7 of Snoop Dogg’s most iconic outfits
Written by ABR on 05/12/2021
From his myriad monikers to his ever-evolving style, Snoop Dogg has been rap music’s de facto chameleon for over three decades. In the 90s, Snoop, with his Death Row labelmates, brought G Funk and West Coast hip-hop to the mainstream with Doggystyle and “Gin and Juice”. By Y2K, Snoop was taking a softer approach to gangster rap with R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece and its Neptunes-produced single, “Drop It Like It’s Hot”. A decade later, he released a reggae album under the pseudonym Snoop Lion. Beyond music, Snoop’s an actor, a producer, a tech investor, a close friend of Martha Stewart, and one of the world’s most beloved weed smokers. In short: Snoop Dogg wears many hats — literally.
The West Coast rapper’s style acumen is just as varied as his professional portfolio, taking in baggy workwear, avant-garde suiting, mink coats, bedazzled accessories, and plush tracksuits. Not to mention Snoop is the king of custom gear. Think Dogghouse Records letterman jackets, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” lyric t-shirts, and even his own clothing line, Snoop Dogg Clothing Co.
To celebrate the release of his new album, Snoop Dogg Presents Algorithm, we take a look back at some of the rapper’s most iconic looks — from the 90s through to Y2K.
The “Gin and Juice” music video, 1994
One year after appearing on Dr. Dre’s iconic The Chronic, Snoop Dogg dropped his own debut album, Doggystyle. Alongside The Chronic, Doggystyle brought G-funk and West Coast hip-hop to the fore of the 90s’ musical landscape. The album spawned two best-selling singles, “Who Am I (What’s My Name?)” and “Gin and Juice”, the latter, which earned Snoop his first Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. In the song’s music video, the rapper — then known as Snoop Doggy Dogg — memorably wears a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey jersey. Snoop was one of the first rappers to wear a hockey jersey, which, at the time, was an unusual choice of sports garb given rap music’s preference for basketball and baseball. However, it’s a look that’s become Snoop’s unique signature: in early 2021 the rapper snapped a grid pic in an Oilers jersey. The caption? “On my Gretzky shit.”
At the MTV MVAs, 1996
Of course, on the occasion of the MTV VMAs, Snoop rolled up to the red carpet wearing his swankiest suiting. Earlier that year, the rapper, known for his casual style, dabbled in red carpet suiting at the American Music Awards. But it was nothing like this. Opulent and experimental, Snoop’s VMAs suit takes in pinstripes, an inverted peaked lapel collar, and a bowler hat. The rapper attended both events with his friend and Death Row labelmate, Tupac Shakur, who was tragically killed later that year.
At the Billboard Music Awards, 1999
Three years later, Snoop pared down his red carpet style at the Billboard Music Awards, wearing a Dickies suit alongside a custom Dogghouse Records letterman jacket and pair of Converse. The look references the rapper’s newly-minted namesake record label. It also harkens back to Snoop’s early career looks: specifically, the workwear suit from the “Who Am I (What’s My Name?)” music video.
At the BET Awards, 2002
In the early 00s, Snoop amped up his style, embracing a “pimpish” way of dressing. From the Grammys stage to the big screen and the “P.I.M.P.” music video, Snoop spent the Y2K era dripped in mink, marabou, three-piece suits, and fedoras. The look was almost always accessorised with a bedazzled chalice and cane, as seen here at the 2002 BET Awards.
On Jay Leno, 2003
We can’t speak to Snoop’s Y2K style without mentioning his extensive and impressive collection of tracksuits. Whether blue velvet Lakers gear or a design from his own clothing label, the rapper sported the proto-athleisure look — alongside some incredible shades — to late-night talk shows and concerts alike.
At the Spike TV Video Game Awards, 2004
Blending the rapper’s style eras — 90s through Y2K — this look is quintessential Snoop: a graphic tee and workwear pants draped in a floor-length mink coat.
In the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” music video
In 2004, Snoop and Pharrell teamed up to drop one of the decade’s most iconic rap singles. Produced by the Neptunes, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an instant hit for its pared-back production and Snoop’s smooth lyrical delivery. In the music video, Snoop wears a custom ‘Long Beach’ jersey — a reference to his hometown, where it all began.
Follow i-D on Instagram and TikTok for more iconic outfits.
ABR Group