Snoop Dogg's "Doggystyle": How The Cover Shaped Album Art For 26 Years

Summary

Snoop Dogg's debut album, 'Doggystyle,' celebrates its 26th anniversary, marking a cultural shift from controversy to mainstream success. The iconic album art, designed by Snoop's cousin Darryl 'Joe Cool' Daniel, drew inspiration from Dr. Dre and features provocative comic book-style illustrations. The artwork was controversial for its sexualized imagery and became a symbol in the public debate over censorship. Despite congressional hearings condemning it as obscene, the art’s playful, adult-themed use of cartoon styles influenced future hip-hop album designs and left a lasting mark on the genre's visual aesthetic.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Snoop Dogg's debut album 'Doggystyle' turned 26 this year, marking a significant milestone in his career.
• 🔄 Over the years, Snoop Dogg has transformed from a controversial figure to a mainstream collaborator, even working with Martha Stewart.
• 🎨 The artwork for 'Doggystyle' was heavily influenced by Dr. Dre and was created by Snoop's cousin Darryl 'Joe Cool' Daniel, featuring a provocative comic book style.
• 🐾 The album cover art depicted a dog in human attire reaching towards a female dog in lingerie, causing a public discourse on censorship and obscenity.
• 📜 The album's artwork paid homage to George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, quoting their song 'Atomic Dog' and emulating their psychedelic style.
• 🚨 The album art and music were deemed obscene and degrading to women, leading to congressional hearings on obscenity.
• 🗽 Despite the controversy, the First Amendment's protection of freedom of expression helped increase Snoop Dogg's visibility and album sales.
• 🔍 The inside sleeve of 'Doggystyle' was even more provocative, telling a story that offended both law enforcement and women.
• 🎭 Daniel's art took cartoons, primarily for children, and made them explicit by infusing them with adult themes, a shock tactic that has become common in hip-hop.
• 💽 The influence of 'Doggystyle' can be seen in modern album art, with artists like Vince Staples and Tory Lanez creating adult-themed cartoon covers.
• 🌐 Darryl Daniel's design style has become embedded in hip-hop culture, influencing the genre's visual aesthetic for decades.

Q & A

What was the primary influence behind the artwork for Snoop Dogg's 'Doggystyle' album?

The artwork for 'Doggystyle' was heavily influenced by Dr. Dre, who came up with the concept for the album art.

Who was responsible for executing the album art of 'Doggystyle'?

Snoop Dogg's cousin, Darryl 'Joke' Daniels, was responsible for executing the album art for 'Doggystyle.'

Why was the album art for 'Doggystyle' considered controversial?

The album art was considered controversial due to its explicit and provocative imagery, particularly the sexualization of a female dog, which contributed to the heated discourse over censorship and obscenity in the 1990s.

What cultural icons does the 'Doggystyle' album art reference?

The album art references several cultural icons, including George Clinton's 'Atomic Dog,' the Peanuts character Snoopy, and the style of Parliament-Funkadelic's album covers.

How did the Congressional hearings react to 'Doggystyle'?

'Doggystyle' was used as evidence in Congressional hearings by the DC Subcommittee on Commerce, Competitiveness, and Protection, where it was condemned as obscene and degrading to women.

What impact did the Congressional hearings have on the album's popularity?

The Congressional hearings only increased Snoop Dogg's visibility and boosted album sales, despite the controversy surrounding 'Doggystyle.'

How did Darryl Daniels' art influence later hip-hop album covers?

Darryl Daniels' art, with its use of cartoon imagery and explicit themes, influenced many later hip-hop album covers, such as Vince Staples' 'FM!' and Tory Lanez's 'Love Me Now.'

What makes Daniels' art on 'Doggystyle' notable in hip-hop history?

Daniels' art is notable for taking cartoon imagery traditionally aimed at children and infusing it with adult themes, creating a shock value that became iconic in hip-hop album art.

What is the visual style of the 'Doggystyle' album cover?

The visual style of the 'Doggystyle' album cover is busy and colorfully illustrated, resembling a comic book with dense details that reveal more richness the longer you examine it.

How has Daniels' work continued to influence the hip-hop industry?

Daniels' work has had a lasting impact on the visual style of hip-hop album art, and he has continued working with Snoop Dogg and other musicians, as well as being commissioned by global brands.