Snoop Dogg’s arrival as a coach on The Voice Season 27 has brought more than just his laid-back charisma and hip-hop expertise. He’s introduced a unique and culturally significant gift for contestants who join his team: the iconic Death Row Records chain. While other coaches offer jackets, hats, or treats, Snoop is handing out a piece of hip-hop history, leading many to wonder, “Why does Snoop Dogg wear a ‘T’ necklace?” and more importantly, why is he gifting them on The Voice?
To understand the significance, we need to delve into the story behind the Death Row Records chain and its deep roots in hip-hop culture. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of legacy, struggle, and triumph, especially within the world of hip-hop.
The Death Row Records Chain: More Than Just Bling
The necklace Snoop Dogg is gifting isn’t just any chain; it’s a Death Row Records chain, proudly displaying the logo of the record label that defined an era of hip-hop. This label, now owned by Snoop Dogg himself, holds immense historical weight and cultural relevance.
Snoop Dogg performing at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, showcasing the style and influence associated with Death Row Records.
Death Row Records: A Brief but Explosive History
Founded in 1991, Death Row Records was the brainchild of Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey. It rapidly became the epicenter of West Coast hip-hop, launching the careers of some of the biggest names in the genre. The label’s initial success was fueled by a deal to produce music for the film Deep Cover in 1992. Dr. Dre’s title track, featuring a young Snoop Dogg, marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for a revolution in music.
The label quickly followed up with a string of groundbreaking albums: Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me. These albums weren’t just commercially successful; they were culturally defining, shaping the sound and aesthetic of hip-hop for years to come. However, the meteoric rise was followed by a tumultuous period marked by Tupac Shakur’s tragic death, legal battles, and the departure of key artists, including Snoop Dogg himself. Death Row filed for bankruptcy in 2006 and went through several ownership changes before Snoop Dogg acquired it in 2022.
Snoop’s purchase of Death Row was more than just a business deal; it was a homecoming. In 2022, he released his third Death Row album, marking a full circle moment, 26 years after his second. From being a young artist signed to the label to becoming its owner, Snoop’s journey with Death Row is a testament to his enduring influence and legacy. Decades prior, Suge Knight had gifted Snoop a Death Row chain, and now, Snoop is in the position to bestow this iconic symbol upon a new generation of artists.
The Unspoken Language of Hip-Hop Bling
Jewelry in hip-hop is far more than mere decoration. It’s a visual language, rich with symbolism and cultural meaning that dates back centuries. Throughout history, across various cultures, personal adornments have served to signify status, achievement, and belonging. Hip-hop adopted and amplified this tradition, transforming jewelry into “bling” – a powerful form of self-expression and communication.
Early hip-hop artists used simpler jewelry, often purchased locally, to visually represent their growing success and aspirations. A new ring or necklace marked milestones and celebrated achievements. Over time, this evolved into the elaborate and personalized “bling” we see today, with artists wearing their triumphs not just metaphorically, but literally, on their bodies.
Beyond displaying wealth, bling also signifies connection and community. Kanye West’s signing to Roc-A-Fella Records in 2002 was famously marked by Dame Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella, presenting a young Kanye with a Roc-A-Fella chain in front of his hometown. This wasn’t just a gift; it was a public acknowledgement of belonging and empowerment.
In certain circles within hip-hop, these chains and other pieces of jewelry carry real weight and respect. They aren’t commodities to be bought; they are earned and bestowed, often according to unwritten rules and nebulous criteria. Roxanne Shanté, a pioneering female rapper from the Juice Crew, is the only woman to ever receive a Juice Crew ring. As she explained to NPR, the Juice Crew ring was a symbol of trust and respect within the community; it had to be earned, not purchased.
Flavor Flav, known for his iconic clock necklaces, exemplifies the personal and symbolic nature of hip-hop jewelry.
Exhibitions like “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” at the American Museum of Natural History showcase the historical and cultural significance of these pieces, displaying iconic items like Run-DMC’s Adidas pendant, Nicki Minaj’s Barbie chain, and Flavor Flav’s clock necklace. These aren’t just accessories; they are artifacts that tell the story of hip-hop’s evolution.
In 2023, the value of hip-hop bling was further cemented when Death Row Records pendants were auctioned off alongside other memorabilia, highlighting their collectibility and historical importance. One of Tupac Shakur’s rings even sold for over a million dollars, underscoring the immense value placed on these symbolic objects.
Snoop Dogg’s Gift: A Chain of Legacy
Snoop Dogg gifting Death Row chains on The Voice transcends a simple act of generosity. He’s bestowing upon these contestants a piece of hip-hop history, a symbol of resilience, and a connection to a powerful legacy. These necklaces are more than just souvenirs; they are potent symbols of belonging and aspiration, coming directly from Snoop Dogg, a central figure in the Death Row Records story. They represent not just a gift, but an initiation into a lineage of musical innovation and cultural impact. For the contestants on The Voice, receiving a Death Row chain from Snoop Dogg is a uniquely special honor, carrying a weight and meaning far beyond its material value.
