Snoop Dogg, a name synonymous with the world of hip-hop and West Coast rap, is preparing to launch a new chapter in his musical journey, one that may surprise many of his fans. The rap legend has announced the release of a highly anticipated gospel album, titled Altar Call, set to drop on April 27, 2025. This new project represents more than just a musical endeavor; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Beverly Tate, whose spirit and influence are deeply embedded in the album’s creation.
This announcement was made in an emotional Instagram video posted on April 14, 2025, in which Snoop shared his inspiration behind the project. Altar Call marks a significant departure from the rapper’s typical output, blending elements of gospel, hip-hop, and R&B to create something deeply personal and spiritually uplifting. Snoop Dogg has often used his platform to spread messages of positivity, but with Altar Call, he is diving deeper into his faith and his mother’s legacy, intertwining his love for music with the lessons she instilled in him.
In the Instagram video, Snoop expressed the profound impact his mother had on his life, particularly in terms of his spiritual journey. “The spirit of my mother will forever live within me,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “This album is a reflection of what she has taught me — to use my voice and my platform to spread love and heal the world. Just another chapter out of the Bible of Love.” His words resonated with fans and followers alike, many of whom have witnessed Snoop’s evolution from a notorious figure in the rap game to a man embracing his faith and sharing it with the world.
The album Altar Call will feature a star-studded lineup of artists, combining gospel with the distinct styles of hip-hop and R&B that have made Snoop Dogg a household name. Collaborators on the album include Jamie Foxx, Robert Glasper, Denaun Porter, Jazze Pha, and October London, among others. Together, they will join Snoop in bringing this unique fusion of genres to life over the course of 21 tracks. The album’s diverse lineup hints at the spiritual, yet eclectic nature of the project, blending gospel’s uplifting themes with the rhythmic elements of hip-hop and soul.
The Legacy of Beverly Tate: A Mother’s Influence
The emotional core of Altar Call lies in the memory of Snoop’s mother, Beverly Tate, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 70. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith, Beverly was not just a mother to Snoop, but also a guiding light in his spiritual journey. Her influence on his music and personal growth is unmistakable, and it is her teachings that inspired the creation of Altar Call.
Beverly Tate was an integral figure in Snoop’s life, offering him guidance not just on matters of faith, but on how to navigate the challenges that come with fame. Snoop has often spoken about the deep bond he shared with his mother, highlighting how her prayers and love shaped the man he is today. The album cover of Altar Call pays tribute to her memory, featuring a poignant image of Beverly Tate, a lasting symbol of her presence in Snoop’s life and career. It is clear that the album is not just a musical project for Snoop, but a deeply personal tribute to the woman who helped shape his character and spiritual outlook.
Snoop’s decision to dedicate this album to his mother and incorporate elements of gospel music into it reflects a desire to share his journey of faith with the world. Over the years, Snoop has been open about his Christian faith, and Altar Call represents the next step in his spiritual evolution. This project is not just a tribute to his mother but also an affirmation of Snoop’s commitment to using his platform for good, to inspire, uplift, and heal through the power of music.
The Album’s Spiritual and Musical Fusion
The announcement of Altar Call has already stirred up excitement within both the gospel and hip-hop communities. Fans of Snoop Dogg, who are accustomed to his laid-back flow and West Coast vibe, may be surprised by this new direction, but those who have followed his career closely will know that Snoop has never been one to shy away from exploring new musical territories.
In fact, Altar Call is not Snoop’s first foray into the realm of gospel music. In 2018, he released Bible of Love, a gospel album that featured a mix of traditional gospel, R&B, and hip-hop. While Bible of Love received mixed reviews, with some fans praising its boldness and others questioning the authenticity of Snoop’s commitment to gospel music, it marked a pivotal moment in his career. In interviews at the time, Snoop defended the album, stating that it was a “spirit-driven project,” rather than a commercial venture. “This is not a money-driven project,” he said in one interview. “I’ve referred to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on most of my recordings, letting people know that I am a born-again Christian.”
