Snoop Dogg Pushes Boundaries with Surreal AI-Driven Music Video for “Sophisticated Crippin’”

Snoop Dogg has never been one to shy away from innovation, but his latest music video for “Sophisticated Crippin’” takes things to a whole new level—thanks to a heavy dose of generative AI.

The video, directed by Jesse Wellens, opens with a surreal encounter: a sharply dressed, present-day Snoop Dogg conversing with his younger, blue-clad self. The older Snoop urges his past persona to “keep crippin’, but keep it sophisticated,” setting the tone for a visual journey that blurs the lines between reality and digital imagination.

From there, viewers are plunged into a world where anything seems possible. The camera pans to a concert marquee emblazoned with “Snoop Dogg” in bright lights, while the supporting acts’ names dissolve into AI-generated gibberish—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the technology behind the scenes.

But the surprises don’t stop there. The video is peppered with uncanny AI-generated cameos from cultural icons like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Warren G, Nate Dogg, and Tupac. Even classic snapshots of Snoop Dogg himself are reanimated and brought to life, making for a viewing experience that’s as mesmerizing as it is unsettling.

For some, the video’s strange, almost otherworldly animation style may evoke a sense of unease—especially given ongoing debates about AI’s role in the creative industries. Yet others may find inspiration in Snoop’s embrace of cutting-edge tools, seeing it as a sign that anyone can experiment with the future of music videos.

This isn’t Snoop’s first foray into the world of AI. Earlier this year, he released a video for “Last Dance with Mary Jane” featuring Tom Petty and Jelly Roll, which also leaned on AI image-generation software. However, that project relied on a blend of AI and human artistry, with each frame meticulously reanimated and composited by hand to ensure a seamless result.

With “Sophisticated Crippin’,” Snoop Dogg once again proves he’s not just a rap legend, but a true pioneer—unafraid to explore the weird, wild frontiers of technology and creativity. Whether you find it strange or inspiring, one thing’s for sure: Snoop’s latest visual adventure is impossible to ignore.