Snoop Dogg is taking Death Row Records in a soulful new direction with the announcement of Altar Call, a gospel album dedicated to his late mother, Beverly Tate. Slated for release on April 27, the 21-track project reflects the legendary rapper’s spiritual journey and personal growth, blending gospel, Hip Hop, and R&B into a heartfelt tribute.
Snoop made the announcement in a video posted to Instagram on Monday (April 14), revealing that the album’s lead single will drop this Friday, April 18. In an interview with Okayplayer, the West Coast icon spoke about the personal inspiration behind the project: “The spirit of my mother will forever live within me. 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.”
Beverly Tate, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 70, is prominently featured on the album cover, further underlining the album’s intimate and emotional core.
A Spiritual Expansion for Death Row Records
Since acquiring Death Row Records in 2022, Snoop Dogg has worked to redefine the iconic label’s legacy. While traditionally known for hardcore West Coast rap, Altar Call marks a bold new chapter for the imprint, showcasing its capacity for spiritual depth and genre versatility.
The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators including Jamie Foxx, Robert Glasper, Denaun Porter, Jazze Pha, and October London. Each track is designed to explore themes of redemption, faith, healing, and personal transformation.
Tracklist for Altar Call:
- 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)
A Continuing Legacy in Gospel
This isn’t Snoop Dogg’s first foray into gospel. In 2018, he released Bible of Love, a 32-track project featuring gospel mainstays like Faith Evans, Kim Burrell, and Charlie Wilson. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Snoop stood by the album’s purpose, telling TV One: “This is not a money-driven project, it’s a spirit-driven project. 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.”
Snoop has long shown a willingness to experiment musically. From reggae (as Snoop Lion) to funk and gospel, the rapper has continuously evolved, using his platform to explore deeper narratives and more spiritual themes.
Suge Knight Weighs In
Not everyone has welcomed Snoop’s reimagining of Death Row Records. Co-founder and former CEO Suge Knight recently challenged Snoop’s ownership and direction, claiming in an interview with The Art of Dialogue: “Snoop, you said I’m mad because you bought Death Row? What’d you buy? Show me the paperwork… You going backwards. You tryna create something that Suge Knight created. But instead of going big, you disappointing the world by making everything flops.”
Despite the criticism, Snoop appears undeterred, focused instead on pushing boundaries and honoring the legacy of those closest to him — especially his mother.
With Altar Call, Snoop Dogg is offering more than just music — he’s delivering a message of healing, faith, and love through the iconic lens of Death Row Records.
