Snoop Dogg’s highly anticipated album, Missionary, has officially been released, captivating fans with its innovative sound and genre-blending tracks. One standout feature is the remarkable cameo by the legendary Tom Petty on his own iconic song, “Last Dance With Mary Jane.” This collaboration not only pays homage to Petty’s original work but also introduces a fresh perspective with new lyrics delivered by Snoop Dogg and fellow artist Jelly Roll, enhancing the song’s legacy in contemporary music.

While the track is named after the classic Heartbreakers song, it brings a modern twist that resonates with today’s audience. Snoop’s unique lyrical style combined with Jelly Roll’s contributions creates a dynamic experience that both honors Petty’s artistry and showcases Snoop’s evolution as an artist. This collaboration exemplifies how music can transcend generations, merging the past and present in a beautiful way.

Before his untimely passing in 2017, Tom Petty knew of Dr. Dre, the mastermind producer behind Missionary, through his connection with Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records. Their collaboration speaks volumes about the respect and admiration shared among these music icons.

Dr. Dre recently recounted an intriguing moment with Petty, sharing, “I have this video clip with Tom Petty saying ‘If Dre ever samples the song ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance,’ he’s going to have an instant hit on his hands.’” This statement reflects the trust and belief Petty had in Dre’s musical instincts. Dr. Dre further expressed the responsibility he felt, stating, “Snoop’s putting his entire career and his legacy and everything that he’s built in my hands. So I have to really nurture that and make sure it’s presented in the right way.” This mutual respect among these legends showcases the collaborative spirit that fuels the music industry.

To immerse yourself in this groundbreaking track, you can listen to it below. It’s a blend of nostalgia and fresh talent that undoubtedly adds to Snoop Dogg’s impressive discography.

In addition to Petty, Missionary features an array of exceptional guest artists, including the renowned Sting, who lends his voice to a track titled “Another Part of Me,” as well as heavyweights like 50 Cent and Dr. Dre himself. Dr. Dre’s collaboration with Snoop dates back to 1994 when they worked together on Snoop’s debut album Doggystyle, making their partnership a cornerstone of hip-hop history.

READ MORE: Discover the Most Overlooked Song from Each of Tom Petty’s Albums

Snoop Dogg expressed his passion for music in a recent press release, stating, “We [still] in love with what we do. I’m peaking right now and Dr. Dre sees that.” Snoop elaborated on the creative synergy between them, saying, “He brings the best out of me because he’s particular about everything I say, the way I deliver it, the fuckin’ music and the concept of the songs.” This insight into their collaboration highlights how the meticulous approach of Dr. Dre elevates Snoop’s artistry to new heights.

Exploring the Meaning Behind ‘Last Dance With Mary Jane’: Is it Really About Marijuana?

In a recent discussion, Snoop Dogg, whose name is synonymous with marijuana culture, referred to his cover of Petty’s classic as a “weed song.” This playful characterization has sparked conversations among fans about the true meaning behind the song’s lyrics.

However, Tom Petty himself had a different perspective. Reflecting on his creative process, he stated, “I don’t think I was writing about pot. I think it was just a girl’s name. I can’t imagine that I’d write a song about pot. I don’t think there’s enough there to write about,” he humorously remarked during a 2005 interview for Conversations With Tom Petty. This lighthearted revelation sheds light on the complexities of songwriting and how interpretations can evolve over time.

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