Why John Cale Thinks Snoop Dogg Has ‘No Genealogy’—And That’s a Compliment
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
John Cale and Snoop Dogg may seem like an unlikely pair in the musical universe—a Welsh avant-garde legend from the ’60s rock scene and a West Coast hip-hop icon—but the connection is real, and it’s rooted in deep admiration.
Cale, the 79-year-old founding member of The Velvet Underground, has long defied musical pigeonholes. From pioneering rock’s underground to producing for The Stooges and embracing electronic experimentation on his 2016 album MFANS, Cale remains a restless innovator. His openness to fresh sounds and refusal to settle has led him to a surprising place: fandom of Snoop Dogg.
In a recent interview with Pitchfork, Cale singled out Snoop’s 2004 hit “Drop It Like It’s Hot” as a pivotal record in his life. “This thing has no genealogy,” Cale marveled. “I have no idea where this came from. It just landed here. Unbelievable.” For Cale, the track’s originality is striking. He speculated on Pharrell’s influence but emphasized Snoop’s unique “linguistic style” — the iconic “sh-shi-shizzle” branding that makes Snoop unmistakably himself.
“I love rap, though I could do without the misogyny,” Cale added with characteristic candor.
In a follow-up chat with Loud In Quiet, Cale praised Snoop’s charisma and even revealed his appreciation for lesser-known collaborators like Kokane, whose vocal style reminded him of the soulful versatility of Sly Stone.
What makes this admiration particularly notable is how it underscores Cale’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries. While many artists his age might rest on past laurels, Cale continuously absorbs new genres and voices, allowing modern sounds to influence his work. His respect for Snoop highlights a shared spirit of originality and fearless creativity—qualities that transcend genre and generation.
John Cale’s embrace of Snoop Dogg is a testament to music’s unifying power and a reminder that innovation knows no borders. In Cale’s words, Snoop’s music “just landed here”—a pure, fresh arrival that even a Velvet Underground pioneer can’t help but admire.
