West Coast rap legend Snoop Dogg is once again making headlines, this time with a bold strike at his former label boss, Suge Knight, on his newly released album Iz It a Crime?. The album, which dropped on Thursday, May 15, sees Snoop taking aim at Knight on the confrontational track “ShutYoBitchAssUp,” delivering unfiltered bars and revisiting a decades-long feud that has simmered since Snoop left Death Row Records.
Revisiting a Long-Standing Feud
The tension between Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight is well-documented. Snoop, who began his career under Knight’s Death Row umbrella, eventually moved on to forge his own path in hip-hop, achieving massive success. Despite years of public attention, the feud has lingered, with Suge Knight occasionally making pointed comments in interviews and behind bars.
On “ShutYoBitchAssUp,” Snoop does not hold back, referencing his 2022 acquisition of Death Row Records and directly addressing Knight’s current situation.
“I can see why you mad / I bought everything you own / Now you in PC snitching on the phone,” Snoop raps.
“But I can slap the taste out your muthaf—kin’ mouth / Pull up on your n—a, make you wanna reroute / And if he hit the main line, he gon’ see what we bout / Oh b—h-ass n—a, I’m a rich-ass n—a.”
These lyrics highlight not only Snoop’s financial and business accomplishments but also serve as a pointed reminder to Knight of the power shift within the Death Row legacy.
Suge Knight Fires Back
Knight, currently serving a 28-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in connection with the 2015 death of Terry Carter, responded publicly to Snoop’s continued success in March 2025 during an interview with The Art of Dialogue. He accused Snoop of “destroying” hip-hop and undermining the Death Row legacy.
“You trying to create something that Suge Knight created,” Knight said.
“But instead of making something big, you disappointed the world by making everything flops.”
Knight also challenged Snoop’s ownership claims, demanding proof of the Death Row acquisition:
“If you have Death Row, you destroyed it. You messed up the name. Show me where y’all paid the money to buy it. Show me the paperwork — show me what you own.”
The back-and-forth underscores the personal and professional complexity of their history, with Knight skeptical of Snoop’s control over the iconic brand and Snoop asserting dominance through his lyrics and business decisions.
The 2022 Acquisition of Death Row
Snoop Dogg legally acquired Death Row Records in 2022 from MNRK Music Group, securing control over one of hip-hop’s most legendary labels. The purchase gave Snoop ownership of the catalog, brand, and intellectual property that once defined West Coast rap in the 1990s. This acquisition also allowed Snoop to continue shaping the legacy of an influential label while asserting his independence and creative authority.
Knight, however, remains vocal about his doubts, creating a public narrative of tension and rivalry that has captivated fans for years. Despite Knight’s skepticism, Snoop’s acquisition represents a major milestone in his career, blending music, entrepreneurship, and legacy preservation.
Collaborations and Album Highlights
Iz It a Crime? is not just a platform for disses—it also showcases Snoop Dogg’s enduring relevance in contemporary hip-hop. The album features collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Wiz Khalifa, and rising star Sexyy Red, blending classic West Coast vibes with modern influences. Fans have praised the album for its raw honesty, nostalgic production, and lyrical craftsmanship.
Tracks like “ShutYoBitchAssUp” reflect Snoop’s willingness to confront personal history head-on, while other songs celebrate his journey, business acumen, and cultural impact. The album balances storytelling, lyricism, and entertainment, giving listeners a comprehensive look at Snoop’s evolution over three decades.
The Cultural Significance
Snoop Dogg’s track targeting Suge Knight is more than just a personal attack—it represents a broader statement about hip-hop legacy and ownership. Death Row Records was once synonymous with the rise of West Coast rap, producing iconic albums from Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop himself. By acquiring the label and asserting control, Snoop positions himself as both a custodian of history and a contemporary innovator.
Moreover, the feud reminds fans of the turbulent history of hip-hop business dealings, where artistic influence, loyalty, and financial power often collide. In addressing Knight, Snoop also celebrates his own survival, success, and strategic thinking in an industry known for rivalry and betrayal.
Fan and Media Reaction
Fans have widely reacted to the release of Iz It a Crime? and Snoop’s pointed lyrics. Social media buzzed with discussions about the historical context, lyrical craftsmanship, and the long-standing tension between the two rap icons. Many fans view Snoop’s acquisition and lyrical jabs as a triumphant statement, cementing his legacy while also addressing past conflicts.
Music critics have similarly praised the album for its balance of nostalgia and modernity, noting that Snoop’s willingness to confront personal history in a public, artistic medium demonstrates both confidence and mastery of his craft.
Conclusion
Snoop Dogg’s Iz It a Crime? marks a significant moment in hip-hop, blending personal history, business achievement, and musical innovation. By taking direct aim at Suge Knight on “ShutYoBitchAssUp,” Snoop revisits a decades-long feud with honesty, wit, and lyrical precision.
The ongoing rivalry serves as a reminder of hip-hop’s complex history, where art, commerce, and personal relationships intersect. As Snoop Dogg continues to release music that blends reflection, confrontation, and celebration, fans can expect further engagement with the narratives that have defined his career and the genre as a whole.
With Iz It a Crime? now available on all major platforms, Snoop Dogg’s bold statements ensure that both the music and the feud will dominate conversations across the hip-hop community for weeks to come.
Preview the album here:
