Musician, actor and media personality Snoop Dogg’s new album is bound to intrigue Utahns — and not just those in tune with hip-hop.
In a Wednesday Instagram announcement video for his upcoming album, “Missionary,” two actors portraying proselytizers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approach a house packing copies of the Book of Mormon, the faith’s signature scripture.
The young men knock on the door and are stunned when a woman in lingerie not only answers but also calls them out for their shocked reaction as they gawk at her. The woman blurts out in response, “Your ad said you were dedicated to missionary work.” The missionaries drop the books and sprint away.
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., more popularly known by his stage name, Snoop Dogg, is best known for contributions to the hip-hop genre, particularly on the West Coast. Some of his most famous tracks include “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin and Juice.”
“Missionary” — his 24th album — will release Dec. 13.
Snoop Dogg’s debut album, “Doggystyle,” was released in 1993, but the rapper became widely known in the hip-hop and R&B music scenes when he was featured on Dr. Dre’s debut single, “Deep Cover.”
(Damon Winter | The New York Times) Dr. Dre, center, performing with Snoop Dogg during the third day of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, in 2012.
Dr. Dre (André Romelle Young) helped popularize gangsta rap as a producer and the co-founder of Death Row Records. Dr. Dre is the sole producer on “Missionary,” which Snoop Dogg has described as a “30th anniversary to ‘Doggystyle.’”
“Missionary” marks the first time in 30 years that the duo will collaborate on an entire album. Dre, in an interview with Complex Music, said, “I feel like it’s some of the best music I’ve ever made, and I’m really proud of it.”
“Missionary” is part of a string of recent artistic creations to mention the Utah-based faith. Another is horror-thriller “Heretic,” starring Hugh Grant. The movie follows two sister missionaries who find themselves trapped inside Grant’s home.
“We encourage open discussions and constructive dialogue regarding media portrayals of faith and their impact on society,” church spokesperson Doug Andersen said this week in response to the horror movie. “Together, we can advocate for stories that portray people of faith with respect, that uplift audiences, and inspire positive change in our world.”
