Ranking the Best Snoop Dogg Albums

Time to check another album ranking request off the list.

I’ve hesitated doing a deep dive on Snoop Dogg’s VERY… EXTENSIVE… CATALOG … for years. But after the release of his shockingly great new album earlier this year (likely a top 10 rap release) and news of a Snoop biopic in development, I figured the time was right.

Snoop has unfairly been labeled by many fans and critics as a one-album wonder. And while, yes, nothing is beating THAT album (more on that later), this ranking proves that Snoop has his share of great albums. The reason why that’s lost is that since 1993, Snoop has dropped a new project – be it a compilation, EP, mixtape or full-length release – almost annually. Often multiple times in one year. That’s a LOT of material.

To save my sanity, we’re only sticking with his 19 studio albums for this ranking. Lord, that’s enough.

From one of the most feared rappers in the country to America’s Uncle Snoop, the Dogg has become one of the most enduring figures in pop culture.

He’s our living legend.

19. Reincarnated (2013)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: Hey, remember that time Snoop made a reggae album? Ah yes, the infamous Reincarnated, which gave us the debut of Snoop Do… Snoop Lion. Now before the Cancel Kids on Twitter discover this album 10 years late and scream APPROPRIATION, understand the backstory of this project: Snoop traveled to Jamaica to truly study the art form, and this album was the result of that pilgrimage. And to be fair, it’s not the 1-star disaster you might expect. The album is crammed with guests to fill in Snoop Lion-O’s shortcomings – he’s a newbie to the genre, after all – but some folks here are head-scratchers. Miley Cyrus and Drake aren’t exactly Patra and Barrington Levy, playa. The energy is fun and upbeat but, I mean, it’s Snoop doing a reggae album so it’s pretty unfocused and downright silly at times. Props to Snoop for taking a risk with this project, you can tell he put his heart into it. He just didn’t have the tools to pull it off.

Forgotten favorites: “Rebel Way,” “Lighters Up,” “Tired of Running”

18. Doggumentary (2011)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: Doggumentary was an album that came out in 2011 – and that’s pretty much all I have to say about it. Even though this album is supposed to have a vaguely cinematic theme, this is far from a blockbuster. Other than Bootsy Collins’ cameos, this is just Snoop snoopin’ through early 2010 production with the usual early 2010 guest starts. ”Wet” became an international hit but even that hasn’t aged well. Doggumentary is more boring than bad, which means I don’t even have good material for album review slander. A straight-to-DVD release if there ever was one.

Forgotten favorites: “Wonder What It Do,” “We Rest N Cali,” “Cold Game”

17. Malice n Wonderland (2009)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: By 2009 it was clear that Snoop was ready to connect with the next generation of stars. Jazmine Sullivan, The-Dream, Soulja Boy and a young Nipsey Hussle are among those who rubbed shoulders with the Topp Dogg. Despite those collabs it was “I Wanna Rock” that became the surprise hit from this set, probably because Snoop felt much more comfortable on that track than on others here. And that’s the issue with Malice n Wonderland – many songs are an ill fit for Snoop’s skillset. By the end of the 2000s, several veterans struggled to find their voice in the rapidly changing musical landscape. Snoop was no exception.

Forgotten favorites: “That’s the Homie,” “Pimpin Ain’t EZ,” “Special”

16. Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: In 1998 Snoop Dogg and No Limit seemed like the weirdest combination ever, like a mayo and cod liver oil sandwich. But No Limit was NUCLEAR HOT at the time and, strategically, it was a great way to generate buzz for Snoop’s career. The album starts out pretty well, thanks to catchy production and the No Limit Soldiers bringing heat, with Snoop finding surprising chemistry with C Murder. But overall Snoop feels like he’s in cruise control, almost coming off like a guest star on his own project. His later No Limit outings would be much better.

Forgotten favorites: “Slow Down,” “Snoop World,” “DP Gangsta”

15. From tha Streets 2 tha Suites (2021)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: A 10-track Snoop album? What sorcery is this? I haven’t mentioned it yet but Snoop’s Achilles heel on most of these projects is their needless girth – bloated tracklists that run out of steam far too soon. And it only took the big homie 20 years to learn that sometimes less is more! Doggs really can learn new tricks. From tha Streets 2 tha Suites is a leaner but not necessarily meaner release. That’s not a shot at Snoop – to his credit, he’s nearly 30 years in the game at this point and essential sounds the like same MC from 93. But there’s nothing here that adds to that legacy.  It’s a fun, easy listen but pretty light on highlights.

Forgotten favorites: “Gang Signs,” “Roaches in My Ashtray,” “Left My Weed”

14. Tha Doggafather (1996)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: After his monumental debut, you had to know Snoop would have a tough time dodging the specter of the sophomore slump. It didn’t help that Dr. Dre, the guiding hand on his initial classic, had departed Death Row by 1996. Also, it was clear Snoop was veering away from the more violent and controversial tone of that original release. That meant Tha Doggfather was destined to be a drastic departure from the Snoop we knew and those growing pains are evident here. I was NOT a fan of this album in 1996, mainly because it was such a sudden switch from OG Snoop, but I appreciate the direction a bit more now. There are a few wins (mainly when the Dogg Pound and the LBC are involved) but mountains of filler and lack of cohesion make it a far cry from its predecessor.