Bible of Love laid the groundwork for Altar Call, but the new album seems to reflect an even deeper spiritual connection. Snoop’s personal growth and evolution as an artist and individual are evident in the music, which blends gospel’s timeless messages of hope, redemption, and faith with the soulful rhythms of R&B and the storytelling aspects of hip-hop. It’s a testament to Snoop’s ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to his roots.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Altar Call is the way it incorporates both contemporary and traditional gospel sounds, bringing together a range of musical influences that span genres and generations. Tracks like “Mother I Miss You” (featuring John P. Kee) and “No Backsliding” (featuring Michael Bereal) offer a contemporary take on gospel, while songs like “Grandma’s Hands” (featuring Jamie Foxx) and “Help Me Jesus” (featuring The Death Row Mass Choir) pay homage to the rich history of gospel music. The inclusion of hip-hop elements ensures that the album remains accessible to Snoop’s long-time fans, while the gospel influences elevate the spiritual message of the project.
Tracklist and Collaborations: A Star-Studded Gospel Journey
Altar Call will feature a diverse range of collaborations, blending gospel, R&B, and hip-hop in ways that only Snoop Dogg can. Below is the full tracklist for the album, giving fans a glimpse of the exciting musical journey that awaits:
- Mother I Miss You (feat. John P. Kee)
- No Backsliding (feat. Michael Bereal)
- You Can Win (feat. Flintstone & Lisa Marie)
- Redeemed (feat. Jane Handcock & Kanobby)
- Ready Willing Able (feat. Curt Chambers)
- Been Good to Me (feat. Flintstone)
- Won’t He Do It (feat. Jazze Pha)
- Grandma’s Hands (feat. Jamie Foxx)
- Help Me Jesus (feat. The Death Row Mass Choir)
- Just Believe (feat. Jane Handcock)
- Grace & Mercy (feat. Charlie Bereal)
- Like I Know God (feat. October London)
- Brand New (feat. Charlie Bereal & Uncle Reo Varnado)
- Call His Name (feat. Camille Grigsby)
- A Still Mind (feat. Denaun Porter & Robert Glasper)
- Never Failed Me Yet (feat. Mali Music)
- Yes (feat. Laura Wilson Johnson)
- Good Day (feat. Point 5ve)
- Done (feat. Mali Music & Charlie Bereal)
- He Is God (feat. Michael Bereal)
- Make Time (feat. Flintstone)
The album’s eclectic mix of collaborators is a testament to Snoop’s ability to bring together artists from different genres to create a project that is both spiritually uplifting and musically innovative. Snoop’s ability to bridge the gap between gospel and hip-hop is evident in his choice of collaborators, many of whom are not typically associated with gospel music. Jamie Foxx, for instance, brings his signature style to “Grandma’s Hands,” while Robert Glasper and Denaun Porter bring their mastery of jazz and soul to tracks like “A Still Mind.”
Snoop Dogg’s New Era: A Death Row Gospel Renaissance
The release of Altar Call also comes at a pivotal moment in Snoop Dogg’s career. Since acquiring Death Row Records in 2022, Snoop has been on a mission to reinvent the label and push it into new territories. While Death Row is historically associated with iconic hip-hop albums, Snoop’s ownership has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the label. With Altar Call, he is charting new waters by exploring the fusion of gospel and hip-hop, further solidifying Death Row’s place in musical history.
Despite some criticism from former Death Row co-founder Suge Knight, who recently questioned Snoop’s ownership of the label, Snoop remains steadfast in his vision for the future of Death Row. In an interview with The Art of Dialogue, Suge Knight criticized Snoop for trying to recreate the past rather than build something new. However, Snoop’s decision to release a gospel album under the Death Row banner is a clear indication that he is looking to reshape the label’s legacy, not just rest on its past laurels.
A Testament to Faith, Family, and Music
With Altar Call, Snoop Dogg is not just releasing another album; he is sharing a deeply personal and spiritual message with the world. The project serves as a tribute to his mother, a testament to his faith, and an exploration of the healing power of music. As fans eagerly await the album’s release, there’s no doubt that Altar Call will be a powerful, soul-stirring journey that blends the best of gospel, hip-hop, and R&B, all while honoring the memory of Beverly Tate and the spiritual lessons she passed down to her son.
Snoop Dogg’s Altar Call is more than an album—it’s a celebration of love, faith, and family, delivered through the unique musical lens of one of the most influential artists of our time.
