Since becoming the new face of Priority Records, Snoop Dogg has revived the 25 year-old legendary Los Angeles-based imprint. For starters, Malice N’ Wonderland put Priority (distributed through EMI) back on the charts for Tha Doggfather’s tenth official album.
Today it was announced that Snoop has hand-selected several gems from the Priority vaults to re-release on CD and in digital formats. Branded as “U.S.D.A.” (Uncut Snoop Dogg Approved), Snoop will re-present three of his favorite releases to several generations of Rap fans.
Chronologically, the first release is EPMD‘s 1988 debut Strictly Business. The switch-hitting emcee and production duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith helped enforce Long Island’s contending for Hip Hop’s spotlight with colorful samples, interplaying routines and versatile routines. Released by Priority (in conjunction with New York indies Sleeping Bag/Fresh Records), Strictly Business topped the Rap/R&B charts and remains the pillar in EPMD’s extensive catalog.
In September of 1988, Priority joined fledging label Ruthless Records in releasing Eazy E’s solo debut Eazy-Duz-It. Largely assisted by N.W.A., this famed west coast release prompted the hits “Boyz In The Hood,” Eazy-er Said Than Dunn” and the title track. This multi-platinum release is widely regarded as the late Compton rapper/executive’s finest solo work, boasting truly innovative Dr. Dre and DJ Yella production.
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Lastly, Priority stepped into the late ’90s with a lot of success working with Master P’s No Limit Records imprint. In 1997, Priority distributed P’s magnum opus, Ghetto D. His sixth overall album, this album was the last solo effort that painted the New Orleans tycoon as a drug dealer, before he embraced his tycoon persona in years to come. An ensemble release, Ghetto D boasted assistance from TRU (C-Murder and Silkk The Shocker), Mia X, Mystikal, Mr. Serv-On, Fiend and others. Besides it’s famed Eric B. & Rakim-themed title track, the multi-platinum “orange album” is remembered for “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!”
That trio will join new material from Snoop’s own personal vaults entitled West Coast Blueprint. “I’m going to show you where this Gangsta Rap came from, who the originators were, and how it got to where it is now,” said Snoop in a statement. “With The West Coast Blueprint, I’ve compiled records that have stood the test of time and sound just as good as the new records coming out today. So it’s highly relevant. And by reissuing Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It, EPMD’s Strictly Business, and Master P’s Ghetto D, you will hear how many different facets of hip-hop Priority had a hand in. Fans who might not have heard these records in a long time, I know they’re going to love hearing them again. And for the youngsters who’ve never heard them before, it’s an important education. See? Learning can be fun.”
