Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper known for his iconic contributions to West Coast hip-hop, has once again made headlines by venturing into a new musical genre. In a surprising yet fitting move, he has teamed up with the Zac Brown Band for a new country-rap collaboration titled ‘Let It Run.’ Describing the union of his musical style with the Southern sound of the Zac Brown Band as ‘gangster gumbo,’ Snoop underscores the value of cross-genre experimentation in the world of music.
The collaboration, which marks Snoop’s second foray into country music this year, has been met with both excitement and intrigue. ‘Let It Run,’ released on July 18, is a laid-back ballad that celebrates cannabis culture, blending the laid-back vibe of country music with Snoop’s signature rap flair. The track will be featured on the Zac Brown Band’s upcoming album, ‘Love & Fear,’ which is set for release in December. The album, the band’s first new record in four years, represents a significant milestone in their musical evolution.
The release of ‘Let It Run’ was accompanied by a surprise performance at the Zac Brown Band’s Los Angeles concert on July 21, where the two artists delivered a live rendition of the track and filmed part of the music video. This performance not only showcased the synergy between the two musicians but also highlighted the growing trend of cross-genre collaborations in the music industry.
As Snoop reflected on the collaboration, he expressed his admiration for the Zac Brown Band, particularly for founding member Zac Brown, whom he described as a fan. ‘They reached out to me when they played me the record. The record was so, so right up my alley, so it was an easy go-to, and I’m a fan of Zac,’ Snoop said, emphasizing the mutual respect and appreciation that formed the basis of the partnership.
His approach to blending musical styles is rooted in a belief that music should transcend boundaries. ‘There’s no such thing as just one genre,’ Snoop told Fox News Digital. ‘It’s about crossing hands and bringing everybody together through music.’ This philosophy has guided his numerous collaborations over the years, including his well-received work with country music icons like Willie Nelson.
Snoop’s foray into country music is not a new endeavor. He has a long history of collaborating with country artists, with his collaboration with Willie Nelson being a particularly notable example. Their partnership dates back to 2008 when Nelson was featured on Snoop’s song ‘My Medicine,’ which appeared on his ninth studio album, ‘Ego Trippin.’ The two have since worked together again on multiple projects, including the 2011 single ‘Superman’ and the 2012 track ‘Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,’ which earned them a CMA nomination in the vocal event of the year category.
In addition to his musical collaborations, Snoop is also making waves with his latest commercial venture. He is the face of Raising Cane’s new ad campaign, which promotes the fast-food chain’s annual Chicken Finger Day celebration. The campaign, which runs nationwide, features Snoop in a Christmas-in-July-themed ad, where he dons the Santa Claus persona while delivering chicken fingers to customers. The ad, which showcases Snoop’s trademark laidback style, has been well-received, further solidifying his status as a versatile entertainer.
Although Snoop’s commercial ventures have been primarily focused on brand promotion, his recent foray into the food industry underscores his continued ability to adapt and engage with audiences through various platforms. The collaboration with Raising Cane’s, in particular, highlights his ability to blend his personal brand with corporate marketing, creating a unique and memorable experience for consumers.
Snoop’s latest projects reflect a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where artists are increasingly embracing cross-genre collaborations and brand partnerships to maintain relevance and connect with diverse audiences. His ability to seamlessly integrate his musical and commercial ventures demonstrates a keen understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape.
As Snoop continues to explore new creative avenues, his work with the Zac Brown Band and Raising Cane’s serves as a testament to his enduring influence and ability to adapt to changing trends. Whether through music or commercial ventures, Snoop Dogg remains a compelling figure in the entertainment world, consistently delivering content that resonates with fans across different demographics.