Snoop Dogg is a legend but that’s the most obvious statement of the century. Because of his status, BET honored the west coast OG with the I Am Hip Hop Award. He repaid their respect with some words that rap’s old heads and new school both need to learn.
Snoop began his acceptance speech by explaining that he never aimed to be where he is now, he just wanted to make some dope music. Truthfully, that’s where it has to start; aim to make dope music first and the rest will follow if the stars align and clearly they did for Snoop.
The majority of Snoop’s speech was aimed at the generational divide in the game — the music, not the rapper — and reassured the young rappers they’ll be fine. People may not understand Lil’ Uzi Vert, but Snoop says they didn’t understand him either. Hip-hop has been around for a long, long time and it’s evolved over the years and given voices to a lot of people who wouldn’t have one otherwise. He implores them to keep doing what they’re doing and not to worry about naysayers.
He also sent a parting shot to artists of his generation, expressing how he’s grateful to still be relevant and not an old man complaining about the state of music. Normally I’d say something about that statement sounding like fighting words, but he’s got a point. Plus no one’s going to test Snoop anyway.
If there’s one guy who can spit knowledge to every rapper in attendance and those not privy to be invited, it’s the Snoop Doggy Dogg.
