04 May Young, Wild, and Free with Snoop Dogg

I’ve mentioned before that this year’s SunFest holds a lot of new acts for me. I’ve had narrow misses with many of the giant headliners and am thrilled I can settle down and see these acts this year.

One artist I was particularly excited for was Snoop Dogg. Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr.’s career has spanned 25 years. His very first album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and sold a million copies in the first seven days. Those songs –including ”What’s My Name?” and “Gin & Juice”– have become staples within pop culture.

On Wednesday night, Snoop brought his hits and an entourage to the Tire Kingdom Stage at SunFest. Arriving with a DJ, drums, bass, guitar, keys, and a dog mascot, the hype men of Snoop’s tour rallied the crowd in the minutes leading up to his arrival. The DJ blared Kendrick Lamar’s new track “Humble” and the crowd went wild. Trailers for Snoop’s new album “Neva Left” and the upcoming film “All Eyez on Me” teased the crowd.

And then, he arrived.

The tall, lanky, talented rapper strolled on stage in a bright yellow tee and glittering “Cold” chain. He immediately launched into crowd favorites including 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P” and DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win,” both which feature the big Dogg.

Snoop’s swagger was extremely endearing to me– a sentence that may make you raise an eyebrow. But his unassuming presence was very refreshing. This artist has been making music much longer than some of his fans have been on this earth. He is confident and at ease before his fans. He’s silly– which I believe is another key to his longevity.

About halfway through his set, Snoop also brought out singer October London who performed parts of Color Blind: Hate & Happiness. London will be another act to watch in 2017 with his storytelling and sharp style.

Snoop played for his massive, massive crowd “Gin & Juice,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “What’s My Name?” and “Young and Wild and Free.”

“I will be back anytime you [expletive/term of endearment] want me back,” Snoop told the crowd.

We hope to see you again soon, Snoop!