Snoop Dogg returns to Spokane

Of course Snoop Dogg has his own cookbook. But the recipes might not be what you think. The hip-hop star is known for many things – millions of albums sold, an extensive filmography, TV game show host, linguistic innovator (often involving an –izzle suffix), etc. Snoop, who will appear for two ‘highly’-anticipated shows (see what we did there?) at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino July 18-19, is also one of the most famous ambassadors for the marijuana industry. After years of being synonymous with cannabis culture, Snoop got into the business himself in 2015 with the launch of Leafs By Snoop, a line of cannabis products designed to attract upscale customers (and fans of the rapper, obviously). Leafs launched shortly after the creation of the digital media platform MERRY JANE, which features editorial content about the cannabis industry, original videos, and a database of strains and dispensaries. Given all this, it would be reasonable to expect that Snoop’s new cookbook to be bulging with marijuana-infused recipes. But no. The book, “From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen,” aims for mouth-watering, herb-free soul food creations. Recipes include “Remix Gin & Juice,” a play on one of Snoop’s biggest hits, and “Go Shorty, It’s Your Birthday Cake,” which is, you know, cake. Fans looking for Snoop’s marijuana-infused ideas probably won’t need to wait too long though, because he told Ellen DeGeneres on a recent appearance on her talk show that a second cookbook is inevitable. The world of cookbooks and daytime talk show appearances may still seem odd to early Snoop’s longtime fans. Born Calvin Broadus Jr., he was discovered by Dr. Dre of N.W.A., appearing on Dre’s debut solo album “The Chronic” in 1992. Snoop became a mega-star on his own at Death Row Records, releasing the quadruple platinum album “Doggystyle” in 1993 and the double platinum follow-up “The Doggfather” in 1996. After leaving Death Row records, Snoop continued a steady stream of successful output through the 90s and 2000s, acting in films like “Training Day” and “Soul Plane” and releasing a reggae album under the name Snoop Lion, all the while exploring a variety of creative and professional endeavors. He began hosting a Snoop-infused revival of the game show “The Joker’s Wild” in 2017, and he sits down regularly with lifestyle icon Martha Stewart (a fellow marijuana enthusiast and business owner) on the popular VH1 series, “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party.” So the cookbook makes complete sense, and these recent ventures have certainly factored into Snoop’s 2018 star inception on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Add that accolade to 17 Grammy nominations, more than 35 million records sold, and yes, a spot in the WWE wrestling Hall of Fame. The multi-hyphenate hip-hop star will likely stick to music when he visits Spokane this July with Warren G for Northern Quest Resort & Casino Outdoor Summer Concerts; the venue has a firm no cannabis policy. Heavy demand for the initial date led to the addition of a second show. Visit NorthernQuest.com for show and ticket information.