The release of Snoop Dogg’s 21st studio album, Iz It a Crime?, marks a new chapter in the long and illustrious career of the West Coast rap legend. Dropped under the revived Death Row Records label, the album blends Snoop’s signature smooth, laid-back grooves with modern production techniques and collaborations that reflect his versatility. However, while the album delivers its fair share of memorable moments, it also reveals some stumbles, making it a mixed offering for both long-time fans and newer listeners.
A Mellow Introduction
Iz It a Crime? opens with the title track, an airy, introspective cut that features a subtle sample from Sade’s “Sweetest Taboo”. The song sets the tone for the entire album — a mellow, contemplative journey through Snoop’s mindset in 2025. The track is quintessential Snoop: his signature drawl floating effortlessly over a smooth beat that feels almost nostalgic. The question posed in the title — “Is it a crime?” — underscores a recurring theme on the album: Snoop’s reflections on his career, his personal choices, and the legacy he has built over decades in the rap game.
As Snoop explores these themes, there is an underlying sense of melancholy. In many ways, Iz It a Crime? reads like a post-mortem of Snoop’s career, where he reflects on his past decisions and the weight of fame and fortune. However, the introspection is tempered with the laid-back cool that has made Snoop a beloved figure in music. Tracks like “G-Funk Forever” evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding listeners of the golden days of West Coast rap while also embracing the present.
Collaborations and Highlights
One of the album’s standout moments comes with the Pharrell Williams-produced “Sophisticated Crippin’”. Here, Pharrell’s signature funk-driven production meshes perfectly with Snoop’s flow, delivering an upbeat, catchy track that feels like a nod to both the past and present of West Coast rap. The chemistry between the two artists is undeniable, as Pharrell brings his signature flair to the beat, while Snoop’s relaxed delivery ties it all together. The track evokes a sense of fun, a reminder of Snoop’s roots and his playful energy that made him a household name.
Yet, while some collaborations are undeniably strong, others fall flat. The track “Can’t Get Enough”, featuring popular R&B artist Jane Handcock, feels overly commercial. The track’s radio-friendly production, which veers too far into mainstream pop territory, dilutes the authenticity that Snoop is known for. While it may appeal to a broader audience, it feels disconnected from the deeper themes and reflective tone set earlier in the album. For long-time fans, this track may feel like a compromise, leaning more towards commercial appeal than artistic expression.
Another collaboration, “Spot”, once again features Pharrell, but this time, the result is less successful. While the beat is catchy, the track lacks the depth and energy that one might expect from a Snoop-Pharrell collaboration. It feels more like a filler than a standout moment, with neither the beat nor the lyrics leaving a lasting impression.
Experiments and Missteps
One of the most ambitious moments on the album is “Snoop Will Make You Dance”, where Snoop steps away from his signature smooth flow and experiments with electronic elements. The track’s catchy hooks and danceable beat certainly make it an earworm, but it doesn’t offer the emotional depth that fans have come to expect from Snoop. The song is fun, but lacks the layers of meaning and authenticity that characterized some of his most impactful songs.
The exploration of new soundscapes continues in tracks like “Spot” and “Just the Way It Iz”, which feature upbeat tempos and synth-heavy beats that take Snoop out of his traditional comfort zone. These moments show Snoop’s willingness to evolve and experiment with modern trends. However, while the experimentation is admirable, these tracks don’t resonate as deeply as some of his previous works, leaving fans wondering if the iconic rapper is losing touch with the style that made him an icon.
Social Issues and Political Commentary
One of the more disappointing aspects of Iz It a Crime? is the lack of impactful social commentary. Given Snoop’s history of addressing issues affecting the African American community, many listeners expected more depth in his approach to political and social issues. While the album touches on themes of racial inequality and the trauma black artists face in the media, particularly on the track “Lyrical Trauma”, these moments feel superficial. Snoop touches on topics like police brutality and media exploitation, but he doesn’t dig into them with the same urgency or conviction that he brought to previous political tracks.
Snoop’s performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration has often been a point of controversy, and many fans hoped that Iz It a Crime? would provide insight into his thoughts on the political climate or his place in it. Unfortunately, the album doesn’t deliver the kind of hard-hitting commentary fans might have anticipated. Instead, the social themes are more implied than explicitly addressed. This missed opportunity is one of the album’s most glaring weaknesses. With the country facing political unrest, many fans were hoping for a more direct, powerful message from one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Legacy and Conclusion
While Iz It a Crime? may not live up to the legacy of Snoop’s earlier works, it still serves as a snapshot of where the artist is in 2025. The album is polished and comfortable, reflecting the current state of Snoop’s career — familiar, laid-back, and free from the fire and edge that characterized his earlier work. The moments that shine, like “West Up” and “G-Funk Forever”, remind listeners of Snoop’s unmatched influence in hip-hop. Yet, as a whole, the album doesn’t quite match the depth and raw energy that fans have come to expect from a rapper of his caliber.
Ultimately, Iz It a Crime? is a fun, easy listen, but it lacks the urgency and impact that made Snoop Dogg a cultural icon. It’s a safe album, offering familiar grooves and smooth rhythms, but it’s missing the spark that once made his music revolutionary. While Snoop Dogg’s influence on the rap game is undeniable, Iz It a Crime? feels more like a comfortable reflection on his past rather than a bold statement about his future.
As Snoop continues to evolve as both an artist and a businessman, it’s clear that his music will likely continue to evolve with him — for better or worse. For fans of classic West Coast rap, Iz It a Crime? might feel like a reminder of what Snoop once was, while for newer listeners, it offers a glimpse of the artist’s current phase. But whether or not this album becomes a defining moment in his legacy remains to be s