Fans, Radio, Critics, Grammys and Cell Phones All Agree: Snoop Dogg's New Album is Indeed a Masterpiece

Fans, Radio, Critics, Grammys and Cell Phones All Agree: Snoop Dogg's New Album is Indeed a Masterpiece SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Snoop Dogg, one of the premier rap artists of all time, releases his new album R&G: (Rhythm & Gangsta) The Masterpiece (Geffen Records), proving as Blender magazine said, to be the rapper's "best record since Doggystyle (his seminal solo debut)." In just six weeks the album had sold over one million copies in the US. "Drop It Like It's Hot," the album's first single featuring the Neptunes' Pharrell is still going strong months after it was released in early fall of 2004. It currently occupies the #5 position on the Top 40 charts. It had previously held the #1 spot on the Urban chart for six weeks and the Rhythmic Chart for five weeks. The album also will be #1 in the next Hot Digital Songs chart. An alluring black and white video directed by Paul Hunter was #1 most played video on BET for three weeks and has consistently been one of the top five videos on MTV since the network premiered it in October. Not only has "Drop It Like It's Hot" transcended the traditional media outlets, it is also the must-have ringtone. According to Billboard it is currently the #1 downloaded ringtone in the country and has been that way for the last seven weeks. The song was recently recognized by the Grammys garnering the song two awards (the album was not eligible for consideration): Best Rap Performance By Duo Or Group and Best Rap Song. R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece has generated tons of press and media with Snoop appearing on the American Music and Vibe awards, MTV's New Years Eve special as well as the late night shows like Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. Reviews of the album have been stellar, People magazine gave it their highest rating and USA Today raved "Snoop paints a rap 'Masterpiece.'" The rapper's latest single is blazing up the urban charts where it is currently at #28. From the moment Snoop rose to the top of hip hop on Dr. Dre's 1992 Chronic album, the music world recognized he would be a life long force to be reckoned with. Each album since his debut have been certified platinum with 3 going multi-platinum. He has spawned such solo hits as "What's My Name," "Gin & Juice," "Just A Baby Boy," and "Beautiful." Source: Geffen Records CONTACT: Jim Merlis of Geffen Records, +1-212-841-8622, Jim.Merlis@umusic.com; or Meredith O'Sullivan of BWR, +1-310-248-6187, mosullivan@bwr-la.com, for Geffen Records ------- Profile: International Entertainment