The ’80s & ’90s Versions Connect, As Doug E. Fresh & Snoop Dogg Perform La-Di-Da-Di (Video)
In the 1980s, Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick made history with a Reality Records rhyme-routine 12″ known as “La-Di-Da-Di.” MC Ricky D’s introduction to the masses alongside “The Human Beatbox King” was a moment in time, making Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By” forever rooted in the Hip-Hop consciousness.
By the 1990s, it was Snoop Dogg’s hour of introduction. Across the whole United States from New York City, the Long Beach, California lyricist showcased the influence he felt to guys like Doug & Rick by covering the record, reworking the lyrics (now as “Lodi Dodi”), over a much more sinister beat. The results were multi-platinum (care of Doggystyle), bridging the gap between generations, coasts, and styles.
In the years to follow, Snoopy would cover joints by Biz Markie, Dana Dane, and Eric B. & Rakim, among plenty others—all while showcasing a style deeply influenced by Smooth B, Whodini, and Special Ed.
At the recent 2014 Roots Picnic, Snoop and Doug meshed their versions together before a Philadelphia audience. The moment in time is now available in HQ video: