Rapper Snoop Dogg gets a hand from a host of high-profile stars on his upcoming studio album, “R&G (Rhythm and Gangsta): The Masterpiece.” Beyond the hit first single “Drop It Like It’s Hot” featuring Pharrell, the set sports guest shots from Lil Jon, 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Trina. It will arrive Nov. 23 via Geffen.
Timberlake and Gap Band founder Charlie Wilson team up for “Signs,” while Wilson is the sole guest on “Perfect.” Lil Jon and Trina appear on “Step Yo Game Up,” while 50 Cent raps on “Oh No.” Nelly lends a hand on penultimate track “Girl Like U.”
“Drop It Like It’s Hot” is off to a sizzling start on the Billboard charts. The track is No. 4 on the Hot 100 and this week has the unusual distinction of being the chart’s fastest growing track at radio and retail. It also climbs to No. 1 on the Hot Rap Tracks tally and No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Snoop and Pharrell will perform the track Nov. 14 on ABC’s broadcast of the American Music Awards.
Meanwhile, Snoop has remixed the Doors’ classic “Riders on the Storm” for the in-game soundtrack to “Need for Speed Underground 2,” which hits stores Nov. 15 via Electronic Arts. He will also perform the track on the Nov. 6 Spike TV special “Need for Speed.” The game sports a wealth of other new tracks from the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age, Capone, Xzibit, Mudvayne and Chingy.
On Nov. 28, Snoop will host MTV2’s “Sucker Free Sunday,” comprising a half-hour concert special and videos from his hip-hop colleagues. Additionally, a headlining tour in support of “Masterpiece” is in the works, with a likely start date of February 2005.
Source billboard.com.
