Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s ‘Missionary’ Album Fails to Ignite Old Magic, Review Finds

In a highly anticipated musical event, iconic collaborators Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre reunited for the album “Missionary,” released on January 8, 2025. However, a review by Kathryn Reilly suggests that this long-awaited convergence, occurring roughly three decades after their foundational work together, including the landmark album “Doggystyle,” largely fails to recapture the “incendiary magic” that defined their earlier partnership.

The album arrived with considerable fanfare, promising a return to form for the duo whose collaborations shaped an era of West Coast hip-hop. The very title, “Missionary,” is described by Reilly as “cheeky,” while the cover art, featuring overt condom packet imagery, is deemed “so far, so teen,” hinting at a thematic approach that aligns with classic Snoop Dogg lyricism, which the review notes frequently includes explicit language.

Unmet Expectations and Critical Disappointments

Despite the high hopes surrounding the reunion, the review ultimately finds “Missionary” disappointing. Reilly highlights several specific instances where the album falters, suggesting that while individual moments of genius exist, they are not sustained throughout the project.

One notable point of criticism is the inclusion of unexpected features that seem misplaced. The presence of the late Tom Petty on a track concerning Mary Jane is singled out, described implicitly as jarring or unsuitable for the album’s context. Similarly, Sting’s vocal contribution on the track “Another Part of Me” is cited as being ill-suited, failing to blend effectively with the production or Snoop Dogg’s delivery.

The collaboration on “Gunz N Smoke,” featuring heavyweight guests Eminem and Fiddy (50 Cent), is also assessed with reservations. Despite the pedigree of the artists involved, Reilly finds their appearance to be “a tad flat,” lacking the dynamic energy one might expect from such a combination.

Another peculiar moment highlighted is on the track “Outta Da Blue,” which features both Dr. Dre and Alus. The review points out a “bizarre recreation of MIA’s ‘Paper Planes’ chorus” within the song, raising questions about creative choices made during the album’s production.

Moments of Brilliance Amidst the Unevenness

While the overall assessment leans towards disappointment, the review acknowledges that “Missionary” is not entirely devoid of merit. Reilly notes the presence of “moments of genius” and recognizes that the album features “notable beats and samples,” underscoring Dr. Dre’s enduring production prowess even when the overall result is uneven.

The track “Hard Knocks” is identified as one instance where the formula works more effectively. This song is described as succeeding due to “funkier mixing,” which provides a more compelling sonic backdrop. Furthermore, the inclusion of a children’s chorus referencing Pink Floyd’s iconic track “Another Brick in the Wall” on “Hard Knocks” is noted, suggesting pockets of innovative or effective sampling and arrangement.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Kathryn Reilly’s review concludes by questioning the album’s overall appeal in the contemporary musical landscape of 2025. The assessment implies that “Missionary” does not live up to the promise potentially suggested by earlier material, specifically citing the single “Gorgeous” as an example of a track that perhaps set a higher, ultimately unmet expectation for the full album.

In summary, while the reunion of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre on “Missionary” was a significant event for fans of classic hip-hop, the review posits that the album struggles to recapture the groundbreaking synergy of their past. Despite scattered highlights and moments of production brilliance, the record, released January 8, 2025, is presented as a disappointing follow-up to a storied legacy, failing to reignite the “incendiary magic” of collaborations like “Doggystyle” from three decades prior.