Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre sampled a song by a learning disabilities charity in London on their new album ‘Missionary’.
The duo recently shared energetic new single, ‘Outta Da Blue’ last month ahead of the album’s release on December 13 via Death Row Records.
Now, it has come to light that the pair sampled the song ‘Watermelon Fantasy’, which was originally released by the charity Daylight Studio in 2018.
The original track was performed by three artists with learning disabilities, and produced by the founder of Daylight Studio and one of its trustees. You can listen it and ‘Outta Da Blue’ below.
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Tina Bruins, who features on the track and lives in supported housing in north London, told The Guardian: “I was shocked. I remember being like: ‘Whaaaaaat?’ I didn’t know it was going to be released by Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. I thought no, I thought it was a fantasy.”
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She added: “It was a good shock because it sort of proves I make good music. I’m proud of [‘Watermelon Fantasy’] because Snoop Dogg took it over.”
Jack Daley, a recording engineer, and Oliver Price, a songwriter and music producer, put ‘Watermelon Fantasy’ together in 2017 with Bruins, Mandy Priddice and Cedrick Letshou Olembo, while hosting music sessions at Daylight, a day centre for adults with learning disabilities, run by Islington council.
“This is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m pretty certain I can say that this year has been the best year of my life because of it,” Daley said.
Price added: “I still can’t believe it’s a real thing. It sort of feels divinely ordained because the song is called ‘Outta Da Blue’ and it came out of the blue and it’s like we’re living in a watermelon fantasy. It’s all quite funny really.”
He went on: “I’m excited about the charity and bringing attention to people with learning difficulties. They are often put in a box separate from society, and no one ever sees them or works with them … But they have a lot to offer as we have just demonstrated.”
Proceeds from the collaboration are to be split equally between Bruins, Priddice and Olembo, with production shares being donated back to the charity.
‘Missionary’ is the follow-up to Snoop’s debut album ‘Doggystyle’ in 1993. It featured a host of guest artists including the late Tom Petty, Jelly Roll, 50 Cent and Eminem.
Reviewing the album, NME awarded the record four stars and said it “was an underwhelming sequel to a hip-hop classic.”
It added: “Dre and Snoop forgot the legacy they created for the West Coast with ‘Doggystyle’ and – although there are flashes of fun – the forgettable collection barely scratches the surface of their legendary status.”