Snoop Dogg Reflects on How His 1996 Murder Trial Shaped ‘Tha Doggfather’

Snoop Dogg's life took a drastic turn in 1996 when he faced a year of reckoning, being acquitted of murder.

This came three years after he and his bodyguard were charged in connection with the death of rival gang member Philip Woldemariam.

In the same year, Snoop, known for his prolific West Coast rap, released his second studio album, titled Tha Doggfather.

This project challenged his established image as a merciless gangsta rapper, which was evident in his debut LP, Doggystyle.

During a recent interview with Jemele Hill, Snoop opened up about the pressure he faced to change his music after his trial.

He revealed that Death Row, his record label at the time, wanted him to remain true to his gangsta persona and not soften up on Tha Doggfather.

However, Snoop had just gone through a murder case and couldn't bring himself to write lyrics filled with violence and aggression.

His heart and spirit were in a different place, as he shared, “I was on some I wanna live and my baby is here.”

Despite his personal struggles, Snoop claimed that Death Row advised him to lean into the gangsta image even more.

But the experience of almost losing his freedom had a profound impact on him.

Snoop recalled thinking that the label didn't understand what he had been through.

They hadn't sat in the courtroom, facing the possibility of losing their life.

They didn't have to endure the agony of being held responsible for someone's death, while the victim's family looked at them with anger and grief.

Despite the criticism from his label, Tha Doggfather proved to be a success.

The album sold over two million units and received a double-platinum certification from the RIAA.

Last year, Snoop even purchased his former label, taking ownership of his own music.

Now, as the 30th anniversary of Doggystyle approaches, Snoop is celebrating the milestone.

He has made the full original LP available for streaming and has released special edition vinyls for purchase, including the track “Gz Up, H**s Down.”

Snoop Dogg's journey from a murder trial to musical success is a testament to his resilience and authenticity.

Despite the pressure to conform, he stayed true to himself and created a lasting impact on the rap industry.