Forgotten favorites: “Blueberry,” “Gold Rush,” “Wake Up”

13. Neva Left (2017)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: By 2017, the D-o-double g was known more as America’s cool uncle than of the trailblazing hip-hop star who elevated the game. With that in mind, Neva Left serves as another opportunity for Snoop to reaffirm his legacy. To do that, Neva Left embraces a throwback feel and, frankly, nostalgia feels good on Snoop. But it’s the more contemporary tracks of the day – like when he’s chasing strippers on “Trash Bag” or trying to keep up with the young’ns on “Toss It” – that things start to fill run of the mill.

Forgotten favorites: “Mount Kushmore,” “Promise You This,” “Swivel”

12. Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (2006)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment is an interesting entry in Snoop’s Doggography (and why hasn’t he named an album that yet? That’s a freebie for you, big homie). The album gave us a few decent singles, including the Neptunes-helmed “Vato” and “That’s That S***,” featuring R&B’s urine-loving Voldemort – a song that now seems to have been removed from streaming??? Snoop is a wise man. The rest of the album is just a random collection of songs that range from fun to forgettable. Lots of big name guests pop in, but few make an impact in the long run. “Imagine” is a hidden gem in Snoop’s catalog though.

Forgotten favorites: “Imagine,” “Think About It,” “Round Here”

11. Tha Last Meal (2000)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: True to its name, Tha Last Meal is the final installment of Snoop’s No Limit trilogy. And thanks to a few well-received singles, it might be the most remembered. Thing is, besides those singles, there’s not a ton left to embrace. It’s a recurring problem that plagues most of Snoop’s lesser albums, unfortunately. It’s a solid listen and I’m sure it’s embraced among No Limit Soldiers for its historical value but it’s a lot less consistent than its predecessor.

Forgotten favorites: “Go Away,” “Loosen Control,” “Ready 2 Ryde”

10. I Wanna Thank Me (2019)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Why’d it take this long for Snoop to have an album cover based off the “dogs playing poker” painting? Anyway, Snoop really embraces his elder statesmen role on I Wanna Thank Me, which touches on themes of Black empowerment and forgiveness – even burying the hatchet with Suge Knight. While there are plenty of highlights – STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS BEFORE – the album drags on longer than it should. I really appreciate Snoop stepping up as hip-hop’s big uncle but this one needed some fine tuning.

Forgotten favorites: “One Blood, One Cuzz,” “Do It When I’m In It”

9. Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love (2018)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Hey, remember that time Snoop made a gospel album? And let me tell you, it’s super weird binging 8098904 Snoop songs for this ranking, going from tracks like “Can U Control Your Hoe” and then switching over to the Clark Sisters. You can’t say Snoop is a one-track artist. Anyway, even though Bible of Love is billed as a solo studio album, it’s essentially a compilation. Learning from the mistakes of Reincarnated, instead of Snoop fighting outside of his weight class, he mostly takes a backseat while some of gospel’s heaviest hitters comes through. EVERYBODY is on this project – it feels like the multiverse of gospel singers. At MORE THAN TWO HOURS this thing is longer than revival at your grandma’s church … but it’s just as fulfilling. I understand why the reviews for this project were so negative, especially if you’re looking at it through Chronic-colored lenses. This is NOT a traditional Snoop album. It’s barely a Snoop album at all. But don’t judge it for what it isn’t, judge it for what it is – a deeply immersive gospel project.

Forgotten favorites: “One More Day,” “Always Got Something to Say,” “Pure Gold”

8. Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss (2002)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: I know this one is a fan favorite and the No. 8 ranking likely will get me some heat but, hey, I just sat through roughly 800 hours of Snoop songs, YOUR SLANDER CANNOT HURT ME. Let’s set the stage: By 2002, Snoop was ready to leave the No Limit era behind and embark on new adventures. Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss is much more lighthearted and upbeat than its predecessors. Snoop as usual sounds great over the soulful backdrops and he finds instant chemistry with the Neptunes. But, of course, Snoop LOVES these long albums and he struggles to keep the momentum throughout, ultimately hurting it in the long run. It’s a strong album though and a good way to start the next phase of his career.

Forgotten favorites: “The One and Only,” “Ballin,” “I Believe in You”

7. Bush (2015)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Hey, remember that time Snoop made an R&B album? Funky, disco-themed production by the Neptunes with lots of backup from Uncle Charlie makes this such a fun experience. I’m even willing to overlook the suspect singing and vocal sweeting because it’s such a groove. If you ever wondered what an entire album of “Sensual Seductions” would sound like, you have your answer. Snoop loves experimenting with his sound and this might be his best attempt to date.

