Snoop Dogg @ the Catalyst 11/17/09

One could say that opening act "Hustle Boys" provided a fantastic performance... if we were speaking in terms of comedy.  Two men with baggy clothes and shiny bling busted on stage and did their darndest to get everyone hyped up and ready for the legendary Snoop Dogg, but for the life of me, all I could do was laugh.  Like a child trying to imitate their father, the Hustle Boys tried to re-create the success of previous hip-hop shows.  "Get your hands in the air," they beckoned as most folks stood, continued to sip their gin and juice, and chat with their buddies.  Just to make sure you knew that they were gangsters, the Hustle Boys employed the use of towels on stage, swinging them about with glee. 

"Before Snoop comes on, he wants to share something with you..." we read in anticipation on a big-screen behind the stage.  A video montage of Snoop in scenes from classic movies brought much amusement.  There was Up In Snoop, Snoopula, Snoop Brothers, Snoop the 13th, and a Snoop Dogg version of Being John Malkovich. 

The lights were low and the room was full of excitement as Snoop came out singing the classic "Smoke Weed Everyday".  Thunderous approval and puffs of smoke filled the sold-out venue, and the next song was another favorite, "P.I.M.P."  He performed with a full band, complete with a low-rider-bike-turned-drumset, as well as a bodyguard on each side of the stage.  His microphone was pimped out too-- diamonds spelled out his name and glistened in the light. 

A battle between the "eastside" and "westside" of the crowd ensued upon Snoop's direction, each side attempting to shout "EY!" louder than the other.  He played a few new songs such as "Gangsta Luv," but mainly stuck to classics such as "Who Am I (What's My Name?)", "Gin and Juice," and "Drop It Like It's Hot" to the delight of everyone.  A lot of musicians who've been performing for as long as Snoop has play their hits grudgingly, but Snoop put his all into the crowd favorites without even a hint of disdain. 

Everyone on stage ducked for cover as a soundbit of the Santa Cruz police boomed on the speakers.  "If you don't give a fuck like I don't, get your asses up!" yelled Snoop, and the crowd erupted to "Jump Around."  The night wound down, but the energy was just as high as he finished with another pun, singing an altered version of Steam's song, "Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Snoop Dogg!"  With a flash of the peace sign and a reminder to "smoke weed motha fuckas!" he was gone, leaving us with only the memory of the greatest night of our lives.

See more of my photos from that night and other gigs at http://www.flickr.com/photos/melissarachelblack/sets/72157621887663417/