Snoop Dogg reveals surprise new LP was inspired by Trump inauguration backlash: Playin with my reputation

Snoop Dogg is barking back at the haters.The beloved rapper faced backlash after he performed at the Crypto Ball during President Trump’s inauguration in January.But the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” MC turned the controversy into creativity, inspiring his surprise new LP “Iz It a Crime?” that drops on Thursday.“That’s why I made this album,” Snoop, 53, told the crowd at an intimate private event at Privé House in Manhattan on Wednesday, where he previewed his new album and short film.He then spit some lyrics in response to those who have been blasting him and questioning his credibility: “Too many n – – – as playin’ with my reputation/Step on my turf, you need an invitation.”Snoop said that the album’s title, “Iz It a Crime?” was inspired by what he was going through as he lost fans, including over 500,000 Instagram followers.“I felt like there was a lot of unanswered questions over the past six months,” he said.“And I just wanted to answer them through my music.“It’s therapy for me to be able to express myself [through] my art,” he added of the LP, which features collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell and Sexyy Red.

“Therapeutically, I was able to get off some answers that may have people trying to figure out where I’m going from here.”On Thursday morning, Snoop again addressed the Trump inauguration backlash when he appeared on “The Breakfast Club” radio show.“I don’t represent the Republican Party.I don’t represent the Democratic Party.

I represent the gangster party.Period,” he said, adding that the 30-minute DJ set booking wasn’t an endorsement of Trump but rather a deal made with longtime business partner — and crypto czar — David Sacks.“It was a crypto play meant to bring resources back to the hood,” Snoop said.

“That was the mission.”Although he has been busy with everything from acting as a special commentator at the Summer Olympics last year to serving as a coach on “The Vo...