REVIEW: Snoop Dogg reminds starstruck Perth audience why he is one of the most versatile entertainers

Concert Review Snoop Dogg RAC Arena Monday, February 27 2023 Review: Justin Fris Verdict: Five stars Monday night’s performance by revered rap icon Snoop Dogg at a jam-packed RAC Arena in Perth was a mix of unbridled anticipation, joy and uniform reflection all rolled into one. Kicking off his I Wanna Thank Me tour — delayed by three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the “Boss Dogg” did not disappoint, dazzling fans with an array of quality beats, cash cannons, twerking strippers on poles and a monkey character with a lit up joint hanging from its mouth. Beginning shortly after 9.30pm, Snoop’s set included several of his unforgettable hits, including “Sweat”, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin and Juice”, much to the delight of the crowd. However while a number of his trademark hits were belted out with unbridled gusto, the 51-year-old routinely showcased the artistic versatility which has kept him ahead of the game for more than three decades. Aside from endearing himself to the ladies with some lyrics from Katy Perry’s “California Gurls”, Snoop also spoke from the heart about those dear to him who are no longer walking this earth with us. Following a shout-out to his dear friend Tupac Shakur, who was killed in drive by shooting back in 1996, the living legend of rap sung his 2013 track “Ashtrays and Heartbreaks”, while a video of those being honoured played directly above him. While what he said was lapped up by everyone in attendance, it was Snoop’s non-verbal communication on-stage which was equally significant. Following the end of the show, a broad, genuine smile of satisfaction broke out across the 51-year-old’s face — clearly delighted that love for both him and his work in WA remains at an all-time high. There was also clearly personal reflection from Snoop — born Calvin Broadus Jr — who worked his way up from the streets of Long Beach’s east side in California to international stardom. Two months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Snoop’s ‘hood in Long Beach, along with visiting another infamous LA suburb nearby — Compton, while on annual vacation. Travelling on the blue line train from Seventh Avenue downtown gave me a unique perspective of not only life, but what the words and emotions behind tracks laid by Snoop really mean. I had the same wave of reflection prior to his set, when two members of D12 — Kuniva and Swifty McVay — warmed the crowd up. As images of the duo’s home city of Detroit played on the big screen and recollections of struggle were shared, my mind was jolted back to a 2010 vacation — when I was travelling in a car with a friend in the “D” and we came face to face with a pimp on a patio of a burnt out house, wiggling his cane at our vehicle with a Cadillac parked out front. At a time where WA is coming out of a forgettable few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Snoop Dogg’s unforgettable show reminded us to not sweat the small stuff — and like his personal anthem, we should live “Young, Wild and Free”.