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The Next Episode
The Next Episode
from Wikipedia
"The Next Episode"
Single by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
from the album 2001
B-side"Bad Guys Always Die"
ReleasedJuly 4, 2000
Recorded1999
Studio
  • Encore (Burbank, California)
  • Sierra Sonics (Reno, Nevada)
GenreGangsta rap
Length2:41
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Dr. Dre
  • Mel-Man
Dr. Dre singles chronology
"Hello"
(2000)
"The Next Episode"
(2000)
"The Watcher"
(2001)
Snoop Dogg singles chronology
"Still D.R.E."
(1999)
"The Next Episode"
(2000)
"Snoop Dogg (What's My Name Pt. 2)"
(2000)
Kurupt singles chronology
"Girls All Pause"
(1999)
"The Next Episode"
(2000)
"Who Ride Wit Us"
(2000)
Nate Dogg singles chronology
"Game Don't Wait"
(1999)
"The Next Episode"
(2000)
"Where I Wanna Be"
(2000)
Music video
"The Next Episode" on YouTube

"The Next Episode" is a single by American rapper-producer Dr. Dre, released in 2000 as the third single from his second studio album, 2001 (1999). The track features Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg, but only Snoop Dogg is credited. It is a sequel to Dre and Snoop's famous single "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" from the former's debut album, The Chronic.

The song peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song has been performed live numerous times by both Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Notable performances include the 2000 Up in Smoke Tour and as the opener to Super Bowl LVI halftime show on February 13, 2022. The duo also performed the song during the concluding segment of Los Angeles' contribution to the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, a nod to the fact that Los Angeles 2028 is the "next episode" of the Summer Olympics.

Background

[edit]

"The Next Episode" is produced by Dr. Dre and fellow Aftermath producer Mel-Man. The song predominantly samples "The Edge" by actor and musician David McCallum and producer David Axelrod, originally released on McCallum's 1967 album Music: A Bit More of Me.[1]

Music video

[edit]

The music video is set in a strip club with many strippers pole-dancing. It also features many rappers, including Hittman, Ice Cube, Warren G, and Xzibit.

[edit]

A parody of the song was included in the 2012 movie The Dictator, with new lyrics referring to the film's fictitious leader General Aladeen. This recording also featured on the film's soundtrack.

Track listing

[edit]
  • UK CD single #1[2]
  1. "The Next Episode" (LP Version) – 2:42
  2. "Bad Guys Always Die" (featuring Eminem) – 4:38
  3. "The Next Episode" (Instrumental) – 2:43
  4. "The Next Episode" (Music Video)
  • UK CD single #2[3]
  1. "The Next Episode" (LP Version) - 2:42
  2. "Fuck You" - 3:25
  3. "Bang Bang" (Instrumental) - 3:42
  4. "Forgot About Dre" (Instrumental) - 3:54
  5. "Forgot About Dre" (Music Video)
  1. "The Next Episode" (LP Version) – 2:42
  2. "Bad Guys Always Die" (featuring Eminem) – 4:38
  3. "Bang Bang" (featuring Hittman) - 3:42

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[32] Platinum 50,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[33] Platinum 90,000
Germany (BVMI)[34] Gold 250,000
Italy (FIMI)[35] Platinum 100,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[36] 4× Platinum 120,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[37] Gold 30,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[38] 2× Platinum 1,200,000
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[39] Gold 900,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Personnel

[edit]
  • Recorded at: Sierra Sonics, Encore Studios
  • Engineer: Richard "Segal" Huredia
  • Assistant engineer: Tom Gordon, Michelle Lynn Forbes, Dave Tenhouten
  • Background Vocals - Kurupt
  • Bass - Preston Crump
  • Guitar - Sean Cruse
  • Keyboards - Camara Kambon
  • Rap [Featuring] - Snoop Dogg, Kurupt
  • Vocals [Featuring] - Nate Dogg
  • Director - Paul Hunter
  • Writers - Ms Roq, Hittman, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, David McCallum
  • Video cameo appearance - Xzibit, Hittman, Warren G

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"The Next Episode" is a hip hop song by American rapper and producer Dr. Dre, featuring rappers Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt, released in 2000 as the third single from Dre's second studio album, 2001 (1999). The track, produced by Dre alongside Mel-Man, prominently samples the 1967 instrumental "The Edge" by Scottish musician David McCallum, creating its signature orchestral string introduction and driving rhythm. The song's lyrics depict a night of partying and West Coast gangsta rap bravado, with verses from Dre and emphasizing their enduring partnership and lifestyle, while provides the chorus and contributes a closing verse. Upon release, "The Next Episode" peaked at number 23 on the chart in July 2000, number 11 on the chart, and number 2 on the chart. It also reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart upon its international release in 2001. Renowned for its G-funk sound and cultural resonance, the track has amassed over 1.26 billion streams on as of November 2025, having joined the platform's Billions Club in 2024, and topped the Digital Song Sales chart for the first time in February 2022 amid renewed popularity. Its enduring legacy includes live performances at high-profile events, such as the in February 2022, where Dre and opened with a rendition alongside other West Coast artists, and the closing ceremony of the in , highlighting hip-hop's mainstream evolution.

