Snoop Dogg to join Def Jam label as strategic consultant
Snoop Dogg is getting ready to bark out orders at Def Jam Recordings — he’s joining the label as an executive creative and strategic consultant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Snoop Dogg is getting ready to bark out orders at Def Jam Recordings — he's joining the label as an executive creative and strategic consultant.
Def Jam announced Monday that newly created role for the iconic rapper “will allow (Snoop) to strategically work across the label’s executive team and artist roster." Acts signed to the label include Kanye West Nas, Justin Bieber, Big Sean, Logic, Jadakiss, 2 Chainz, Jeezy, Jhené Aiko, Bobby Sessions and late rapper DMX Def Jam is a division of Universal Music Group also home to Interscope Geffen A&M, Capitol Records and Republic Records.
Snoop Dogg, 49, will be based in Los Angeles and will report to UMG CEO and Chairman Lucian Grainge as well as Jeffrey Harleston, Def Jam's interim chairman and CEO.
Snoop Dogg released his debut album nearly 30 years ago, and has had a successful run since. He's sold 30 million albums worldwide, earned 16 Grammy nominations and topped the charts with several hits, from “Gin and Juice" to “Drop It Like It's Hot."
He emerged from the West Coast on the gangster rap scene, with music produced by Dr. Dre and released on Suge Knight's Death Row Records. He's become a multi-format entertainer and has appeared in several films, launched businesses and is a media personality, even earning an Emmy nomination alongside Martha Stewart in 2017 for “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party." He's also released gospel and reggae albums.
“I have had the pleasure knowing and working with Snoop Dogg for more than 20 years. Not only does Snoop understand what it takes to be a successful artist, he is one of the most creative, strategic and entrepreneurial people I know. Snoop has a genuine passion for the label and the culture, and we are all excited to have Snoop join the Def Jam Family," Harleston said.
Grainge added that he's excited that Snoop is “bringing his deep industry experience, strong relationships, boundless creativity and infectious energy to Def Jam."
Def Jam has been one of the most seminal hip-hop labels since its inception in ‘80s. It has released albums from acts like Public Enemy, Jay-Z, EPMD, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Kanye West, Foxy Brown, Ludacris and Ja Rule, among others. Jay-Z severed as president of the label from 2004 to 2007.