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Bible of Love

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Bible of Love
Studio album by
Snoop Dogg
ReleasedMarch 16, 2018
Recorded2017
Genre
Length134:01
Label
Producer
Snoop Dogg chronology
220
(2018) 		Bible of Love
(2018) 		I Wanna Thank Me
(2019)

Bible of Love (also known by its full title Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love) is the sixteenth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg.[5] It was released on March 16, 2018, by RCA Inspiration.[6] Bible of Love serves as his debut gospel album, much like Reincarnated (under his different persona Snoop Lion) served as his debut reggae album. Snoop himself served as executive producer over the entirety of the project, alongside Lonny Bereal.[7] Bible of Love is also his first double studio LP, featuring 32 tracks. It features guest appearances from artists such as Tye Tribbett, Faith Evans, Rance Allen, and Kim Burrell, among others.[8]

Background

[edit]

Snoop Dogg officially announced the album on January 24, 2018, after teasing a gospel album for a year,[9] stating "It's always been on my heart. I just never got around to it because I always be doing gangsta business or doing this or doing that, I just felt like it's been on my heart too long. I need to do it now."[10][11]

Snoop was introduced to gospel music by his late grandmother, Dorothy Tate. He said of the album: "I am blessed to have so many legendary friends join me on this journey. As the country is in one of its heaviest times and is so divided, I wanted to make an album that spreads love and unity around the world. That's what I was taught, so that's all I know. Real love."[5] He was also inspired by his discussions with Faith Evans while working together on the Notorious B.I.G. tribute track "When We Party".[10] USA Today described Snoop Dogg's role on the album as "more a curator than an artist".[3] The Grio compared it to Drake's More Life mixtape in terms of how the album is put together.[12]

A music video for the song "Words Are Few" featuring B.Slade was released to promote the album.[13] The album was released on Snoop's newly founded All The Time Entertainment label, a label created to give opportunity to up-and-coming gospel artists.[14] Snoop Dogg performed at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at Bethel University, becoming the first secular artist to perform at the event.[15] At the event, he stated about the album, "The record's all about love from start to finish. That's the way you change the world, by putting love in it."[16]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic54/100[17]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[18]
Exclaim![19]
Slant Magazine[2]
The Guardian[1]
CCM Magazine[20]
HotNewHipHop[21]
The Times[22]

Critical reception to the album was mixed. It holds a 54 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews". The Guardian stated the album "is a two-hour-plus hip-hop gospel confection that's briefly charmingly pleasant, then heartbreakingly boring. It has less edge than a child's balloon."[1] Slant Magazine criticized the album as predictable and "surprisingly traditional".[2] Allmusic stated of the album, "There's a redemptive quality to the effort, especially considering his past legal troubles, which adds heft to an otherwise head-scratching release."[18] USA Today stated the album "is 32 songs of spiritual uplift, consistently enjoyable and even moving at times, with Snoop making just enough appearances to remind listeners of his involvement, and doing some soul-baring in the process."[3] Vulture described the album as "surprisingly great", saying "It handles the business of melding the seemingly incompatible worlds of G-funk and gospel with respect for the mechanics of both."[23]

The South End praised Snoop's verses, but criticized his lack of appearances on the album, as did The Linfield Review.[24][25] PopMatters called it an "absolutely impressive effort" and "a solid effort that's better than it has any business being."[26]

Response from Christian publications were more positive. Christian magazine Relevant praised the album for its religious message, stating it is "impressively thorough in its representation of the saving grace and expansive love of God" as well as "a tasteful blend of vintage gospel and new school Christian contemporary music".[14] CCM Magazine praised the diversity of the production and called the album "surprisingly impressive."[20] Christian Today called the album "an impressive and remarkable worship record in its own right."[27]

Snoop Dogg himself responded to negative reviews, stating "This is not a money-driven project, it's a spirit-driven project."[28]

Commercial performance

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Bible of Love debuted at number 148 on the US Billboard 200 with 5,000 album-equivalent units, which made it his lowest entry on the chart until 2021's From tha Streets 2 tha Suites, which failed to chart.[29] It was the 20th best-selling digital album of the week, selling 3,000 digital copies in its first week.[30] The album became Snoop's first entry on the US Gospel Albums chart, where it debuted at number one.[31][29] Bible of Love also became Snoop's 25th entry on the Billboard 200.[29] The album topped the Gospel Albums chart for seven non-consecutive weeks.[32]

Track listing

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[4]

