Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are in the UK promoting their new drink, ‘Gin & Juice,’ named after the second single from Snoop’s debut album “Doggystyle” (1993), released via Death Row/Interscope Records.
The duo stopped by the BBC’s Capital XTRA, where they shared memories of their first time in the UK back in the early 1990s.
“Our first time coming out here, they really embraced us, so we wanted to make sure we kept our hands on this UK bridge,” Snoop recalled.
Dre then chimed in, “My first time performing here was at Brixton Academy years and years ago, with NWA.” Snoop added that his first time in the UK was also with Dr. Dre at the same venue, and he reminisced, “Shabba Ranks was with us that night we came out here. I didn’t know there were that many black people out here, I was like wow!”
Incidentally, in 1993, both Snoop and Shabba appeared on UK TV Show The Word at separate times to promote their careers. It was during this period, blockbuster actor Mark Wahlberg was also pursuing a career as a rapper and joined Shabba on stage on March 4, 1993.
However, while Mark and Snoop’s career took off thereafter, Shabba’s career declined internationally after he made homophobic comments, which were renounced by host Mark Lamarr.
He eventually issued an apology on March 16, saying: On ‘The Word’ I was asked to share my views regarding Buju Banton’s controversial song, I responded in support of Buju, who is a friend and colleague. My views were premised upon my support of Jamaican artists, plus childhood religious training. In retrospect, I now realise that the comments were a mistake, because they advocated violence against gay men and lesbians. I regret having made such statements, I do not approve of any act of violence against gay men or lesbians or any other human beings, Gay-bashing is wrong. Everyone should live their own lives, and have their own beliefs without fear of being attacked or abused, I ask my fans to love, not hate.”
Even after the apology, several concerts and TV appearances for Ranks were canceled and after winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1994, his second in as many years, he was dropped from his record label a year later.
Snoop, 52, was banned from the UK in 2007, but with his travel restrictions now lifted they laughed ‘Gin & Juice,’ in the UK on Thursday July 18, 2024 it is a partnership with Patrick Halbert, Andrew Gill, and Rocco Milano. The new venture coincides with the 30th anniversary of the iconic track ‘Gin & Juice,’ which contains an interpolation of Slave’s “Watching You” in its chorus and a sample by George McCrae.
The song is certified Gold in both the US and the UK, having sold 700,000 and 400,000 units respectively. At the 37th Annual Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Snoop is still yet to win a Grammy, but In 1994, the track peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100, topped the Hot Dance Singles Sales and Hot Rap Songs charts, and reached number 5 on the Rhythmic chart and number 13 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Internationally, it hit number 3 on the European Dance Radio chart, number 11 in New Zealand, and number 39 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, it secured positions on several UK-specific charts, including 17 on the UK Dance chart and 82 on the UK Club chart, while it reached number 49 in Australia.
Bringing the same fun to the marketing of the drink as he did to the song, Dr. Dre told Capital XTRA, “We just wanted to have fun with this product, and the fun energy that comes with it.” Snoop added humorously, “Superheroes.”
During the chat, Snoop revealed he’s a “light sipper,” while Dr. Dre admitted, “I love gin!” Snoop joked, “Dre is probably the best customer we’ve ever had,” highlighting the rapper’s enthusiasm for their product. “We created this from the ground up, it’s really us,” Snoop said.
