Dogg's day in Maine
When rap superstar Snoop Dogg spoke via e-mail about his upcoming Lewiston concert, we learned that whether spoken or printed, his voice is unique.
By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer
There are major elements of this story that can be deemed improbable.
IF YOU GO
SNOOP DOGG
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building, Bates College, 130 Central Ave., Lewiston
HOW MUCH: $22.50 to $35. Sold out.
WHAT ELSE: Bates officials say it’s unlikely any more tickets will become available before the show, but you can call 795-7496 for more information.
For more information on Snoop Dogg and his latest release, “More Malice: Deluxe Album and Movie,” go to the rapper’s Web site at www.snoopdogg.com.
First, there's the plain fact that Snoop Dogg -- a rap pioneer and omnipresent pop-culture fixture -- is scheduled to play a 2,000-seat gymnasium in Lewiston.
The simple explanation is that there is a Mainer on Snoop's management team.
But then there's the case of an e-mail, reported to be from Snoop Dogg, fully answering questions this reporter sent to him in anticipation of his Maine show.
Would somebody as high-profile, as famous, as independent as Snoop Dogg really take the time to answer e-mail questions for a newspaper in Maine? Or were the answers simply done by some of his public relations pros?
You be the judge:
Q: Some people like to categorize rap and hip hop as old school or contemporary. Do you think there is much of a difference between the two? Which do you fall into?
A: I jus made tha most bangin' song of 2010, ''I Wanna Rock.'' I had about 20 rappers, young and old, who remixed it. Jay Z jumped on tha release that will make ''More Malice.'' I may be 38 but im still doin it bigg! Aint no rapper had a hit like that with 20 of tha homeys jumpin on tha remix. Streets is still bangin Snoop Dogg. Been doin it 20 years.
Some entertainers are simply too original to be copied. So as improbable as it sounds, Snoop Dogg is coming to Maine, and yes, the Grammy-nominated artist answers his own e-mail.
Those who happened to snap up tickets to Snoop's show are in for a rare treat -- the chance to catch a rap superstar in an intimate venue. Since being introduced to the masses by Dr. Dre on his 1992 landmark album ''The Chronic,'' Snoop Dogg has maintained a grip on the upper echelon of popular music for almost two decades, with hits such as ''Who Am I,'' ''Gin and Juice'' and ''Drop It Like It's Hot.''
He's expanded his rap empire to include roles in film and television (both as himself and as fictional characters), and recently became an executive at Priority Records. His latest CD/DVD, ''More Malice,'' is scheduled for a March 23 release.
Snoop Dogg's Maine show, scheduled for Saturday at Bates College, sold out in days.
So for those of you not lucky enough to see Snoop (real name Calvin Broadus) in Lewiston, here are some more of his e-mail interview answers.
And they're unedited, because how can you edit Snoop Dogg?
Q: How did this Maine show come about? Do you have any Maine ties?
A: Im doin a run in tha USA this month to promote my upcoming Movie and CD ''More Malice.'' Its commn out 3/23. This is tha last week of tour in Maine so it's gonna be bigg shows. My agent from out here so he had to pick it up. I always have a blast on tha east coast with college town shows. They are tha best kinda crowds and show alotta luv so it only made sense.
Q: Why do you think you've been able to succeed in the music business for so long? Do you think diversifying into TV or other media has helped?
A: I stay relevant whether through Music, Acting, TV Shows, Movies, tha Snoop Youth Football League, commercials, so no matter what people are gonna see Snoop Dogg and gonna know he ain't going nowhere anytime soon. I went from We Are Tha World last week to tha Snooper Bowl VIII that Saturday. Last month I was hosting Monday Night Raw for WWE. The month before that I was ringing the bell at tha NYSE. You see me on Conan. You see me on tha View. Everyone loves Snoop Dogg, ya dig?!?
Q: What sort of music do you listen to in your free time? What were some of your musical influences growing up?
A: Marvin Gaye, Teddy P, Michael Jackson, Barry White, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Zapp N Roger, NWA, DOC. I luv to listen to old school music.Very rarely in tha car or in tha hotel or on tha bus do I listen to current music. It's always old school.
Q: Where does the name come from? Have you ever thought of dropping it?
A: I used to watch Snoopy on tv when I was young. My mom said I watched him so much that I started lookn like him. Never gonna drop it.
Q: Did you like being on the CBS reality show, ''I Get That a Lot''? Would you do something like that again?
A: I had a blast doin it. I dont think alotta people or fans expected me to be on there so it was dope to surprise people on tha streets and on tv. I get a lotta young fans commn up to me talkn about how funny they thought it was. I kept it real hood that day and didnt even have my hair done and jus let it out, I think that's why it was so effective. The shoes had velcroe. lol
Q: Have you ever been to Maine before? Anything in particular you hope to see?
