How Dr. Dre Discovered Snoop Dogg and Helped Turn Him Into a Rap Superstar With “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)”

#NOLAZINE - Before Snoop Dogg became one of the most recognizable names in hip-hop, he was a young rapper from Long Beach, California, trying to make a name for himself. His life changed when Dr. Dre heard his music and recognized something special in his laid-back delivery, smooth flow, and unmistakable voice.

Snoop's early recordings, made alongside his cousin Nate Dogg and friend Warren G, helped bring him to Dre's attention. Impressed by his talent, Dre introduced Snoop to a much larger audience through the 1992 soundtrack single “Deep Cover.” Their chemistry was undeniable, and Snoop soon became a major part of Dre's groundbreaking solo album, The Chronic.

By 1993, anticipation for Snoop's debut album was enormous. On November 23, 1993, he released Doggystyle through Death Row Records, with Dr. Dre overseeing the production. The album featured the hit single “Who Am I? (What's My Name?),” a funky, West Coast anthem built around influences from Parliament-Funkadelic.

The record introduced listeners to Snoop's playful personality, effortless flow, and signature G-funk sound. Its colorful music video, featuring Snoop transforming into a Doberman, became a memorable part of hip-hop's early 1990s era.

Doggystyle debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling approximately 806,000 copies in its first week—an extraordinary achievement for a debut rap album at the time. “Who Am I? (What's My Name?)” also became a major hit, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

What makes this story legendary is how one opportunity changed everything. Dr. Dre didn't just give Snoop Dogg a feature; he helped provide the platform that launched one of hip-hop's most successful careers.

More than three decades later, “Who Am I? (What's My Name?)” remains a West Coast classic and a reminder of how discovering the right talent at the right time can change music history forever.

NOLAZINE | Hip-Hop History & Culture