Hip-hop Hits the HSV Hard with the S-N Double O-P!

It has been universally agreed upon that Tuesday, August 15, 2023, will go down in history as one of the greatest concerts Huntsville, Alabama has ever seen! The "High School Reunion Tour" marks 30 years since the release of the "Doggystyle" album and starred the Doggfather himself, Snoop Dogg, backed by Wiz Khalifah, Too $hort, Warren G, and special surprise guest, Lady of Rage.

The sold-out diverse crowd had fans of every background and persuasion. Look at the homie in the gold top getting his groove on below, for example!

The excitement in the air was electric as DJ Drama spun records before Warren G opened the show.

After Warren G "regulated," another legendary OG, Too $hort "blew the whistle" and reminded us about his favorite word--"beetch"--pronounced just like that! He also gave a big shout-out to the Alabama A&M University. Go Bulldogs!

Then Wiz Khalifah stormed into the amphitheater with his monster hit, "Black and Yellow" and the crowd, from ages 7-70, sang it right along with him!

Wiz' son Sebastian came out dancing with him and spraying water on the crowd. And huge toy "blunt" balloons were tossed into the crowd while he rapped his song "Taylor Gang," named for his group, his fans, his high school, and his love for Chuck Taylor sneakers.

Snoop drove onto the center of the stage in a blue classic Cadillac convertible and a huge cloud of smoke surrounding him. Straight out the gate, Dr. Dre's "Next Episode" was blasting, to his left and his right there were beautiful women acrobatically swinging up and down poles.

The whole crowd was on its feet, singing every lyric! Taller than I expected, with locs swinging down to his butt, Snoop commanded the audience, and everything revolved around him.

Snoop brought Warren G and Wiz Khalifa back on stage for a few collab performances.

I was really moved by "See You Again" because they showed clips of rappers and other entertainers who passed away.

Overall The entire production was slick and layered with video clips in the background and even a cartoon figure-head dancing for "Living My Best Life." It reminded me of so many different personas Snoop's had throughout the years: pimp, gangster, mobster, Rastafarian, even a preacher. Snoop definitely "Dropped It Like It's Hot" at the Orion!

The big surprise was when Lady of Rage came out singing that she "rocks rough and stuff" with her Afro Puffs!"

With the release of his new album "B.O.D.R. (Back on Death Row)" Snoop has reunited with producer Dr. Dre and his first label, Death Row Records, which he purchased in 2022. At one point, Snoop considered naming the new album, "Missionary" since the first album "Doggystyle" came out 30 years ago. Without a doubt, Snoop is nowhere close to slowing down or retiring. It was a night Huntsville will never forget!