Legendary West Coast hip-hop artist Suga Free recently praised Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, saying they have helped renew West Coast dominance in the rap industry. In an open statement, he recognized how Lamar, Xzibit, Dre, and Snoop in particular have helped the West Coast regain its prominence:
“Look at the turn it’s taking. Look at Kendrick Lamar. You know what I mean? Look at Xzibit. Look at Snoopy [Snoop Dogg]. Look at Dre [Dr. Dre]. I mean, the West Coast got the ball.”
In the video, beyond praising his peers, Suga Free reflected on his unique West Coast legacy, stressing that he will never change himself and the unapologetic individuality that defines his music.
What is West Coast Hip-Hop?
West Coast hip-hop is a cultural phenomenon that has influenced the hip-hop landscape worldwide, making it more than just a regional sound. It became well-known in the 1980s and 1990s.
Funk-influenced beats
The West Coast sound features smooth, groove-heavy sounds firmly influenced by jazz and funk. It is smooth and relaxed, meant to make you bob your head and sense the beat, in contrast to the East Coast's more intense, sample-heavy production.
G-funk's arrival
In the early 1990s, West Coast rap underwent a major transformation with the rise of G-funk, pioneered by Dr. Dre’s The Chronic (1992). This style fused funk samples from artists like Parliament-Funkadelic and George Clinton with high-pitched synthesizers and deep basslines, creating its signature atmospheric vibe. Moog synthesizers played a key role in crafting this sound, further refined by producers like Warren G and DJ Quik, helping G-funk become a defining element of West Coast hip-hop.
West Coast hip-hop often reflects life in cities like Los Angeles and Compton, capturing a mix of struggle, resilience, and the glamour of urban nightlife. Groups like N.W.A. brought raw gangsta rap to the forefront, while artists like Tupac Shakur elevated the genre with poetic and political storytelling.
The rap rivalry: West Coast vs. East Coast
The rise of West Coast hip-hop didn’t happen without an intense East Coast rivalry. As artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur climbed the charts, a fierce rivalry with East Coast rap erupted, creating one of the most infamous feuds in music history. This clash was fueled by media hype, record labels, and even the artists, escalating into a cultural phenomenon that defined 1990s hip-hop.
Tracks like Tupac's fiery diss record “Hit 'Em Up” epitomized the tension, directly calling out The Notorious B.I.G. and symbolizing the animosity between the coasts.
Kendrick Lamar and the West Coast connect in his new video 'Squabble Up'
In Kendrick Lamar's recent music video "Squabble Up," the rapper dives deep into West Coast nostalgia, paying homage to the region's iconic figures and cultural touchstones. The video references Nate Dogg’s G-Funk Classics and Isaac Hayes’ Black Moses while drawing inspiration from the gritty 1993 film Menace II Society. A nod to Soul Train’s legendary Scramble Board further highlights Lamar's celebration of the cultural fabric that defines the West Coast.
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Grounding the visuals firmly in Compton's identity, the video features local landmarks like a street sign for the 105 Freeway and a banner for the Compton Christmas Parade. Adding to the authenticity, dancers perform traditional Compton street gang walks, a dynamic reminder of the community’s enduring rhythm and resilience. Lamar even holds up a cheeky “How to Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies” book, sparking fan speculation about its intended target, with Drake emerging as a popular guess.
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