To understand the gravity of this tour, look at the roster. In 2000, every single headliner was at a career peak or inflection point:
Summer 2000. The calendar was about to turn a new millennium, and Hip-Hop was searching for its defining moment. The East Coast vs. West Coast feud was a fading scar, the shiny suit era was suffocating, and the genre needed a coronation. It got one in the form of a tour bus, a giant inflatable joint, and a lineup so stacked it looked like a rap video game cheat code.
The Up In Smoke Tour wasn't just a concert; it was a victory lap for the West Coast’s resurrection and arguably the greatest Hip-Hop tour ever assembled.
The keyword suggests a search for "med Dr Dre Snoop Dogg"—likely referring to the medical-grade chronic smoke that filled the arenas or the sheer medicine the music provided. The setlist was a non-stop assault of hits:
Hip-hop tours prior to 2000 were often criticized for poor sound quality and minimal staging. Dr. Dre, a known perfectionist, changed the game entirely. The Up in Smoke Tour brought arena-level production to rap.
The stage design was a sprawling set featuring lowered lowrider cars, hydraulic lifts, and massive video screens. The show was structured as a seamless narrative, moving from sets by the supporting acts into explosive solo performances, culminating in a grand finale that felt like a family reunion.
In the year 2000, the landscape of hip-hop was shifting. The East Coast had dominated the late 90s, and the West Coast was still reeling from the tragic deaths of titans like Tupac Shakur and the fracturing of the Death Row Records empire. The genre needed a reminder of who built the modern industry.
Enter the Up in Smoke Tour.
Billed as the definitive hip-hop spectacle of the new millennium, the tour was a massive, high-budget production headlined by the "Holy Trinity" of West Coast rap: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube, with a scene-stealing supporting turn from a then-rising Eminem.
It wasn't just a series of concerts; it was a cultural reset. Here is a look back at the tour that reminded the world that the West Coast had indeed "still got love for you."
The year 2000 was a unique time capsule. This was right before 9/11, before smartphones, before streaming. The crowd was a sea of Dickies suits, white tees, throwback jerseys, and sideways fitted caps. The air in the arena was thick—literally. The "Up in Smoke" title wasn't just a name; it was a warning. Medical marijuana was just becoming a conversation in California, but in those arenas, the "...med" was the law of the land.
Nate Dogg’s smooth hooks on "Xxplosive" and "Bitch Please" provided the melodic relief between the high-octane verses. When the lights dimmed during Snoop's "Gin and Juice," a hazy blue light washed over the crowd, creating a surreal, communal experience that modern concerts rarely replicate.
The roster for Up in Smoke read like a Grammy nomination list. While the headliners were Dre, Snoop, and Cube, the undercard was equally lethal. Eminem had just released The Marshall Mathers LP and was the most controversial—and popular—rapper on the planet. Xzibit was hitting his stride, blending underground credibility with mainstream appeal, largely thanks to his anthemic hit "What U See Is What U Get." The tour also featured dynamic duo Tha Eastsidaz and the vocal stylings of Nate Dogg, the hook-master who provided the soul of G-Funk.
Ice Cube: The Original Gangsta Opening the main set, Ice Cube commanded the stage with the aggression of his N.W.A days. Performing hits like "The Nigga Ya Love to Hate" and "It Was a Good Day," Cube set the tone with high energy. His set also featured a memorable reunion with WC and Mack 10 as Westside Connection, performing their anthem "Bow Down." Up In Smoke Tour 2000 - med Dr dre- snoop dog- ...
Eminem: The New King If the tour was a coronation for Dre, it was a victory lap for Eminem. Dressed in his signature white tee and baggy jeans, Marshall Mathers tore through tracks like "The Real Slim Shady" and "Marshall Mathers." Despite the controversy surrounding his lyrics at the time, the crowd embraced him. A poignant moment occurred during his performance of "Stan," solidifying his status not just as a shock rapper, but as a premier storyteller.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg: The Dynamic Duo The heart of the show was the chemistry between Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Performing together for the first time in years on such a scale, they revis
The Up in Smoke Tour (2000) is widely regarded as the most iconic hip-hop tour in history. It brought together West Coast legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube with a meteoric Eminem at the peak of their influence. Review Highlights
Star-Studded Lineup: Beyond the headliners, the tour featured an incredible roster including Xzibit, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Warren G, and D12.
Theatrical Production: The shows were known for high-tech, elaborate staging, featuring a giant talking skull, balls of fire, and Snoop Dogg driving a '64 Chevy low-rider onto the stage.
Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg Chemistry: Reviewers from Variety noted their compelling partnership, particularly on hits like "Still D.R.E." and "Nothin' but a G Thing".
Legendary Tributes: A emotional core of the show was a segment honoring fallen legends 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Eazy-E. Iconic Setlist (Recurring Favorites) Review: Drug use clouded concert in Tacoma - Angelfire
The Infamous Up In Smoke Tour 2000: A Legendary Hip-Hop Roadshow Featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and More
The Up In Smoke Tour 2000 was a game-changing moment in hip-hop history, marking a pivotal point in the careers of some of the genre's most iconic figures. This massive concert tour, which kicked off in June 2000, brought together an unprecedented lineup of rap royalty, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Nate Dogg, among others. The tour was a monumental success, grossing millions of dollars and cementing the status of its participants as hip-hop's elite.
