World famous rappers Snoop Dogg and Pharrell released new video on May 20th for their song “California Roll”. The R&B-influenced song, with a slow, funky rhythm, comes from Snoop’s new album BUSH, which was produced by Pharrell. The video features both Snoop and Pharrell, along with Motown legend Stevie Wonder adding his famed vocals to the track.
As The Fader pointed out, although the song itself is a Marvin Gaye-esque love song that also doubles as an ode to the rapper’s hometown of Los Angeles, the video is set in a theater in 1946, where curious audience members are given a look into the future of their city. The visuals show a giant, golden city with pyramids and flying cars, very far off of the reality of Los Angeles today. With the sensual song playing with the video, it is clear that the artists are singing of a fantasy, and that this song is a trip into the magical land of the “California Roll”.
This style has become more and more typical of Snoop, who has veered away from gangster-influenced rapping in recent years, and incorporated more cheery, celebratory vibes into his music. In fact, Snoop’s very collaboration with Pharrell is a testament to that shift, as the pop singer and producer is known for disco and funk-oriented tracks such as “Happy”. Also, it is interesting to note that Pharrell has not changed his production style in the wake of the “Blurred Lines” verdict, where he and singer Robin Thicke were successfully sued for taking uncredited influence from Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give it Up”.
You can watch the video below, and get sucked into a fantasy of flying cars, gold everything, and towering monuments covering Los Angeles.
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