When I was a kid one thing that I didn't think I would be doing is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Doggystyle, because . . . who can believe it’s been 25 years since it was released?!? The seminal album that introduced us to Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Snoop D-O-Double G, the Dogfather, and your favorite west coast rapper still gets a party started, and rocks a crowd!

When the Puff Puff Pass Tour made its way to Detroit and the crowd rocked non-stop from Triggs to the headliner, Snoop Dogg.

The show began with Doggystyle Records South newest artist, Triggs, who showcased his latest single, “Lit”. Which I promptly went and added to my summer playlist.

Triggs performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Up next was Warren G. I feel like we all can remember the moment we heard “Regulate”, and now I can add my first time hearing it live to my list. Warren G. jammed all through his set, and also provided the first Nipsey Hussle tribute of the evening.

Warren G performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony followed Warren G. and took us on a trip down memory lane with songs like “First of the Month”, “East 1999”, and “Crossroads”. The group also took time out to celebrate the lives and music of Eazy E, Tupac, the Notorious BIG, and Nipsey Hussle. They also showcased all the memorable tracks they're featured on including one of my favorites, “Breakdown” by Mariah Carey.

With the Detroit River, Canada, and a plethora of boats as a backdrop Snoop Dogg hit the stage, with both a mascot and stripper poles. With a steady stream of hits, Snoop did not disappoint, along with a lot of crowd interaction including asking if their dream was to A. Party with him, B. Drink with him, or C. Smoke with him leading into “Gin-N-Juice”.

Snoop Dogg performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Snoop also took time to pay homage to the late, great Nipsey Hussle.

I’m still surprised that Doggystyle has been out for 25 years. Having the chance to celebrate this album, and also experience the music that I grew up with was both exciting and sobering. If you get a chance to check out the Puff Puff Pass Tour in your city . . . DO IT! You can find tour dates here!

We absolutely ADORE Lion Babe! The duo of Jillian Hervey and Astro Raw (Lucas Goodman) is soundly making a name for themselves, and as they finished the US leg of their tour; they showed Detroit what all the hype was about!

Lion Babe performs at The Shelter in Detroit, MI during the US leg of their tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Now, this was not our first time experiencing a Lion Babe show. They were one of the highlights of Lollapalooza 2015 and that is saying a lot when Paul McCartney was a headliner! Their show is electric and Jillian leaves it all on the stage. She gives her all during performances filled with fun costumes; this night brought out a mermaid, a wagasa, a fan, dancing, sweat, and vocals honey!

This show kicked off with one of our favorite Lion Babe songs, “Wonder Woman”. The Pharrell produced juggernaut is teeming with bass and a message of strength and take no-shitness! And, Jillian performs it with such rawness that you can’t help but feel like you can take on the world after experiencing it live!

Lion Babe’s show is non-stop from start to finish, even giving us “Jungle Lady” with a mix of The Isley Brothers “Between the Sheets”, “Little Dreamer”, and “Impossible” among their fun and invigorating catalog.

As electric as the show was, the addition of the band also makes it even more special. Many acts today have omitted the band from their shows, and so when you get to experience one during a live show, it makes a difference!

As Lion Babe ended the show with “Treat Me Like Fire” the crowd was even more hype, with Jillian really embodying showmanship and performance while interacting with the audience, and even holding the hand of one audience member. We love it when artists really show love for their fans! Do we Lion Babe fans have a name like the BeyHive? Lion Cubs perhaps? At any rate, Lion Babe came out for an encore and hit us with our favorite and first introduction to the group, “Jump Hi”. And, as an added bonus they came out after the show to take pictures and chat with fans!

Lion Babe is beyond an act to watch! You need to get into them ASAP and be sure to check them out live. You can find out more about upcoming shows, new music, and merchandise here!

25 Years of Doggystyle

Lion Babe Came to Roar (and SLAY)!!