Bebe Rexha on Studio Time with Snoop Dogg: “You’re Hotboxed in There”
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
When Bebe Rexha teamed up with Snoop Dogg for their single Satellite, fans expected a mix of playful energy and Snoop’s signature cannabis influence. What they might not have anticipated, however, was just how immersive that studio experience would be.
In an exclusive interview with People, Rexha described her collaboration with the West Coast legend as nothing short of “phenomenal,” before adding with a laugh: “You’re hotboxed in there.” The phrase perfectly captured the atmosphere—an enclosed studio space filled with marijuana smoke, emblematic of Snoop Dogg’s long-standing association with cannabis culture.
A Strategic Release with a Snoop Dogg Stamp
Satellite was released on April 20, 2023—no coincidence. The date, known globally as a celebration of cannabis, fit seamlessly with both the song’s theme and Snoop Dogg’s persona. The track appeared on Rexha’s self-titled third studio album Bebe, released just a week later on April 27, 2023.
The collaboration quickly gained attention not only for its playful sound but also for the stories surrounding its creation. Rexha praised Snoop’s artistry, telling People that his verses flowed “like water,” highlighting his effortless approach in the booth.
Cannabis Culture On and Off Set
Rexha didn’t just talk about the haze in the studio—she carried that candid vibe over to social media. Around the single’s release, she shared TikTok and Instagram posts joking that she was “high as balls” and “higher than a satellite,” cheekily tying her experiences to the project’s theme. Clips from the animated music video’s shoot reinforced the cannabis connection, showing Rexha embracing the playful, psychedelic energy of the track.
In another interview with People on April 20, 2023, Rexha recalled Snoop’s early-morning energy: “He called me at 7:00 AM with a blunt,” she said, noting that the video shoot included smoking branded Death Row Joints.
The Music Video: Animated and Elevated
The Satellite music video, released on 4/20, took the cannabis-infused collaboration into a literal orbit. Featuring an animated intergalactic adventure, it reflected the song’s tongue-in-cheek celebration of escapism and highs—both figurative and literal. Outlets like Billboard covered Rexha’s admission that she got “so high” during the shoot, further cementing the collaboration’s 4/20 credentials.
Public Reaction and Buzz
The release sparked buzz across platforms, with Rexha herself leaning into the cannabis connection on X (formerly Twitter). In one post announcing the song’s release, she added emojis of a leaf, puff of smoke, and satellite (🍃💨🛰️), amplifying the playful theme. Fans praised the duo for leaning into Snoop’s iconic brand while still showcasing Rexha’s versatile pop sensibilities.
A “Dream” Collaboration
For Rexha, teaming up with Snoop was a bucket-list moment. She described working with him as a “dream,” underscoring both her admiration for his artistry and her amusement at the inevitable haze that comes with sharing space with one of hip-hop’s most famous smokers.
“It was phenomenal,” she reiterated. “The acting thing was a bonus, but the experience itself was really such a treat.”
With Satellite, Rexha didn’t just land a collaboration with a hip-hop icon—she got the full Snoop Dogg experience, hotbox and all.
Would you like me to pitch this article more as a fun, lighthearted entertainment piece (focusing on the humor of being hotboxed with Snoop) or as a serious music-culture feature (framing it within the broader story of Snoop’s cannabis brand and Rexha’s evolution as an artist)?
