Released: 2011
Snoop Dogg’s “You Can Put It in a Zag, I’mma Put It in a Blunt” featuring Wiz Khalifa, is a laid-back anthem celebrating the West Coast weed culture and the lifestyle associated with it. The track embraces the rituals and choices surrounding cannabis use, wrapped in the playful bragging rights and effortless charisma that both artists are known for. Snoop and Wiz not only honor their preferences for consuming cannabis but also subtly underline the essence of their laid-back yet flamboyant lifestyles.
The recurring hook of “You can put it in a zag, I’mma put it in a blunt” immediately establishes the contrasting yet laid-back choices both artists make. ‘Zag’ refers to Zig Zag, a brand of rolling papers, while a ‘blunt’ is a cigar emptied of its contents and filled with cannabis. By stating “I’mma sit in the front” and “No stunt, no pump, it really don’t matter, ‘Cause I got what they want,” Snoop implies a preference for leading, confidence, and holding what others desire—this ties into a central hip-hop theme of superiority and confidence in one’s lifestyle and choices.
In the opening verse, Snoop paints a picture of his lifestyle—playing and blowing all day, doing what they love and excel at: smoking. He makes it clear this is not just a pastime but an integral part of their existence, which they enjoy to the fullest with like-minded people, represented here by “a bad, little, cute, little Mexican.” His mention of “Zig Zag how I roll mine” suggests his versatile nature and preference for choice and style. Furthermore, Snoop reflects on self-reliance by saying, “I ain’t into loaning shit, I’ma own mine,” showing a focus on ownership, independence, and the refusal to rely on others.
He continues with a taunt to those who try to fake or disrespect, with the line “Break bread or fake dead, Punk bitch, this is real life.” Here, he makes it known that authenticity and being genuine are crucial, all the while weaving in a reference to his cannabis business venture with “Executive Branch; What it feel like?” He embraces his role as a weed aficionado with “Catch me if you can, I’m your local kush man,” emphasizing his authority in the cannabis game and how this niche industry fuels his lifestyle and public persona.
In his characteristic storytelling style, Snoop describes scenes from his life where cannabis plays a central role. The line “Sitting in the stands with 100 grams in my pants” and the notion of being so immersed in cannabis culture that “Pure OG, hit it once might choke” reiterates his depth of involvement and nonchalance with marijuana use. It’s as if he’s setting a scene for how normalized this behavior is in his world.
When Wiz Khalifa steps in, his verses mesh perfectly with Snoop’s. Wiz emphasizes quality with “No stems, no seeds,” implying that what they’re dealing with is top-tier. “Mac gave me all the class that a nigga need” might reference how he has learned the finesse of smoking from an expert. By teaching “my old bitch how to roll weed,” he’s illustrating cannabis culture’s continuity and tradition, highlighting how sharing knowledge and enjoyment of cannabis bonds people.
Wiz introduces the concept of communal living and lifestyle through weed culture by referencing his hangouts with his younger friend “Devin.” His nod to “Squares are revvin to my young nigga Devin” paints a vivid picture of acceptance and shared experience, both within the weed circle and beyond, embracing friendships across generations. These connections are fueled by their shared interest in “smoking dro” (high-quality weed), reinforcing the idea of cannabis as a social bridge.
As the track continues, Wiz injects a dose of real-life camaraderie and humor, asserting their sense of adventure and readiness for anything. He captures this vibe perfectly in “On the go, smoking dro, Deep on the Westside,” underscoring the casual yet constant backdrop of weed. “Making it happen, me and Mac got 2 bitches crackin,” is a colorful depiction of his dynamic, carefree lifestyle, with cannabis being an ever-present component.
By bringing it back to the present with “N. Hale That’s the High School Dev and Mac, We known to act a damn fool,” Wiz reaffirms that no matter how their lives evolve, these simple, nostalgic pleasures like getting high, remain constant. There’s an overarching tone of joy and absurdity in these recollections, almost as if he’s reminiscing over youthful misadventures.
Overall, the song plays like a modern-day anthem to a lifestyle both artists hold dear. Its easygoing flow and playful delivery turn the track into a testament of pride and homage to a culture that shaped both artists. It paints a vivid image of a world where weed is not only accepted but celebrated—a cornerstone in their personal and professional lives, simultaneously echoing the broader societal shifts towards cannabis legalization and acceptance. The title itself becomes an encapsulation of personal freedom, preference, and a mutual understanding within this unique cultural tapestry.