Disc 1: Chapter One
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Thank You Lord (Intro)" (featuring Chris Bolton)
1:02
2."Love for God" (featuring Uncle Chucc, The Zion Messengers, and K-Ci)
3:14
3."Always Got Something to Say"
4:05
4."Defeated" (featuring John P. Kee)
  • Joseph Alonzo Bereal, Jr.
  • Bennet Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • John P. Kee
4:33
5."In the Name of Jesus" (featuring October London)
  • Kadjaly A. Conteh
  • Jared Samuel Erskine
3:29
6."Going Home" (featuring Uncle Chucc and The Zion Messengers)
  • Hamilton
  • Mahalia Jackson
4:13
7."Saved" (featuring Faith Evans and 3rd Generation (Bereal Family))
  • J. A. Bereal, Jr.
  • Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • T. Bereal, Jr.
3:35
8."Sunshine Feel Good" (featuring Kim Burrell)
3:48
9."Sunrise" (featuring Sly Pyper)
  • Broadus
  • S. Jordan
  • Conteh
3:57
10."Pure Gold" (featuring The Clark Sisters)Elbernita Twinkie Clark5:37
11."Pain" (featuring B Slade)Williams II4:44
12."New Wave" (featuring Mali Music)
5:21
13."On Time" (featuring B Slade)
  • C. Johnson
  • J. A. Bereal, Jr.
  • Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • Williams II
3:48
14."You" (featuring Tye Tribbett)
  • J. Hill
  • J. Dawkins
  • T. Bush
  • S. Green, Jr.
  • Tye Tribbett
3:46
15."One More Day" (featuring Charlie Wilson)
  • Charlie Bereal
  • J. Griffin
  • J. A. Bereal, Jr.
  • Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • Williams II
  • J. Bereal, Sr.
4:46
Disc 2: Chapter Two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Bible of Love (Interlude)" (featuring Lonny Bereal)
  • J. Griffin
  • J. A. Bereal, Jr.
2:40
2."Come as You Are" (featuring Marvin Sapp and Mary Mary)
  • W. Campbell
  • C. Johnson
  • J. Davis
  • E. Campbell
  • J. Griffin
  • J. A. Bereal, Jr.
  • Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • Marvin Sapp
5:41
3."Talk to God" (featuring Mali Music and Kim Burrell)
  • Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • Pollard
4:23
4."Changed" (featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha)
3:19
5."Praise Him" (featuring Soopafly)Priest Brooks3:33
6."Blessing Me Again" (featuring Rance Allen)
  • Rance Allen
  • Broadus
  • S. Allen
  • C. Byrd
4:02
7."Blessed & Highly Favored (Remix)" (performed by The Clark Sisters)Karen Clark Sheard5:04
8."Unbelievable" (featuring Ev3)
  • D. Hall
  • B. Edwards, Jr.
  • G. Morgan
  • L. Williams
  • C. Holmes
  • M. Palacios
  • C. Barksdale
  • L. R. Woodruff, Jr.
  • Shante Hearst
  • Shamara Hearst
3:35
9."No One Else" (featuring K-Ci)
4:15
10."Chizzle" (featuring Sly Pyper and Daz Dillinger)
  • D. Arnaud
  • S. Jordan
  • Conteh
4:41
11."My God" (featuring James Wright)
  • James Wright
  • Broadus
  • Gilliam
2:50
12."When It's All Over" (featuring Patti LaBelle)
  • Broadus
  • Patti LaBelle
  • J. A. Bereal, Jr.
  • Paysinger
  • M. L. Bereal
  • T. A. Whitfield
5:02
13."Crown" (featuring Tyrell Urquhart, Jazze Pha, and Issac Carree)Tyrell Urquhart3:31
14."Call Him" (featuring Fred Hammond)
  • P. Brooks
  • D. L. Brooks
4:28
15."Change the World" (featuring John P. Kee)
  • Broadus
  • Kee
5:34
16."Voices of Praise"
  • Broadus
  • Gilliam
3:58
17."Words Are Few" (featuring B Slade)Williams II7:28