Background and Production

Development

"The Next Episode" emerged during the production of Dr. Dre's second studio album, , released in November 1999, as a collaborative effort that reunited Dre with longtime partner following their earlier work together on Dre's debut album in 1992. The pair's reconciliation in 1999 paved the way for this partnership, with Snoop contributing vocals to multiple tracks on , including "The Next Episode," which highlighted their renewed creative synergy after years apart due to label disputes. The track originated in 1993 as "Tha Next Episode" for Snoop Dogg's album , but was shelved due to bootlegging concerns and track list changes; its beat was repurposed for Warren G's "Runnin' Wit No Breaks" before being revived in 1999 for with a new . Building on their history, the song's title "The Next Episode" directly nods to the sequel-like progression from their breakthrough 1993 hit "," underscoring the enduring continuity and evolution of West Coast rap's sound and style.

Recording Process

The recording of "The Next Episode" took place primarily at in Sherman Oaks and Larrabee Sound Studios in , during sessions that spanned from mid-1999 to early 2000 as part of the production for Dr. Dre's album . Vocals were captured in separate sessions to accommodate the artists' schedules. Kurupt contributed the closing verse.

Sampling and Instrumentation

The core beat of "The Next Episode" is constructed around a looped sample from David McCallum's 1967 instrumental "The Edge," composed by , which provides the hypnotic main groove at 95 beats per minute. This sample delivers the track's signature orchestral strings and atmospheric texture, filtered and processed to fit the laid-back tempo. Dr. Dre, co-producing alongside Mel-Man, programmed the drums using the Akai MPC 3000 sampler, a key tool in his workflow for the 2001 album, to craft punchy, swinging rhythms that anchor the G-funk aesthetic. He incorporated classic West Coast G-funk elements, including whiny synth leads reminiscent of his earlier work on The Chronic and deep, rolling bass lines played live on electric bass guitar by session musician Preston Crump. Keyboards by Camara Kambon add subtle melodic fills, while digital synthesizers emulate additional atmospheric swells without relying on live strings. In mixing, Dre prioritized the low-end frequencies, boosting the sub-bass and kick drum to create a powerful bottom end optimized for playback on car audio systems, a staple of West Coast hip-hop consumption during the era. This approach ensures the track's groove translates dynamically across playback environments, emphasizing clarity in the bass spectrum amid the dense instrumental layers.

Composition and Lyrics

Musical Structure

"The Next Episode" employs a straightforward hip-hop arrangement consisting of an intro, three main verses, repeated choruses, and a fading outro, resulting in a total runtime of 2:42. The structure begins with an intro featuring Dr. Dre's spoken ad-libs, transitioning into Verse 1 performed by Dre himself, followed by the chorus hook delivered by . Verse 2 shifts to , after which the chorus repeats. This leads into Verse 3 by , followed by another chorus iteration before the track fades out. Key elements include a call-and-response interplay between the verses and Nate Dogg's melodic , which reinforces the song's communal energy. The track maintains a steady of 95 BPM in the key of throughout, fostering a relaxed groove underpinned by subtle tension from the minor and looping . Samples from David McCallum's "" are integrated into the beat to drive this consistent . Notable transitions feature an abrupt beat drop following the spoken intro, mirroring the titular "next episode" shift in a format and propelling the momentum forward. The song's concise length, absence of a bridge, and tight verse-hook dynamics were crafted to optimize radio while sustaining unrelenting flow.

Lyrical Themes

The lyrics of "The Next Episode" center on themes of triumphant return and unapologetic celebration following personal and professional challenges, with Snoop Dogg's verse alluding to resilience and dominance in the hood after legal troubles that marked his early career. This vibe is evoked through lines like Snoop's "213 in the hood, G's up" and threats such as "We gon' fuck you up," symbolizing street credibility and readiness to defend post his 1993 and 1996 . The song embodies classic West Coast tropes, portraying a hedonistic lifestyle of cruising lowriders through streets and indulging in , as seen in imagery of "213 in the hood, G's up" and communal sessions that reinforce camaraderie among the Dogg Pound collective. Dr. Dre's contributions amplify the bravado, particularly with his iconic outro hook, "Smoke weed every day," which serves as a defiant encapsulating the laid-back yet rebellious of G-funk and has become a cultural shorthand for West Coast rap's embrace of marijuana as both recreation and identity. Kurupt's closing verse heightens the Dogg Pound pride with boasts like "Top Dogg, bite 'em all, nigga burn the shit up," emphasizing collective strength and regional ties to areas like C-P-T (Compton) and L-B-C (Long Beach). These elements highlight a confident longevity, positioning the artists as timeless figures amid evolving hip-hop landscapes. Nate Dogg's chorus, with its repetitive "La-da-da-da-dah" , underscores themes of unity and perpetual dominance, acting as a unifying that binds the collaborators and symbolizes the ongoing saga of West Coast rap supremacy. This vocal fosters a sense of collective endurance, inviting listeners into the shared narrative of survival and celebration. In the broader context of early hip-hop, "The Next Episode" reflects a nuanced shift on Dre's toward blended with commercial appeal, tempering raw gangsta narratives with reflective nods to loss and resilience while navigating the pressures of mainstream and label transitions. The track's festive bravado masks deeper undercurrents of comeback, aligning with the era's tension between street authenticity and polished production demands.

