Snoop Dogg has recently stirred anticipation among hip-hop fans with his announcement regarding the classic 213 album, which features himself, the late Nate Dogg, and Warren G. In a candid conversation on The Bootleg Kev Podcast, aired on December 18, Snoop expressed his ambition to bring the album to streaming services, emphasizing his desire to regain control of the project that holds significant nostalgia for many fans of West Coast hip-hop.
Originally released in 2004 under TVT Records, the 213 album, titled The Hard Way, marked a significant collaboration between the trio, showcasing their unique blend of laid-back West Coast vibes and melodic hooks. However, due to the dissolution of TVT Records and subsequent bankruptcy, Snoop has been unable to remaster and re-release the album until now. He revealed his plans to reclaim the rights and give the album the proper remastering it deserves, stating, “I’ma get the 213 album back. I’ma get control of it. They had that album, and the label, I think, went bankrupt. I [hope to] get the whole album and re-release it on Death Row remastered.”
In addition to the album, Snoop Dogg shed light on a wealth of unreleased music from Nate Dogg, a legendary figure known for his smooth vocals and unforgettable hooks. He disclosed that both Warren G and producer Fredwreck possess a considerable archive of unreleased tracks from Nate, who was known for his tireless work ethic in the studio. Snoop explained, “Nate used to go from Warren G’s house to Fredwreck’s house… He would make song after song. Him and 2Pac had the same work ethic. That’s how he’s on so many different hooks.” This revelation certainly piques interest about what hidden gems may be unearthed and shared with the world.
Snoop’s commitment to preserving Nate Dogg’s legacy is underscored by his strong relationship with Nate’s family, particularly his mother, Miss Ruth. Snoop’s admiration for Nate goes beyond mere nostalgia; it is rooted in a deep respect for their collaborative history and the impact Nate had on the hip-hop landscape. He stated, “Hell yeah, I would consider doing something with all that on Death Row,” indicating his eagerness to bring Nate’s unreleased material to light.
The discussion also touched on the past controversies surrounding the comparisons made between Nate Dogg and contemporary artists, particularly Ty Dolla $ign. In 2020, Nate’s son, Lil Nate Dogg, expressed his displeasure over Snoop’s remarks, in which he referred to Ty as the “reincarnation” of Nate Dogg. Lil Nate Dogg took to social media to voice his frustrations, highlighting the importance of his father’s legacy and the uniqueness of his sound. Despite any disagreements, the dialogue surrounding Nate’s influence continues to resonate, further emphasizing the lasting impact he has had on the genre.
As fans eagerly await the potential revival of the 213 album and the release of unreleased Nate Dogg music, Snoop Dogg’s dedication to honoring his fallen comrade’s legacy remains a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop culture. The prospect of revisiting this classic project and discovering new material has sparked excitement, ensuring that Nate Dogg’s contributions to music will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
