Snoop Dogg Opens Up About Seeking Kendrick Lamar’s Advice: “No Ego”

Snoop Dogg, a hip-hop icon who helped define the genre, recently shared a humbling story about asking fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar for advice. Despite being a seasoned veteran in the industry long before Lamar’s rise to fame, Snoop emphasized the importance of evolving and learning from others, regardless of their age or status.

Snoop’s Humble Approach to Learning from Others

In a candid interview on The Bootleg Kev Podcast (released December 18, 2024), Snoop explained that the key to success in the music business is being open to learning and not allowing ego to get in the way.

“That’s what the game is about – learning and getting information and not being too big to ask,” he said. Snoop recalled a moment when he was overseas and watched Kendrick perform at a show in Paris for Amazon. He was impressed by Kendrick’s showmanship and the meticulous way he executed his performance. Intrigued by Kendrick’s ability to command the stage, Snoop reached out to one of Kendrick’s collaborators, Terrace Martin, for the rapper’s contact information.

Snoop Reaches Out to Kendrick for Show Tips

“I called Kendrick maybe a year and a half ago when I was overseas… I hit Terrace Martin and I said, ‘Cuh, give me K. Dot’s number!’” Snoop continued. “I called cuh and I said, ‘Man, how the fuck did you do that show? What I gotta do to make my show like that?’” Kendrick’s advice was simple but impactful, and it helped Snoop improve his own live shows.

Snoop credited the conversation with Kendrick for helping him take his performances to the next level. “It was so much information in that small conversation that I ended up making my show even better.” He went on to explain that reaching out to Kendrick, who was younger and arguably “doper” in certain ways, was a demonstration of humility and a desire to grow. “That’s me not having an ego and reaching out to someone who’s younger than me, flyer than me, doper than me,” Snoop said. “Kendrick has a tap on some shit that I need to get information on.”

Snoop Apologizes to Kendrick After Social Media Misunderstanding

In addition to seeking advice from Kendrick, Snoop also shared a story of apologizing to him privately after a misunderstanding involving a post about Drake’s diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle.” Snoop explained that he had posted the song on his social media without fully understanding the context. He had collaborated with a brand, Gin & Juice, and was unaware that the song might cause tension, especially with Kendrick, who was not pleased about it.

“What had happened was, I did a collaborative post with someone. When I do it, I don’t listen to the music… I’m thinking I’m posting Gin & Juice. I don’t know what song this is, I’m not hip to everybody’s music.”

Once Snoop learned that Kendrick had been upset, he took immediate action. “Then I get the word: ‘Nephew didn’t like what you did.’ What did I do?! ‘You played some music.’ What music?!” Snoop quickly deleted the post and reached out to Kendrick, apologizing for the misunderstanding. “Nephew, it’s Uncle Snoop. I got the message. I apologize, I was fucked up. My bad.”

Snoop and Kendrick’s Mature Relationship

Despite the slight tension, Snoop made it clear that he harbors no ill feelings about Kendrick referencing him on his track “wacced out murals,” showcasing his mature and respectful approach to resolving conflicts.

This display of humility from Snoop is a testament to his enduring influence in hip-hop, as he continues to evolve and learn from the new generation of artists, maintaining a fresh and relevant presence in the music world.