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"The Next Episode" was released in 2000 as the third single from Dr. Dre's second studio album through and . Although initially not planned as a single, the track was elevated to this status amid the growing buzz around the album, ultimately serving as a pivotal promotional tool highlighting Dr. Dre's return to the forefront of hip-hop. The single was issued in multiple formats to reach diverse audiences, including a CD edition featuring B-sides such as a of "" from the , a 12-inch vinyl pressing tailored for DJ use with , instrumental, and acapella versions, and a digital download availability starting in 2004. Promotional efforts centered on radio play, with the track premiering on station Power 106, and it was integrated into the broader marketing strategy, appearing in television advertisements to amplify Dr. Dre's comeback narrative.

Chart Performance

"The Next Episode" debuted on the US at number 78 on the chart dated May 27, 2000, climbed to its peak position of number 23 on July 29, 2000, and remained on the chart for a total of 21 weeks. On the chart, the single reached a peak of number 11. It performed even stronger on the chart, where it peaked at number 2. Internationally, the track achieved significant success, peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart after debuting on February 3, 2001, and accumulating 27 weeks in the Top 100 across multiple runs. In , it reached number 7 on the Singles Chart. The song also peaked at number 11 on the Canadian Singles Chart. For the year-end 2000 US Rap chart, "The Next Episode" ranked at number 3, reflecting its dominance in the genre. The single benefited from heavy summer rotation on radio and music television in 2000, contributing to its sustained chart presence. Following the rise of digital music platforms like in 2004, the track experienced renewed chart activity through increased digital sales, leading to re-entries in several markets including the .

Certifications

In other regions, the song received 2× Platinum certification from the (BPI) in the UK for 1,200,000 units as of 2023. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awarded it status for 70,000 units. certified it 2× Platinum for 200,000 units. On streaming platforms, "The Next Episode" surpassed 1 billion streams on by June 2024, contributing significantly to its updated certifications.

Music Video

Concept and Filming

The music video for "The Next Episode" was directed by in 2000. The creative vision centered on a surreal party set in a white void, intended to symbolize and unity among the artists and their circle, echoing the song's lyrical themes of celebration. Filming occurred on a soundstage in , utilizing green screen technology to facilitate and create the ethereal environment. Key decisions during pre-production included outfitting and in white suits, a stylistic choice that ironically portrayed a "clean" version of their personas to contrast the track's laid-back yet potent energy. The video incorporated cameos from , , and other contributors from the Aftermath collective, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of Dre's West Coast scene. In , CGI elements such as swirling smoke and seamless transitions were added to amplify the surreal, dreamlike quality of the white void setting.

Visual Elements and Reception

The music video for "The Next Episode" features a distinctive aesthetic characterized by slow-motion dancing sequences, floating objects, and a gradual color shift from stark white tones to vibrant hues. The video is set in an ethereal, surreal party atmosphere, symbolizing elevation and celebration in West Coast hip-hop culture. Iconic moments include Snoop Dogg's verse, where a levitating leaf accompanies his performance, adding a playful, hallucinatory element, as well as group shots that highlight the collective, reinforcing themes of unity and dominance in the rap scene. The video received a BET Award nomination for Video of the Year in 2001, reflecting its recognition among industry peers for blending innovation with rap tradition. Critics praised its innovative visual style for pushing boundaries in hip-hop videography, though some noted critiques regarding its perceived minimalism compared to more narrative-driven contemporaries. By 2025, the official upload on YouTube had surpassed 886 million views, underscoring its enduring popularity. Culturally, the video influenced the trend toward minimalist rap videos in the early , inspiring simpler, abstract in the genre. In the 2020s, fan recreations surged on platforms, with users replicating the slow-motion and floating effects in viral challenges and edits.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Initial Reviews

Upon its release as the third single from Dr. Dre's album 2001 in April 2000, "The Next Episode" received widespread acclaim from critics for reviving the sound and showcasing the enduring chemistry between and . reviewer awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, praising its polished production. Similarly, gave 2001 4 out of 5 stars in a December 1999 review, highlighting the album's West Coast vibe. Critics also noted some formulaic aspects in the lyrics, with The Guardian's May 2000 review describing the album as adhering to familiar tropes like and , though its radio appeal made it undeniable. included "The Next Episode" at number 306 in its top 500 tracks of the . In aggregate, album reviews frequently spotlighted the single as a highlight, contributing to 2001's strong critical reception and commercial momentum. The album sold 516,000 units in its first week, signaling its immediate acclaim.