The Concept and Lineup
The Up In Smoke Tour was conceived by Dr. Dre and his team as a way to promote his highly anticipated album, "2001," which had been released in 1999 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The tour's lineup was a veritable who's who of hip-hop's West Coast and East Coast elite, featuring:
The Tour's Impact and Performances
The Up In Smoke Tour 2000 kicked off on June 1, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, and went on to visit over 40 cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and Miami. The tour's live performances were a testament to the chemistry and camaraderie between the artists, with each show featuring elaborate stage sets, pyrotechnics, and high-energy performances. To understand the gravity of this tour, look at the roster
The tour's setlist was a veritable greatest hits collection, featuring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's classic collaborations, such as "Nuthin' But a G Thang" and "Still D.R.E.," as well as Eminem's rapidly growing catalog of hits, including "The Real Slim Shady" and "Stan." Mary J. Blige brought her signature soul to the tour, performing hits like "Family Affair" and "No More Drama," while Nate Dogg and Warren G added their own flavors to the mix.
The Cultural Significance
The Up In Smoke Tour 2000 was more than just a concert tour – it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the essence of hip-hop's golden era. The tour brought together artists from different coasts and backgrounds, showcasing the genre's diversity and creativity. The event was also notable for its nostalgic value, as it marked a return to the hip-hop of the 1990s, an era that was characterized by its raw energy, lyrical dexterity, and innovative production.
The tour's impact on hip-hop culture extends beyond its commercial success. The Up In Smoke Tour 2000 helped to solidify the status of its participants as hip-hop's leading figures, paving the way for future collaborations and artistic endeavors. The tour also marked a turning point in Eminem's career, as he transitioned from an underground rapper to a mainstream superstar.
The Legacy
The Up In Smoke Tour 2000 has left an enduring legacy in hip-hop history, with many regarding it as one of the greatest concert tours of all time. The tour's influence can be seen in subsequent hip-hop tours and festivals, such as the Angry Mob Tour and the Loot Festival. The event's impact on hip-hop culture extends beyond the music itself, as it helped to bring people together and create a sense of community and shared experience.
In 2014, the Up In Smoke Tour 2000 was immortalized in a live album and DVD, featuring footage from the tour's performances and behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists. The release was a testament to the tour's enduring popularity and its continued influence on hip-hop culture.
Conclusion
The Up In Smoke Tour 2000 was a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, marking a high point in the careers of some of the genre's most iconic figures. The tour's impact on hip-hop culture extends beyond its commercial success, as it helped to bring people together and create a sense of community and shared experience. As a cultural phenomenon, the Up In Smoke Tour 2000 continues to inspire new generations of hip-hop fans and artists, cementing its place as one of the greatest concert tours of all time.
The Up in Smoke Tour was a landmark West Coast hip-hop concert tour that took place in 2000, widely regarded as one of the most iconic and professional rap tours in history. Headlined by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, the tour served as a massive showcase for the "Shady/Aftermath" era, featuring a high-octane lineup including Eminem, Ice Cube, and Xzibit. A Historic Lineup and Massive Production
Launched on June 15, 2000, in Chula Vista, California, the tour spanned 44 dates across the United States and Canada, concluding on August 20 in Greenwood Village, Colorado. It was produced by a team including Magic Johnson’s Dream Team, LLC, and was Dr. Dre’s first-ever national live tour.
The core performers were supported by an extensive list of legendary guests and collaborators: Main Acts: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ice Cube.
Supporting Artists: Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt, MC Ren, Xzibit, D12, Westside Connection (Mack 10, WC), and many others. The Tour's Impact and Performances The Up In
Production Value: The tour was noted for its elaborate, high-tech stage design, which included pyrotechnics, large-scale visuals, and a "family affair" atmosphere meant to unite fans across different backgrounds. Cultural Impact and Legacy
The tour grossed approximately $22 million and sold over half a million tickets, with prices ranging from $35 to $55. Beyond the numbers, it is remembered for several defining moments: The Up in Smoke Tour (DTS) - Amazon.com
The Up in Smoke Tour was more than just a concert series; it was a cultural takeover that defined the peak of the West Coast G-funk era. Spanning 44 cities in the summer of 2000, it remains one of the most legendary hip-hop tours ever assembled. The Iconic Lineup The tour featured an unprecedented roster of talent: Dr. Dre: The mastermind and headliner.
Snoop Dogg: Fresh off his transition back to the top of the charts.
Eminem: Performing at the height of The Marshall Mathers LP fever.
Ice Cube: Bringing the raw energy of West Coast gangsta rap. Support: Xzibit, Warren G, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt. Why It Was Revolutionary
🔥 The Production ValueUnlike the minimalist hip-hop shows of the 90s, this featured high-budget sets, including a giant skull, a replica of a 64’ Impala, and massive video screens showing cinematic skits.
🔊 The Sound of an EraIt served as a victory lap for 2001 and a launchpad for Eminem’s global dominance. The chemistry between Dre and Snoop was the heart of the show.
🎬 The LegacyThe tour was immortalized in a best-selling DVD, capturing the backstage chaos and the high-energy performances that solidified these artists as global icons. Detail the setlist for a specific city. Write about the backstage controversies and wild stories. Analyze the impact it had on hip-hop touring standards.
Up In Smoke Tour 2000 wasn't just a concert series; it was a cultural shift that solidified the "Shady Aftermath" era and showcased West Coast hip-hop at its absolute peak. The Lineup of Legends Headlined by Snoop Dogg
, the tour featured an unprecedented roster of talent including: The Icons: The Support: , Mack 10, Westside Connection, and Tha Eastsidaz famously paid $1 million in bail just to ensure
could join the tour and perform his essential hooks for tracks like "The Next Episode" and "Regulate". Cultural Impact & Legacy