A: ya i been here before. Imma bigg fan of tha east -- tha college towns always have great crowds and fans that luv to see it. I hope to see plenty of greenery, ya dig?!? and maybe a hockey game jacc!!!
Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at:
rrouthier@pressherald.com
Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form
Most...
Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
17 COMMENTS
Chowda said...
Great let's have a LA Gang Member and Convicted Criminal come to the prestigious Bates! Are you kidding me?
February 25, 2010 at 1:48 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Born Calvin Broadus (or Cordovar Varnado) on October 20th, 1972, in Long Beach, CA; son of Beverly and Vernell Varnado
February 25, 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Snoop Dogg was a member of the Rollin' 20 Crips gang in the Eastside of Long Beach. Snoop Dogg's conviction caused him to be in and out of prison for the first three years after he graduated from high school.
February 25, 2010 at 1:54 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Rapper and producer Calvin Broadus, also known as Snoop Dogg has a criminal record dating back to the early 1990s when he was a teenager.
February 25, 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Rapper Snoop Dogg won't be putting another shrimp on the barbie anytime soon, as the Australian government has canceled his visa and banned him from entering their country. Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews told an Aussie radio station, "He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country," citing Mr. Dogg's past associations with Los Angeles-based gang the Crips and legal troubles involving drugs and guns. NOT A PROBLEM FOR BATES! THEY DON"T CARE ABOUT WOMEN APPARENTLY!!!!
February 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
WHAT DOES FAMOUS BATES ALUMNI HAVE IN COMMON WITH SNOOP DOGG? Edmund Muskie '36 Congressman, Governor of Maine, U.S. Senator, presidential candidate, and U.S. Secretary of State under President Carter. DO you think he would be happy that his school is hosting Snoop?
February 25, 2010 at 2:04 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
The Vision of the Bates College Women's Resource Center is: To create a safe and comfortable space for women on campus To provide a place for students to exchange ideas and meet with peers and professors outside of an academic setting To provide a pro-active, supportive environment that builds community To generate and encourage dialogue between men and women regarding gender and women's issues at a local, national and international level To facilitate action and raise awareness regarding gender and women's issues in order to help create a campus free of sexism, discrimination and violence! REALLY? REALLY? FREE OF SEXISM...? PLEASE! HOW CAN THIS BE?
February 25, 2010 at 2:17 PM Report abuse
NH said...
PPH and Bates need to stop promoting common criminals as worthwhile members of society. How pathetic and pandering.
February 25, 2010 at 2:27 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
CAN YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND WHY BATES PROMOTES THIS? ON THE BATES WEB PAGE ENTITLED BATES LIFE: THERE IS A PICTURE OF THE SO-CALLED ARTIST WITH A GUN! GREAT KET"S PROMOTE GUN VIOLENCE! http://bateslife.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/who-let-the-dogs-out/
February 25, 2010 at 2:30 PM Report abuse
fuzzball said...
Perfect example of the severe degradation of our society. Another is the fact that an inexperienced, coke snorting, communist sympathizing, Chicagoland political thug sits in our White House directing the destruction of the greatest nation this world has ever seen.
February 25, 2010 at 6:06 PM Report abuse
amVsdGh1cmU%3D said...
Some days I wish Fox News wasn't broadcast in Maine. You know there are a ton of other channels and news sources right guys?
February 25, 2010 at 7:02 PM Report abuse
Riml said...
So Chowda's gripin' about Snoop Dogg?? What a hoot!! We had the 'Upper Crust' paying Big Buck$ to schmooze and drink wine (not in a paper bag) with convicted felon Martha Stewart at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay several years ago.....
February 26, 2010 at 8:28 AM Report abuse
JazzBox said...
Chowda obviously needs a life... Snoop Dogg is a great artist, whether you dig it or not... don't like it? Don't listen! Don't go to the show! As for criminals getting press, just take a look at the last few Presidents. Ignorant fools the lot of you.
February 26, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Response to: Riml said... ___________________________ Is that how we justify having this felon, known gangmember as an artist? By using another name. Like it is the same. Please!!!!
February 26, 2010 at 3:26 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Response to JazzBox said... ________________________________ I always love when there are those who try to equalize the behavior. Somehow equate this thug with legitimate people. That will somehow justify his life, criminal activity, drug usage. How many Presidents do you think were members of the Crips or other city violent gangs? You response clearly speaks volumes about your level of life style! Ha! Ha! Ha! Pathetic!
February 26, 2010 at 3:30 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
Response to: amVsdGh1cmU%3D said... _____________________________ Clearly you voted for Obama because he is half African American. And not because he is a man of character like Martin Luther King had referenced as being more important! Like all men would feel is important. This guy is not a man of character!
February 26, 2010 at 3:33 PM Report abuse
Chowda said...
My questions is for those who comment here. Do you attend Bates?
February 26, 2010 at 3:34 PM Report abuse