Just when the world thought he might finally slow down, Snoop Dogg reminds everyone why he remains one of hip-hop’s most enduring architects. On Friday, the West Coast legend released his brand-new album, Iz It a Crime, and it’s already sparking conversations across generations of rap fans.

The 14-track project is a flavorful fusion of G-funk, soul, laid-back storytelling, and a touch of grit. But what makes this release especially interesting is the guest list—Snoop teams up with Sexyy Red, Wiz Khalifa, and longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams to deliver a body of work that feels both nostalgic and freshly audacious.

Old School Meets New Wave

From the jump, it’s clear that Iz It a Crime isn’t just another “OG rapper still got it” album. It’s Snoop playing with eras—blending the cool smoothness of his ‘90s style with the wild, hyper-modern chaos of today’s trap and viral culture.

Sexyy Red, arguably one of the most polarizing and talked-about voices in rap right now, brings her raw, unfiltered energy to the track “Criminal Love.” The result? A surprisingly smooth duet where gritty street talk dances over lush, velvety basslines. It’s bold, sexy, and weirdly addictive.

Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa, a Snoop protégé in many ways, shows up on “Backyard Politics” to match Uncle Snoop’s relaxed bars with his signature smoky flow. It’s a record that feels like two stoners solving the world’s problems over a barbecue—and somehow, it works.

The reunion with Pharrell on “No Witnesses” and “Private Caller” feels like a quiet celebration in itself. The two haven’t missed a beat. Pharrell’s production offers that rare balance of funk and futurism, giving Snoop room to do what he does best: glide. Whether he’s crooning about loyalty, late-night calls, or life as a misunderstood icon, Snoop sounds confident, unbothered, and just a little mischievous.

The title Iz It a Crime feels rhetorical at first—but by the end of the album, it becomes a theme. Snoop leans into the question of what society calls a crime: hustling, surviving, being Black, being free. It’s not overly political, but it lingers. And in between the flexes and party cuts, there are glimpses of wisdom and weariness that remind listeners that the Doggfather has lived many lives—and buried a few versions of himself to get here.

Snoop Dogg: Still That Guy

At 53, Snoop could’ve taken the easy route. But Iz It a Crime shows he’s still experimenting, still collaborating with new-school stars without feeling out of place, and still making music that feels like a California sunset in the middle of chaos.

The album won’t please everyone—it’s a mix of old vibes and new slang that might confuse purists or Gen Z-ers. But that’s kind of the point. Snoop’s not trying to fit in. He never has. And Iz It a Crime proves that’s why he’s still winning.