"The Next Episode" is a single by American rapper and producer Dr. Dre, released in 2000 as the third single from his second studio album, 2001 (1999). The track features Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg, but only Snoop Dogg is credited. It is a sequel to Dre and Snoop's famous single "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" from the former's debut album, The Chronic.
The song peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song has been performed live numerous times by both Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Notable performances include the 2000 Up in Smoke Tour and as the opener to Super Bowl LVI halftime show on February 13, 2022. The duo also performed the song during the concluding segment of Los Angeles' contribution to the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, a nod to the fact that Los Angeles 2028 is the "next episode" of the Summer Olympics.
Background "The Next Episode" is produced by Dr. Dre and fellow Aftermath producer Mel-Man. The song predominantly samples "The Edge" by actor and musician David McCallum and producer David Axelrod, originally released on McCallum's 1967 album Music: A Bit More of Me.
Music video The music video is set in a strip club with many strippers pole-dancing. It also features cameos from rappers including Hittman, Warren G, and Xzibit.
In popular culture An unauthorized remix by Danish producer Hedegaard titled "Smoke Weed Everyday" gained significant popularity online. A parody of the song was included in the 2012 movie The Dictator, with new lyrics referring to the film's fictitious leader General Aladeen. This recording also featured on the film's soundtrack.
Track listings UK CD single #1 "The Next Episode" (LP version) – 2:42 "Bad Guys Always Die" (featuring Eminem) – 4:38 "The Next Episode" (instrumental) – 2:43 "The Next Episode" (music video)
UK CD single #2 "The Next Episode" (LP version) - 2:42 "Fuck You" - 3:25 "Bang Bang" (instrumental) - 3:42 "Forgot About Dre" (instrumental) - 3:54 "Forgot About Dre" (music video)
12" vinyl "The Next Episode" (LP version) – 2:42 "Bad Guys Always Die" (featuring Eminem) – 4:38 "Bang Bang" (featuring Hittman) - 3:42
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2000)Peakposition Canada Radio (Nielsen BDS)36 Chart (2022–2023) PeakpositionCanada Digital Song Sales (Billboard)2 Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) 16
Year-end charts Chart (2000)PositionUS Billboard Hot 10076US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)49Chart (2001)PositionIreland (IRMA)75UK Singles (OCC)79UK Urban (Music Week)40Chart (2022)PositionUS Digital Song Sales (Billboard)74
Certifications
Personnel Recorded at: Sierra Sonics, Encore Studios Engineer: Richard "Segal" Huredia Assistant engineer: Tom Gordon, Michelle Lynn Forbes, Dave Tenhouten Background Vocals - Kurupt Bass - Preston Crump Guitar - Sean Cruse Keyboards - Camara Kambon Rap [Featuring] - Snoop Dogg, Kurupt Vocals [Featuring] - Nate Dogg Director - Paul Hunter Writers - Ms Roq, Hittman, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, David McCallum Video cameo appearance - Xzibit, Hittman, Warren G
References