While it was initially believed that Snoop Dogg’s forthcoming album, Make America Crip Again, was a direct jab at Donald Trump, hip-hop’s favorite uncle is now coming forward to set the record straight. According to him, his album title is actually an ode to the history of Black gangs.
While many associate the notorious Crip gang with violence, Snoop explained the initial purpose of establishing those organizations within impoverished communities. “What I mean by that is – in my lifetime, that’s when young black men in impoverished areas organized to help their communities and to take care of their own because society basically left them for dead,” he said in a statement. “A lot of people glorify the gang banging and violence but forget that in the beginning, the Crip’s main and sole purpose was to be the reflection of the Black Panthers.”
He also provided examples of instances in which the Crips actually built their communities instead of terrorizing them. “They looked after kids, provided after school activities, fed them and stepped in as role models and father figures,” he added.
Besides the album’s title, Snoop says his album will provide his fans with both knowledge and jams. “When you listen to my records, there’s always been a mix of conscious records and party records and this EP continues that trend,” he said. “I’m taking it back to the era of being for ourselves and for everyone else. I’m for the evolution of people coming together and being one as opposed to being separate. Music is the best way to heal.” (Jessica McKinney)
Make America Crip Again features appearances from Chris Brown, OT Genasis and more. It will be available for streaming on Oct. 27.