Charts

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Weekly charts

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Morris, Damien (March 18, 2018). "Snoop Dogg: Bible of Love review – inglorious gospel rebrand". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2018-04-02. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Hoskins, Zachary (March 16, 2018). "Snoop Dogg: Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love". Slant Magazine.
  3. ^ a b c McDermott, Maeve (March 15, 2018). "Snoop Dogg made a gospel album, and it's actually wonderful". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love / Snoop Dogg TIDAL". Tidal. Archived from the original on 2018-04-02. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  5. ^ a b "Iconic Artist And Entertainer Snoop Dogg To Release New Album "Bible of Love" On March 16th". RCA Inspiration. PR Newswire Association LLC. 2 February 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-03-18. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  6. ^ Mojica, Nick (March 16, 2018). "Snoop Dogg Drops Gospel Album 'Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love'". XXL. Archived from the original on March 17, 2018. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  7. ^ Petrusich, Amanda (March 22, 2018). "The Genuine Vulnerability of Snoop Dogg's Gospel Album". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on April 21, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  8. ^ Maicki, Salvatore (March 16, 2018). "Listen to Snoop Dogg's new 32-track gospel album, Bible of Love". The Fader. Archived from the original on 2018-06-17. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  9. ^ "Is Snoop Dogg's new Christian faith for real?". Premier Gospel. 6 October 2017.
  10. ^ a b Mojica, Nick (January 24, 2018). "Snoop Dogg Plans to Go Gospel on New Album 'Bible of Love'". XXL. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  11. ^ Brooks, Brandon I. (22 March 2018). "Snoop Dogg Goes One-On-One, Talks New Gospel Album, 'Bible of Love'". Los Angeles Sentinel. Archived from the original on 2018-06-15. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  12. ^ Seibert, Dustin (19 March 2018). "I'm a heathen and even I caught the Holy Ghost listening to Snoop's gospel album". The Grio. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  13. ^ George, Rachel (February 2, 2018). "Snoop Dogg Previews Five Songs From 'Bible of Love' Gospel Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 3, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  14. ^ a b Perkins, Mai (21 March 2018). "Is Snoop Dogg's 'Bible of Love' Actually Biblical?". Relevant. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  15. ^ Peterson, Abby (2 February 2018). "Snoop Dogg, Twin Cities mayors, NFL players attend Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at Bethel". Bethel Clarion. Archived from the original on 2 February 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  16. ^ Kreps, Daniel (2 February 2018). "Snoop Dogg Readies Gospel Double Album 'Bible of Love'". Rolling Stone.
  17. ^ "Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love by Snoop Dogg". Metacritic. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  18. ^ a b "Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love – Snoop Dogg – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic". AllMusic.
  19. ^ "Snoop Dogg Bible of Love". exclaim.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-03-12. Retrieved 2018-09-28.
  20. ^ a b "Snoop Dogg – 'Bible Of Love' album review". CCM Magazine. 9 March 2018. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  21. ^ Goddard, Kevin (15 March 2018). "Stream Snoop Dogg's New Gospel Album "Bible Of Love"". hotnewhiphop.com. Archived from the original on 16 March 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  22. ^ Hodgkinson, Will (23 March 2018). "Pop review: Snoop Dogg: Bible of Love". The Times.
  23. ^ Jenkins, Craig (March 21, 2018). "Snoop Dogg's New Gospel Album, Bible of Love, Is Surprisingly Great". Archived from the original on June 8, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  24. ^ Sanders, Cameron (May 6, 2018). "Review of Snoop Dogg's Bible of Love". The South End.
  25. ^ Huizinga, Kyle (April 9, 2018). "Snoop Dogg's 'Bible of Love'". The Linfield Review.
  26. ^ Frahm, Jonathan (30 March 2018). "Snoop Dogg Gets on with God Love 'Bible of Love'". PopMatters. Archived from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  27. ^ Hartropp, Joseph (5 April 2018). "'The Bible of Love': Snoop Dogg shifts gear with a faith-filled worship record". Christian Today. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  28. ^ "Snoop Dogg responds to 'Bible Of Love' criticism". CCM News. 19 April 2018. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  29. ^ a b c Asker, Jim (March 28, 2018). "Snoop Dogg Scores First No. 1 on Top Gospel Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2018-03-29. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  30. ^ "Digital Albums Chart | Billboard". Billboard. March 26, 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-04-06. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  31. ^ "Snoop Dogg's 'Bible Of Love' Hits No. 1 On Billboard's Gospel Album Chart!". Praise 106.1. 27 March 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-03-28. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  32. ^ "Top Gospel Albums: 2018 Archive". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2018-06-16. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  33. ^ "Snoop Dogg Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  34. ^ "Snoop Dogg Chart History (Top Gospel Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  35. ^ "Snoop Dogg Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  36. ^ "Top Gospel Albums – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
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