Forgotten favorites: “California Roll,” “Edibles,” “I’m Ya Dogg”

6. Ego Trippin (2008)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Oh, and speaking of, it’s the “Sensual Seduction” album! On paper, there is absolutely NO WAY that song should work but props to Snoop for creating such an unforgettable bop, as the children say. Thankfully, this is album is way more than one song. A-list producers like Teddy Riley, DJ Quik and Raphael Saadiq keep the atmosphere soulful and funky, which is Snoop’s comfort zone. The 70s and 80s soul samples are a treat and the smaller (than usual for Snoop) guest list keeps the focus on the Boss Dogg. A really enjoyable release.

Forgotten favorites: “Press Play,” “Sets Up,” “Staxxx in my Jeans”

5. R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: The second this albums opens with a choir led by Minister of Music Alchemist you knew we were in for something special. R&G was Snoop’s first album on the Neptune’s Star Trak imprint, so you can bet their influence is heavy. And trust me, 2004 Neptunes are a good thing to have on your side. As you can probably guess from the title, this a very soulful affair but Snoop keeps things gritty enough that he doesn’t lose his edge. Of course, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” is the album’s centerpiece, proving to doubters that he was a force to be reckoned with over a decade into his career. And real talk, I’m sure I’m in the minority but I liked “Let’s Get Blown” even more than the previously celebrated Pharrell collaboration “Beautiful.” But … you guessed it … like almost every Snoop album, it drags on way too long, running out of gas on the second half. Masterpiece? Not quite. But it’s among his best.

Forgotten favorites: “I Love to Give You Light,” “The Bidness,” “Signs”

4. Coolaid (2016)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Yes, I’m just as shocked by this placement as you are. But it deserves. Snoop feels like he has a massive chip on his shoulder on this one, and I’m here for it. After a few years of experimenting with reggae and R&B – with VERY mixed results – Coolaid is a very strong return to form. Snoop embraces the West Coast sound, his cocky, laid-back flow is back and his bars have more bite than they’ve had in a long. And it’s a lot more cohesive than most of the albums on this list. A very underrated entry in Snoop’s discography and easily his most slept-on release.

Forgotten favorites: “Ten Toes Down,” “Coolaid Man,” “Oh Na Na”

3. BODR (2022)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Some may call it recency bias but I’m standing by this one. Several times on this list we’ve seen Snoop try to recapture the magic of his Death Row days. Twenty-Nine years later, he finally nailed it. Bacc on Death Row harkens back to the heyday of Snoop’s West Coast dominance, and he sound rejuvenated over the 90s samples and throwback G-Funk. The production – strong. The flow – infectious. The energy – addictive. This isn’t Martha Stewart’s buddy, it’s the Calvin Broadus that first caught our attention decades ago. I strongly considered putting BODR in the No. 2 spot, and maybe it will earn that slot in time. Regardless, BODR is one of the most pleasant surprises of 2022 and proof that legends never die.

Forgotten favorites: “Sandwich Bag,” “Doggystylin,” “Pop Pop”

2. No Limit Top Dogg (1999)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: By 1999, many of us had written Snoop off. His first No Limit outing had him feeling like a dogg out of water and we all know about Tha Doggfather‘s struggles – just scroll back up if you’ve forgotten. But it wouldn’t be until No Limit Top Dogg that Snoop reclaimed his yard. Snoop reunites him with West Coast heavy hitters like Dr. Dre, DJ Quik and Jelly Roll, giving us the first authentic Snoop experience in years. Sure, like almost every Snoop album, it could use a trim, but there’s more than enough goodness here to power you through the long runtime. If anyone had questioned Snoop’s legacy by this point – and trust me, many of us had – this is a reminder of his greatness. THIS is the album Tha Doggfather should have been.

Forgotten favorites: “Don’t Tell,” “Trust Me,” “Ghetto Symphony”

1. Doggystyle (1993)

Soul in Stereo rating: 5 stars out of 5

Edd said: We all knew what No. 1. And there’s a very good reason for that. For those of you who were still taking swimming lessons in daddy’s scrotum when this dropped, allow me to set the stage. In 1992, Snoop (Doggy) Dogg established himself as the hottest young rapper in the game, thanks to his appearances on Dr. Dre’s Tha Chronic and the dominance of the G-Funk sound. Expectations were so absurdly high for his debut album that anything less than a classic would be a letdown. What did Snoop do? Deliver a classic. While the content certainly would raise eyebrows today, Snoop’s distinctive flow, knack for storytelling and classic singles elevated Doggystyle to be a centerpiece of 90s hip-hop and still reigns as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Just don’t image search Doggystyle while you’re at work. Just warning ya.

Forgotten favorites: “Tha Shiznit,” “Gz and Hustlas,” “Serial Killa”

What’s your favorite Snoop album that’s not Doggystyle? Share them below and yell about how high I ranked BODR and Coolaid below!