting on Snoop’s unmistakable mark on the genre. Though he acknowledges the less-than-ideal elements of rap—specifically the misogyny that can be prevalent in some of the genre’s content—Cale’s love for rap remains steadfast.

Admiration for the Artistry Behind Hip-Hop

When speaking to Loud In Quiet, Cale expanded on his love for Snoop Dogg, explaining how his admiration for hip-hop extends to other artists like Eminem. “Eminem is really outrageous, he’s so strong, and Snoop, I always get a giggle out of Snoop,” he shared, emphasizing how the two rappers both inspire him in different ways. What stands out about Cale’s perspective is his ability to appreciate rap not just for its lyrics but for the artistry behind it. Cale, who has worked with musicians across genres for decades, sees the value in innovation, and for him, Snoop Dogg exemplifies that quality.

Moreover, Cale also mentioned Kokane, a lesser-known artist who frequently works with Snoop, and praised his voice for its deep, soulful qualities, akin to the legendary Sly Stone. “It can be very deep and soulful one minute and then very high and beautiful and romantic the next,” Cale said, highlighting the versatile emotional range that can be found within hip-hop and its connections to other genres.

John Cale’s Musical Evolution

Cale’s connection to contemporary music is a testament to his unyielding commitment to sonic experimentation. The 79-year-old musician released his most recent album, MFANS, in 2016—a reworking of his 1982 album Music For A New Society. This effort embraced modern electronic music and explored experimental techniques, showing that Cale continues to evolve and push musical boundaries. For Cale, music has always been about embracing change, and this exploration of new sounds, including hip-hop, keeps him inspired and engaged with the evolving landscape of the music world.

The impact of hip-hop on Cale’s creative output is clear. As an artist who has never been afraid to venture into uncharted territory, his admiration for Snoop Dogg and others in the genre shows that music is a universal language—one that transcends genres and generations. Cale is not only inspired by modern music, but he also brings that influence into his own work, continuously blending genres and expanding his sonic vocabulary.

Conclusion: Breaking Boundaries in Music

What makes John Cale so revered in the music world is his refusal to settle and his relentless pursuit of creativity. From his work with The Velvet Underground to his ongoing solo career, Cale’s versatility and willingness to experiment have cemented his place as one of the most innovative musicians of his time. His love for Snoop Dogg serves as a reminder that even the most unconventional musical influences can lead to groundbreaking work. Cale’s appreciation for hip-hop, particularly Snoop’s contribution to the genre, highlights his deep understanding of the artistry behind music, regardless of the style.

In the end, John Cale’s journey reminds us that music knows no boundaries, and that innovation can be found in the most unexpected places—whether it’s in the punk rock of the 1960s or the smooth rhymes of a West Coast rap legend. For Cale, his continued evolution as an artist is powered by his ability to embrace change, learn from those who came before him, and find inspiration in the sounds of today.