Snoop Dogg performed at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland on January 19, 2020 — and I, Andy Jillson, was there in the photo pit “smokin’ indo” with the rap and hip-hop icon. The show was sold out, the venue was tightly packed, and the crowd was “highly” anxious. The fans went absolutely crazy at first site of tha Dogg. Once again I was overcome with awe. Snoop dominated the mic and smoked out the entire venue. Wow.

Continue Reading below for my full concert review. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.

Snoop Dogg staggered onto the stage smoking a blunt to start off this show. He paused for a moment to pose for the cameras and enthusiastic crowd, and then proceeded to rip the mic. I had a sort of spiritual experience during the first minutes of his performance. It’s a bit shocking and overwhelming to have Snoop Dogg standing right in front of you. This was my second time photographing him, but it felt like the first. Sensory overload. Fucking amazing. Almost magical.

Snoop Dogg is legendary. He’s like a fuckin’ religious figure or cult leader, or something. As he slowly strolled across the stage, he stopped to greet each photographers lens — showing off his super stylish Doggystyle jacket, tailor-made diamond-encrusted microphone, and beautiful gold rings (one of which is a big gold star on his pinky). Whoa. He looked quite stunning as he stoically stood on the stage emanating confidence, love, and gratitude. Classic Snoop.

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. I never dreamed as a kid sitting in a corn field that I’d be standing right in front of the man for my second time 26 years later. An amazing experience for me and a flawless delivery by Snoop Dogg. His entire set at The Fillmore was packed full of classic songs and the concert felt like a legitimate g-funk party. The vibes were that of a family reunion. Friendly, welcoming vibrations were all around. We all basked in the hip-hop haze.

For Snoop’s stage performance there were two pole dancers on stage, large video screens, a few members of Tha Dogg Pound, and lots of weed-smoking antics of course. The artists on stage were smoking, most of the crowd were getting high, and everyone seemed to be jamming together and having a blast. A few attendees apparently had too much fun though and ended up on the floor. One person puked, one passed out, and a couple tripped and fell. Not too mention there was a sea of spilled drinks on the floor and several attendees were swaying back and forth.

Despite the obstacles and thick clouds of smoke, I was able to take some impressive shots of Snoop Dogg in action. The photo pit and lighting at The Fillmore is always on point. I’m really happy Snoop played at one of my favorite venues to photograph musicians and artists. I enjoyed the show and look forward to seeing Snoop again in the future if possible. I’ve seen lots of artists perform over the years. Snoop ranks high on my list of favorites (pun intended).

For those who don’t know, 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. Now he is simply known as Snoop Dogg. 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.

Snoop Dogg has added additional U.S. and European tour dates in support of his 17th album, I Wanna Thank Me, released on August 16, 2019 via Doggystyle Records/Empire. His longtime g-funk friend and cohort Warren G, L.A. rapper RJMrLA, and Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth will be supporting Snoop on his 2020 tour. The “I Wanna Thank Me Tour” is powered by Snoop Dogg’s newest live entertainment company, Bobby Dee Presents.

Luckily for concert-goers Snoop Dogg’s tour has stops remaining. Be sure to see one of his shows if possible. Check out the Official Snoop Dogg Website for all upcoming tour dates and other info about the artist.

Here are some more photos of Snoop Dogg performing at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland on January 19, 2020. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Music Media.

Stream these Snoop Dogg albums on Spotify: