When one thinks of Hip Hop’s most colorful characters, chances are Long Beach, California’s Snoop Dogg is the first to come to mind. Known for his unique rhyming style and voice, Snoop Dogg made his debut at the height of West Coast Hip Hop’s popularity on Dr. Dre’s 1992 solo debut album, The Chronic. Since developing a massive audience following 1993’s decade defining album Doggystyle, the road to the top has been paved with over thirty-five million records sold worldwide, starring roles in major films, and an image no one can deny. Following a venture to explore his musical horizons under the alias Snoop Lion, releasing Reggae influenced Reincarnated in 2013, Snoop Dogg returned with his thirteenth overall studio album May 12th, entitling it BUSH. Two days after the album dropped, in celebration, Snoop Dogg made an appearance at The Emporium in Patchogue, NY Thursday, May 14th, much to the excitement of Long Islanders. Marking Snoop Dogg’s return to the Long Island for the first time since his blistering performance at The Space in Westbury July 8, 2014, the moment the doors opened, a buzz was in the air and the club was hopping.
Creating a loose party atmosphere with music spinning, drinks flowing, and everyone kicking back, Long Island based Gator was the table setting act for Snoop Dogg. Originally from the village of Bellport, Gator recently released his debut mixtape, titled London, filled with classic Hip Hop long intros, smooth rhymes, and beats. Given a twenty-minute spot to flow through his material, Gator did a fine job of getting everyone’s heads bopping and into the groove of his style. Be sure to check him out as he is bound to find some more spots performing around Long Island as he builds his name.
Following an intermission, by the late hours, The Emporium was jam-packed with fans waiting for their chance to see the one and only Snoop Dogg. With everyone dancing on the floor to the tunes the DJ was spinning, to the high rollers up in the VIP section, this was shaping up to be a massive event, and no one cared it was carrying over into early Friday morning with work looming a few hours away. In fact, having Long Island roots, even San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green was on hand for the event. Then after much anticipation mounted, Snoop made a grand entrance as everyone screamed at the top of their lungs to show their appreciation.
Raising his hands to the air and showing off a big smile while sporting dark shades, Snoop went into his 1999 collaboration with Dr. Dre to rattle out the funky “Next Episode.” With everyone’s hands in the air waving back and forth, many had their cellphones held up high in hopes of catching a good snapshot of Snoop Dogg. Keeping The Emporium bouncing, he brought on 2004’s “Drop it Like It’s Hot” to more positive responses as bodies continued to move all around the floor. Assisted by a Hypeman cuing the audience throughout, Snoop mixed in his signature classics like “Gin & Juice” and “Ain’t Nothin’ But A G Thang.” Assuring everyone was having a blast, sing-alongs continued until the final bass drop and Snoop’s flow on the microphone was as irresistibly fluid as ever.
With plenty of adrenaline pumping through the audience, this rare club event was a winning experience for all. While the set was brief and left many hungry for more, hopes are Snoop Dogg will be back again to Long Island sooner than later to offer up another set of his tunes. In support of BUSH, he is performing around the USA and internationally through August when he will be at Riot Fest in Denver, CO. For the East Coast, Snoop will be appearing at Amnesia Rock Fest the weekend of June 19th north of the border in Canada and at New York State Fair on September 2nd up in Syracuse, so pack the car and make the trip up North for the must see show.
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