THE POOP ON SNOOP'S "MEAL"
Said Priority President/CEO Bryan Turner after taking the hockey puck out of his mouth: "Snoop personally feels this is one of his best albums, and considering his track record, that's saying a lot. The feedback has been great, from retail and radio to video and the press. I couldn't be more pleased with where this project is at the most competitive time of the year."
The acclaimed Long Beach rapper's fifth solo album marks a reunion with Dr. Dre (who produced three tracks and mixed the majority of the record) and an impressive first-time collaboration with Timbaland on the first single, the eponymous "Snoop Dogg (What's My Name, Pt. 2)," and the searing "Set It Off."
The record has also added fuel to the fire of a long-standing feud between Snoop and Suge Knight after every track from the album was made available on the Death Row Web site prior to its release.
The label's VP Marketing John Rotella stopped buffing Bryan Turner's nails to say the Death Row situation has paid dividends in publicity: "Our goal was to make everyone aware that this is Snoop's official, new album. We wanted the CD artwork to harken back to his roots, but we also wanted it known that Snoop has grown, he's more mature, more worldly now: After all, he's taken bong hits on five continents."
•Fresh off his appearance on this summer's "Up In Smoke" tour, Snoop will embark on a radio promotion jaunt to visit major markets, culminating in a NYC visit the day of release. Combined spins on "Snoop Dogg" are now over 1,300 at Urban and Crossover radio. Said VP Urban Promo Garnett March: "The goal is to take this record to #1 in all formats—Rhythm, Urban, Crossover, Top 40… The vibe is incredible."
•MTV and BET added the "Snoop Dogg" video this week.
•Snoop was featured on a VH1 "Behind the Music" special which aired 11/19 and showed off his home on an episode of MTV's "Cribs" which was seen 11/2.
•There will be an extensive TV advertising blitz, along with outdoor billboards all around the country.
•The new media campaign includes an animated Snoop desktop application which can be e-mailed to friends, chats, streaming, sampling, special contests and online giveaways of a custom Snoop Dogg necklace and skateboard.
•Snoop is slated for appearances on "The Howard Stern Show" (12/15) and David Letterman (12/27) as well as CNN's "Showbiz Today" and "Source All Access."
• Tower Sunset has transformed its roof into a giant Tha Dogg House display, while the label has created lifesize Snoop stand-up displays for in-store use. There was also a listening party for retailers hosted by Snoop at his home.
