Does Snoop Dogg have a future as a gospel artist? Just one look at Billboard’s recent Gospel Album Charts and you might be forced to say yes.
On March 16 the Cali rapper dropped “Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love,” which just went No. 1. It’s a double-album, 32-track offering that features gospel and secular artists alike, such as Marvin Sapp, Faith Evans, Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell, Charlie Wilson and Tye Tribbett.
Besides the album going No. 1, three of its cuts are on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart as well, “You,” featuring Tribbett, “Saved,” with Evans and “3rd Generation” featuring Rance Allen.
Surely, there were a bunch of people who were surprised, even shocked, when Snoop announced that he was dropping a gospel album in the first place.
If there was a Mount Rushmore like sculpture to honor the biggest gangsta rappers of all time, Snoop’s face would certainly be etched in stone. He also became a Rastafarian in 2012 and released the reggae album “Reincarnated” one year later under the moniker Snoop Lion, so some criticized him for that as well.
“How could you say this is God music?” one man wrote under Snoop’s video for “Words are a Few,” featuring B Slade.”
“Snoop is so confused. One day he crippin’, next day a Rasta, then a Muslim in the Nation of Islam. Any gimmick to get ya’ll to buy his music. Nothing wrong with Snoop, just don’t be so ignorant and associate this type of stuff to God unless you mean the many gods the music industry worships,” the guy added.
But there were more people who praised Snoop than bashed him. In fact, the overall reviews of “Bible of Love” were positive from both critics and fans, which could explain why it went No. 1.
“This is real,” one person wrote under the song “You.” “Snoop has took me to [a] special place. Thanks for letting me know that we all can praise God in our own way. Thanks for stepping out.”
There were also some gospel artists who supported Snoop’s project and didn’t have a problem with his gangsta music past.
“Snoop Dogg just took us to church with Tye Tribbett,” wrote gospel singer Kevin D. Jimison. “That’s what’s up, Snoop. This is a nice gospel banger. I love it, and I love the new you, bro. Stay on that straight and narrow road that leads to God, love, blessings, fun, joy, peace, perfect health and eternal life in heaven. I support the gospel Snoop.”
