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Snoop Dogg has teamed up with the Zac Brown Band for a unique collaboration that the rap legend has dubbed “gangster gumbo.”
On July 18, Snoop Dogg and the Zac Brown Band released their country-rap track, “Let It Run.” They surprised fans with the first live performance of the song during the Zac Brown Band’s concert in Los Angeles on July 21, while also shooting part of the music video.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Snoop Dogg, who recently partnered with Raising Cane’s for a new campaign, shared how the band approached him for the unexpected country-rap fusion.
Snoop Dogg collaborated with the Zac Brown Band on the new country song “Let It Run.” (Getty)
“They reached out to me with the record. The track was right up my alley, so it was an easy decision, and I’m a fan of Zac,” Snoop Dogg, 53, said about Zac Brown, the band’s founder. “We collaborate, we make music happen, and we bring deserving people together. That’s what the music world is all about right now.”
“There’s no such thing as just one genre,” the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” artist explained. “It’s about crossing boundaries and uniting everyone through music.”
Snoop Dogg, known for his influence on West Coast hip-hop, also discussed his approach to blending his style with the Zac Brown Band’s Southern sound.
“I stay true to myself,” he told Fox News Digital. “I remain authentic at all times. I think that’s the appeal – when I’m called upon, they want me to be me and not change my style to fit theirs, but to combine our styles to create something unique like ‘gangster gumbo’.”
In addition to Brown, the Zac Brown Band includes members like Jimmy De Martini, John Driskell Hopkins, and Coy Bowles. Their song “Let It Run,” a laid-back ode to cannabis culture, will be featured on their upcoming album, “Love & Fear,” set to be released on Dec. 5.
While talking with Fox News Digital, Snoop Dogg mentioned that “Let It Run” is not his first venture into country music. This latest single marks the second country song he has released this year.
“I have a track with Ern,” Snoop Dogg said, referring to country singer-songwriter Ernest. “It’s called ‘Gettin’ Gone.’ We just released it with Ern, and I shot a video for it in Nashville.
“But I’ve been doing this for a while,” he added. “I have collaborated with Willie Nelson in the past. So, this is nothing new for me.”
The rap icon has teamed up with Willie Nelson several times. (Gary Miller/Getty Images for Shock Inc)
Snoop Dogg and Nelson first collaborated in 2008 on the song “My Medicine,” featured on Snoop Dogg’s album “Ego Trippin.” They collaborated again in 2011 for the single “Superman” and in 2012 for “Roll Me Up and Smoke When I Die.” The duo even received a CMA nomination in 2012 for “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” along with Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson.
During an interview in 2012, Snoop Dogg shared his admiration for Nelson and his experience with country music.
“When I first met him, he welcomed me as if I were part of his world, even though I wasn’t from the country music scene,” Snoop Dogg said.
“It inspired me to explore country music,” he continued. “I made a couple of country records, worked with Brad Paisley, attended the Country Music Awards, visited Johnny Cash’s home, and realized that country music is just another form of hip-hop music. We’re all the same. Don’t be fooled by the rhythm – it’s the same game.”
Snoop Dogg has also expressed interest in collaborating with Dolly Parton in the future, praising her talent.
Musician Trace Adkins and rapper Snoop Dogg backstage during the 2008 CMT Awards in 2008. (Rick Diamond/WireImage)
Aside from country, Snoop Dogg has explored various genres like R&B, soul, rock, reggae, gospel, and electronic dance music. In his conversation with Fox News Digital, Snoop Dogg emphasized the importance of collaborations across genres.
“Music is a universal language that connects people. If it feels good to you, then it must be good for you. Collaborating on a song evokes a certain feeling when you hear it, create it, and release it,” he explained.
Snoop Dogg’s latest collaboration is with the fast-food chain Raising Cane’s, as he leads their ad campaign for the 16th year of Chicken Finger Day on July 27.
Snoop Dogg has explored multiple genres throughout his career. (Andrew Chin/Getty Images)
On Chicken Finger Day, customers at Raising Cane’s will receive a free chicken finger for every box combo they purchase.
Snoop Dogg shared that his collaboration with Raising Cane’s was a natural choice due to his love for the brand and his longstanding friendship with Todd Graves, the chain’s founder and CEO.