Cultural Impact

"The Next Episode" significantly contributed to the revival of aesthetics in early 2000s rap, reasserting West Coast production styles characterized by smooth synths and laid-back grooves after the East Coast's mid-1990s dominance. Its instrumental hook has been sampled in over 127 tracks across hip-hop and electronic genres, underscoring its enduring production legacy, including in Kendrick Lamar's 2010 collaboration "Hands Up" with Mykestro and Conflict (Producer). The closing hook "smoke weed every day," performed by Nate Dogg, emerged as a defining hip-hop mantra promoting cannabis normalization, evolving into a cultural touchstone for stoners and amplified by Snoop Dogg's advocacy. This phrase gained renewed prominence in post-2010 legalization debates, with Snoop Dogg invoking it during celebrations of California's 2016 recreational marijuana ballot victory, linking the song to broader societal shifts toward decriminalization. The track maintains strong resonance in Black and Latino communities, where hip-hop originated as a voice for urban experiences, while its global reach has expanded through the genre's diaspora, influencing international rap scenes from to .

Usage in Media

"The Next Episode" has been prominently featured in various films, often underscoring high-energy or party scenes that align with its West Coast hip-hop vibe. In the 2012 comedy Project X, the song plays during an escalating sequence, amplifying the chaotic atmosphere as characters engage in wild antics. Similarly, it appears in the 2013 apocalyptic comedy , where it accompanies a moment of revelry amid the film's celebrity navigating end-times scenarios. The track also features in the 2012 action-comedy The Watch, enhancing a neighborhood scene with its rhythmic intensity. In television, "The Next Episode" has made recurring appearances across international programming, contributing to episodes focused on social gatherings or dramatic tension. It was used in season 1, episode 14 of the British reality dating series Love Island (2015), playing during a group challenge that highlighted contestant interactions. The song also soundtracks a school reunion episode in the UK comedy-drama (season 1, 2019), where it underscores nostalgic and humorous reunions among old friends. Additionally, it appears in episode 2 of the Slovak series Pán profesor (2016), adding a layer of cultural fusion to a about underground dealings. The song holds a significant place in video games, particularly within the Grand Theft Auto series, where it embodies the franchise's urban, open-world aesthetic. It is included on the West Coast Classics radio station in (2004), allowing players to listen while cruising the fictional state of San Andreas, evoking the era's culture. The track returns in (2013) on the same station, further cementing its role in the series' soundtrack rotations that blend licensed music with gameplay immersion. Beyond traditional media, "The Next Episode" has been interpolated and performed live at major sports events, notably during the in 2022. and opened the performance with the track at , joined by a stage setup mimicking a neighborhood complete with cars, drawing over 100 million viewers and celebrating West Coast hip-hop heritage. The song has also inspired widespread dance challenges, with users recreating its iconic head-nodding and arm-swinging moves, contributing to millions of user-generated videos since the platform's rise in popularity.

Personnel and Credits

Production Team

The production of "The Next Episode" was spearheaded by as the lead producer, alongside co-producer , who contributed to the beat construction and arrangement. Mixing duties were primarily managed by himself, with engineering support from Richard "Segal" Huredia, at Larrabee Sound Studios in ; the track was recorded at Encore Recording Studios and Sierra Sonics. Vocal recording was overseen by Mauricio "Vocal" Iragorri, who also served as an assistant engineer on the album. Assistant engineers included and Michelle Lynn Forbes, who aided in mixing and album preparation, while Jason Hann provided percussion elements integral to the track's sound. Dr. Dre's role extended to executive production, with oversight from the team, including . The track "The Next Episode" prominently features vocals from and , who deliver the main verses, while provides the signature chorus and hook. delivers the closing verse and uncredited background vocals, adding layered energy to the track. Songwriting credits for the track are attributed to Andre Young (), Calvin Broadus (), Melvin Bradford (), and Brian Bailey (Hittman), reflecting their collaborative contributions to the lyrics and structure. Additional writing credits include clearances for the sample from David McCallum's 1967 track "," composed by and performed by McCallum. The track also features bass by Preston Crump, guitar by Sean Cruse, and keyboards by Camara Kambon. Publishing for the track is handled through , with affiliations to WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) for most shares and EMI Blackwood Music Inc./BMI for Snoop Dogg's portion.

References

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