Snoop Dogg Explains How Kanye West Collabo 'Eyez Closed' Happened

Snoop Dogg was working with Swizz Beatz in the studio when he decided to let the world know he settled on a name for his next album — Doggystyle 2: The Doggumentary — which he later shortened to just Doggumentary.

The producer proved to be good luck for the veteran rapper. During another session in New York when the pair were working together, Snoop said he heard music coming from another room and decided to investigate.

The result? "Eyez Closed," from his latest project — which dropped Tuesday (March 29) — produced by and featuring Kanye West; John Legend also appears on the track.

"I was in the studio with Swizz Beatz and walked down the hallway and heard some beats, and it was Kanye West," Snoop told. "He called me into the studio and played me a couple of songs from his album. He was like, 'I got this song that's not gonna make the album, but listen to it.' "

The rocking "Eyez Closed" lifts a sample from Jimmy Spicer's "Money (Dollar Bill Y'all)," also used by Maino for his breakout "Hi Hater." On the number, a reflective Snoop pays respect to the younger generation while reaffirming his status. "Run these MCs, I'm tougher than leather," Snoop raps.

Earlier this month, Snoop spoke with MTV News about his career, which has spawned 11 solo albums, from his Death Row days to riding with Master P and his No Limit soldiers to his latest incarnation as Wiz Khalifa's mentor.

"I don't really think of it as reinventing myself, 'cause it's all within me," Snoop explained. "It's all who I am. It's more or less faces of Snoop Dogg or characters of Snoop Dogg that's in this one spirit. But at the same time, he's able to embellish different parts of the character to create this look, that style, that sound. But it's all the same. Because when I do it all at once, when I do a concept that has all the songs, I don't have enough time to change and act like this; it's still me."

Have you heard Snoop's latest yet? Share your reviews in the comments!