Hip-hop heavyweights 50 Cent, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg have joined forces for the first time on a new track, “Gunz N Smoke.” The song, a tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G., appears on Snoop and Dre’s highly anticipated album Missionary. The project, released on December 13, marks the duo’s first full collaboration since Snoop’s iconic 1993 debut Doggystyle.
Rap Legends Unite for First-Ever Joint Track
The track blends gritty lyrics and classic West Coast production while paying homage to Biggie’s legacy. “Biggie’s influence is all over this track,” says a close source. “From the cadence to the lyrics, the homage is undeniable.”
50 Cent sets the tone with an aggressive opening verse, adopting Biggie’s cadence as he raps, “Red dot ya, I got ya / B.I.G. time, who shot ya?” His delivery is accompanied by a deep bassline reminiscent of Biggie’s hit “Hypnotize.” Snoop Dogg follows, weaving in Biggie’s iconic “Notorious Thugs” lyric, “You should too, if you knew,” while Dre’s production features a recurring sample from Biggie’s “Dead Wrong.”
Eminem, as expected, delivers a technically masterful verse, reflecting on his troubled upbringing and personal growth. “He brought a maturity to the track that really shows how far he’s come as an artist,” says producer Dr. Dre.
Despite decades of individual collaborations, “Gunz N Smoke” marks the first time all four legends have appeared on a single track. Fans have eagerly awaited such a team-up, especially with Snoop and Dre’s announcement of Missionary last year.
In a recent interview, Snoop shared how the album came together. “Dre called me like two years ago, saying, ‘Let me do your album.’ We kept building from there,” Snoop explained. “He’s got me rapping like a grown version of myself.”
Missionary features 16 tracks and includes appearances from Method Man, Jhené Aiko, Sting, and more. While the collaboration has stirred nostalgia for hip-hop’s golden era, it also showcases the timeless appeal of these rap icons.
“Biggie’s spirit is felt throughout this track,” says Snoop. “It’s our way of saying thank you to a legend.”