Trading e-mail with Snoop

Snoop Dogg will perform Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Vogue. Tickets are sold out. (Credit: EMI Music)

After Snoop Dogg's Nov. 3 performance at the Vogue was announced, his people sent word that the smooth-flowing rapper might answer e-mailed interview questions before the show.

Sure enough, Big Boss Dogg insight has graced our inbox: "I'ma see you at the top of November. Chuuuch!!!!"

Some additional highlights from the new creative chairman for Priority Records:

Your upcoming album "Malice N Wonderland" is based on a two-sides-of-a-coin concept. Why is it important to balance the heavy and the lighthearted aspects of your persona, and is it a challenge to make sure you do?

That's just who I am -- you got two different sides of me. I may wake up one day feelin' like Malice. May wake up one day in a Wonderland. The concept of the album reflects those two personas and I am giving my fans a chance to see how deep it is. You got a lot to choose from on this album. It's not a challenge -- it comes natural after 20 years in the game, ya dig?!?

Career longevity is somewhat rare among rap artists. What's been your secret for connecting with so many fans across two decades?

Staying relevant. Keepin' my ear to the street. Constantly giving my fans what they want. Never changing -- only evolving. I'm Snooperman. At the end of the day I'ma get in the booth and make sure it gets done. Clark Kent ain't got (nothing) on me.

There's a YouTube video that shows some behind-the-scenes action from your "Malice N Wonderland" photo shoot at the Capitol Records Tower. What kinds of thoughts do you have when you're in that setting and realize music-industry history and your place in it?

Thoughts? I realize it's the perfect setting for me. Priority is the West Coast Def jam and Capitol is the symbol of L.A. music. Snoop Dogg is the King of L.A. It's an equation and it all fits together. When you see that building, Snoop Dogg is synonomous with it.

What kinds of artists do you want to see on Priority?

Mayer Hawthorne is the (stuff) right now! Shout out to my nephew from Detroit. He made a cameo in my video. I got him bangin' on my iPod all day everyday.

Your hustle has taken you all over the map of popular culture. Whether it's movies, pro wrestling, sharing yourself in "Father Hood", product endorsements, etc., what's been the most rewarding to you and why?

Having a wife with three kids. That's first and foremost and always comes first. Nothing will ever replace that.

The Wonderland High Tour includes some cozy venues, including the Vogue here in Indianapolis. What inspired you to take the music to your fans up-close and personal?

It's long overdue. I gotta keep relevant with my fans and that's the perfect spot to do so. Naptown stay ready so you ain't gotta get ready.