Snoop Dogg has been asked this sort of question before, basically a variation of the "best rappers ever" conundrum. He's answered the question beforeon Jimmy Kimmel Live and, in a recent video interview with XXL, he was asked about the most influential figures in hip-hop music that stand out from the past two decades. His reply, at least in part, should surprise at least a few people.
"I definitely would have to say JAY-Z, E-40, Too Short, Puff Daddy," Snoop said, in answer to the question. "Just because of longevity and the way that they've been able to reinvent themselves and stay relevant and stay true to who they are. And remain in the top five in conversation, no matter what it is when it comes to hip-hop." He touched on other topics as well, including the key to his success and longevity in the rap game (which he credits to being up close and personal with his fans) and what it felt like being on the cover of XXL (hint: it was a pretty nice feeling, to say the least). However, there are some interesting omissions from his list.
To be fair, the video could've been cut for time, so we'll never actually know if he went on longer with his list of the most influential hip-hop artists of the past 20 years, but it's definitely hard to ignore names he left out. Kanye West? Lil Wayne?Big Boi and/or Andre 3000? Dr. Dre even? It's an interesting debate starter for sure, since his inclusion of E-40 and Too $hort, while not necessarily undeserving, put a big West Coast slant to his picks, leaving other worthy figures from the genres recent history on the outside looking in. There might even be a case to be made for 50 Cent's honorable mention in this context, so there's certainly much to discuss. It might be worth asking Snoop a few questions if you ever bump into him on the street at the dispensary.