Rap and hip-hop legends Snoop Dogg & Wu-Tang Clan have joined forces for a celebration of two of the most unique and influential albums of all-time; of course, I’m referring to Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Both Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang Clan dominated the stage and smoked out the crowd at Jiffy Lube Live on Friday September 27, 2019. Continue reading below for full concert review. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.

I was fortunate enough to have been there in the photo pit for this musical extravaganza. The venue was packed, and the fans were losing their minds over this gig. Rightfully so being it’s the 25th Anniversary of Doggystyle and Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

Wu-Tang Clan were on first. RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna have been thrilling full houses and rocking the mic every night on this tour. Though the Clan was not fully assembled for this gig, they still managed to “bring da ruckus.” The raw gritty sound of the Clan sparked a “hardcore” hip-hop evolution, and the group performed some of their most classic and well-loved material. If you’ve never listened to Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), you’ve been missing out on the best East Coast hip-hop there is. Don’t be fooled though. Wu-Tang Clan are heavy. These guys are like heavy metal punk rockers in rapper gear.

The vibe and energy coming from the crowd was intense. The anticipation was high (no pun intended). The atmosphere seemed to elevate the Wu-Tang Clan and their performance. Highlights included; “Bring da Ruckus,” “Shame on a Nigga,” “Clan in da Front,” “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’,” “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta Fuck Wit,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Method Man,” “Protect Ya Neck,” and “Triumph.” Wu-Tang Clan also performed short cover versions of Rick James’ “Mary Jane” (obviously appropriate), The Beatles’ “Come Together,” Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money.”

Wu-Tang Clan assembled in the early 1990’s and became famous in the underground in 1993 after touring with Cypress Hill and dropping their single “Protect Ya Neck.” Wu-Tang Clan released their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in November of 1993. The album was widely critically acclaimed, and to date is regarded as one of the greatest rap/hip-hop albums of all-time. “36 Chambers” is one of the greatest debuts that the rap/hip-hop world has ever heard.

Snoop Dogg was the headliner and staggered onto the stage smoking a blunt and being his bad ass self. The fans went crazy at first site of the Dogg. I was honestly overcome with joy and happiness. Snoop Dogg is an icon. He’s like a religious figure or something. He slowly strolled across the stage, stood right in front of me and stared directly into my soul. Wow. I was 15 years old in 1993 when Doggystyle was released. I wasn’t really into rap or hip-hop then, but Snoop made me sit up and listen. Never thought as a kid sitting in a corn field that I’d be standing right in front of the man himself 25 years later.

For Snoop’s performance there were pole dancers, large video screens, some of Tha Dogg Pound, and lots of weed smoking of course. Warren G came out and performed “Regulate,” The Lady Rage performed “Afro Puffs,” and there were also musical tributes to Nipsey Hussle, Eazy-E, Notorious B.IG., and Tupac Shakur. The entire place was electric and most of us in attendance were having a fucking blast! It looked like there was a forest fire somewhere, but it was clouds of marijuana smoke.

Highlights from Snoop Dogg’s performance included; “Tha Shiznit,” “The Next Episode,” “Nuthin’ but a G Thang,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice,” “Lodi Dodi,” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name).” Other highlights were covers of 50 Cent’s “Pimp,” N.W.A.’s “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize,” and 2Pac’s “2 of Americaz Most Wanted.”

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. aka Snoop Dogg was nicknamed “Snoopy” as a child because of his love of the cartoon character from peanuts. He began singing and playing the piano in church as a child and began rapping when he was in sixth grade. When he began his recording career, he took on the name “Snoop Doggy Dogg” and worked with Dr. Dre on the theme song for the 1992 film Deep Cover. Following that, Dr. Dre’s debut solo album, The Chronic featured Snoop Dogg and Tha Dog Pound and launched them into rap stardom. All that great exposure led Snoop Dogg to record and release his own debut album, Doggystyle. The rest is musical history.

Doggystyle was released on November 23, 1993 by Death Row Records and Interscope Records. The album is steeped in Snoop Dogg’s signature West Coast style hip-hop sound and was praised by critics and fans for Snoop’s lyrical realism and distinctive vocal flow.

If you are at all into rap or hip-hop, this is a tour you do not want to miss out on. Both Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang Clan have made a triumphant return to the stage and sound tighter than ever.

Luckily for some concert-goers the tour still has stops remaining on their North American tour. Be sure to see one of these performances if possible. The 25th Anniversary of Doggystyle and Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) celebratory show will blow you away no matter what type of music you normally like. Check out Snoop Dogg’s Official Website and Wu-Tang Clan’s Official Website for all tour dates and other info about each artist.

Ooooh baby, do you like it raaaaawwwwww?!? Try out the Wu-Tang Clan name generator. I’m “Drunken Swami” and my wife is “Wacko Beggar.” CLICK HERE and Wu yourself!

Here are some more photos of Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang Clan performing at Jiffy Lube Live on September 27, 2019. These photos were originally taken while on assignment for Empire Extreme. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Music Media. Much gratitude to Empire Extreme.

Stream Snoop Dogg’s, Doggystyle, on Spotify:

Stream Wu-Tang Clan’s, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), on Spotify: