Snoop Dogg revealed his new surprise LP was inspired by backlash he faced after Trump’s inauguration, challenging his reputation.
Snoop Dogg is once again proving that controversy can’t silence creativity.
The West Coast rap icon has turned public criticism into musical inspiration with the release of his latest project, a surprise LP titled “Iz It a Crime?”
Snoop Dogg says Trump inauguration backlash sparked his new album’s creative direction
Earlier this year, Snoop faced significant backlash after performing at the Crypto Ball during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January.
The decision shocked many fans and reportedly led to a mass social media exodus, with over half a million Instagram followers disappearing.
Rather than let the criticism define him, the 53-year-old artist took the moment as a chance to reflect—and respond.
Snoop spoke at a private listening session at Privé House in Manhattan.
He revealed that the negative feedback surrounding the event inspired his latest musical work.
Music as therapy and personal expression
Snoop described the album as a personal and therapeutic outlet. “I had a lot of unanswered questions these past six months,” he said.
“This album is my way of answering them through music.”
The LP, which features high-profile collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, and Sexyy Red, combines sharp lyricism with Snoop’s signature laid-back delivery.
One standout lyric makes his stance clear: “Too many n****s playin’ with my reputation / Step on my turf, you need an invitation.”
During an interview on “The Breakfast Club,” Snoop made it clear that his performance was not a political endorsement.
“I don’t represent the Republican Party or the Democratic Party,” he said. “I represent the gangster party. Period.”
He explained that the Crypto Ball appearance was arranged through his longtime business partner, David Sacks.
The event was intended as a crypto initiative to channel resources back into underserved communities.
“It was a crypto play meant to bring resources back to the hood,” Snoop said. “That was the mission.”
Balancing music with broader creative endeavors
Despite being occupied with other ventures, including commentary roles at the Olympics and a coaching spot on “The Voice,” Snoop remains deeply connected to music.
His discography has recently expanded with three albums in just five months.
In December, he dropped “Missionary,” followed by the gospel-themed “Altar Call,” a tribute to his late mother, Beverly Tate.
“When she passed, her spirit became mine. I released ‘Altar Call’ on her birthday to honor her,” he said.
“And doing life and things in her name and her spirit, I chose that opportunity to do that … It was good for the heart, it was good for the spirit.”
Snoop Dogg redefines Death Row Records for today.
Since acquiring Death Row Records in 2022, Snoop has sought to reshape the label’s legacy.
While the label once had strong associations with gang violence, Snoop wants to usher in a new chapter that highlights positive artistry and innovation.
He remains active in mentoring upcoming talent on the label, but emphasized that he only creates music when driven by purpose.
“I make music when it feels right,” he shared. “When there’s a void only my sound can fill.”
With “Iz It a Crime?,” Snoop Dogg doesn’t just clap back at critics.
He reasserts his place in hip-hop not by defending his past, but by crafting an artistic response that reclaims his narrative on his own terms.