The Voice: Significance of Snoop Dogg’s token to contestants explained

Season 26 of The Voice introduced an intriguing element under Snoop Dogg's mentorship. For many contestants, the allure of the show lies in the $100,000 cash prize for the winner, a recording contract with Universal Music Group, and the expansive exposure week after week.

Beyond these fundamental incentives, contestants often receive unique memorabilia from their coaches, symbolizing shared ambitions and camaraderie. In this season, Snoop Dogg chose a distinctive token: the Death Row Records chain, elevating its significance from mere accessory to a powerful emblem of achievement and legacy. The Voice season 26 premiered on September 23 on NBC.

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The Voice Coach Snoop Dogg's Gift

The Death Row Records Chain

Snoop Dogg presented contestants on The Voice with Death Row Records chains, a necklace adorned with the iconic logo of the hip-hop record label that Snoop now owns. Originally, Death Row Records was founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey. It played a crucial role in defining West Coast hip-hop, launching prominent careers, and producing legendary albums.

On the blind auditions premiere night, three contestants made the cut and were honored with the Death Row Records necklaces by Snoop Dogg:

• Jake Tankersley: Jake Tankersley impressed the judges with his performance of Something in the Orange by Zack Bryan and earned his spot on Team Snoop.
• Torre Blake: Torre Blake, too, received the Death Row Records chain with her performance of On & On by Erykah Badu, marking her entry into Snoop's elite group on The Voice.
• ChrisDeo: ChrisDeo captivated the judges and audience with her rendition of I Won't Give Up by Jason Miraz.

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The label's historical significance cannot be understated. It began with a significant contribution to the soundtrack of the 1992 film Deep Cover, featuring Dr. Dre and a young Snoop Dogg. Subsequently, Death Row Records released albums such as Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me.

Despite its early successes, the label struggled later due to internal strife, legal issues, and the fallout from Tupac Shakur’s murder. By 2006, it had filed for bankruptcy and changed hands several times until Snoop Dogg acquired it in 2022, marking a full-circle moment for him, both personally and professionally.

The chains that Snoop Dogg now distributes signify more than just a connection to an iconic brand. He was once handed a similar chain, and now, as the owner, he’s continuing the tradition, turning the gesture into a powerful statement of achievement.

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The cultural significance of bling in Hip-Hop

Jewelry, especially in hip-hop culture, extends beyond mere decoration. Historically, early hip-hop artists used simpler jewelry to signify success and personal milestones. As hip-hop evolved, so did its jewelry, becoming more elaborate and synonymous with wealth and status.

Jewelry represented personal achievement and also fostered a sense of community. For instance, Kanye West was given a Roc-A-Fella chain in front of a hometown crowd by Roc-A-Fella’s co-founder, Dame Dash, symbolizing empowerment and acceptance into an elite circle.

The cultural weight carried by such tokens cannot be bought or requested; they must be earned and bestowed. This echoes a sentiment shared by Roxanne Shanté, the only female member of the Juice Crew to receive a distinctive ring, which signified trust and respect within the hip-hop community.

In 2023, a pair of Death Row Records pendants went up for auction, underscoring their lasting value and prestige to collectors and fans alike. Jewelry, like the Death Row chain, offers more than aesthetic appeal; it communicates affiliations, philosophies, and personal histories.

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Don't miss the excitement of The Voice season 26! Tune in to NBC on Mondays from 8-10 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9-10 p.m. for new episodes. Fans can also catch all the action streaming of The Voice on Peacock.