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 tour ran from June to September 2000, hitting 40+ cities in the US before jumping to Europe. It grossed over $35 million, a massive sum at the time for a rap tour. But the money wasn't the point.
Before Up In Smoke, major promoters thought "rap tours" were risky, violent, or niche. After Up In Smoke, stadiums realized that Hip-Hop wasn't just a genre—it was the culture.
In an era of boy bands and nu-metal, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg reminded the world that the chronic was still burning and that the West Coast had not just survived; it was smoking the competition.
Twenty-five years later, if you were there, you still smell the smoke. If you weren't? You've spent your entire life listening to your older cousin tell you about it.
Were you at the Up In Smoke Tour? Let us know in the comments.
Up in Smoke Tour of 2000 is widely considered the most iconic hip-hop tour in history, serving as a massive victory lap for West Coast rap and a launching pad for the "Shady-Aftermath" era. The "Hip-Hop Super Bowl" Lineup
The tour was a traveling festival of legends, originally announced to promote Dr. Dre's collaborative album . The core headliners were: : Headlining his first-ever tour. Snoop Dogg
: Fresh off his transition to No Limit Records but reuniting with Dre. : At the peak of his early career following the release of The Marshall Mathers LP
: Bringing veteran West Coast energy and even staging mini-reunions of with MC Ren. Other prominent acts included , and groups like Westside Connection Setting a New Standard for Rap Shows
Before this tour, large-scale rap concerts often struggled with reputations for poor organization or security issues. To counter this, promoters hired production crews with experience on Pink Floyd tours. The result was a high-budget spectacle featuring: The New York Times
The "Up in Smoke Tour" was not just a musical event but a cultural phenomenon. It showcased the camaraderie and collective talent of West Coast rappers during a period when the region was particularly influential in shaping hip-hop's mainstream sound. The tour included performances by:
The tour was titled "Up in Smoke" as a playful reference to both marijuana culture, which was prevalent in West Coast hip-hop, and the smoking hot performances of the artists involved. It was well-received by fans and critics alike, praised for showcasing the chemistry and charisma of the artists on stage.
The "Up in Smoke Tour 2000" played a role in reviving interest in West Coast hip-hop and demonstrated the staying power and creativity of the artists involved. It remains a memorable moment in hip-hop history, celebrated for bringing together some of the genre's most iconic figures at a pivotal moment in their careers.
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 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."
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
Up in Smoke Tour was a landmark West Coast hip-hop concert series in 2000, headlined by Snoop Dogg
. It is widely considered one of the most significant tours in hip-hop history for its high production values and legendary lineup. Core Tour Information June 15 – August 20, 2000.
Included 44 shows across the United States and Canada, grossing $22 million. Original Title: Initially called "The Boyz in the Hood". Historical Impact: It was the first tour for Dr. Dre and served to promote his The All-Star Lineup
The tour featured a massive roster of established legends and rising stars: Headliners: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Co-Headliners:
Ice Cube and a young Eminem (who was just becoming a global superstar). Key Performers: Xzibit, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Warren G, and MC Ren. Supporting Acts:
Westside Connection, D12, Tha Eastsidaz, Truth Hurts, and Devin the Dude. Key Highlights & Trivia Nate Dogg's Bail:
Before the tour, Nate Dogg faced serious legal charges. Dr. Dre reportedly paid a $1 million bond
to ensure Nate could perform, as he was vital to the West Coast sound. Production Quality:
Unlike many previous hip-hop shows, this tour used high-budget "Broadway-style" production, including complex stage setups and cinematic interludes. DVD Release:
A professional recording of the Worcester, Massachusetts gig (July 20, 2000) was released on DVD in December 2000. Up In Smoke Tour 2000 - med Dr dre- snoop dog- ...
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: A Historic Hip-Hop Journey with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg"
Abstract
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was a groundbreaking concert tour that brought together some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and others. This paper will explore the tour's significance, its impact on the music industry, and the cultural context in which it took place.
Introduction
In 2000, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg embarked on a summer concert tour that would become one of the most iconic and influential in hip-hop history. The Up in Smoke Tour, which took place from June to August 2000, featured a star-studded lineup, including Eminem, Nate Dogg, and others. The tour was a massive success, grossing over $30 million and cementing the status of its headliners as hip-hop legends.
The Tour's Lineup and Performances
The Up in Smoke Tour featured a diverse lineup of artists, including:
The tour's performances were marked by high-energy sets, elaborate stage designs, and special effects. The shows often featured guest appearances and collaborations between the artists, making each performance unique and memorable.
Cultural Significance and Impact
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was more than just a concert tour – it was a cultural phenomenon. The tour brought together some of the biggest names in hip-hop, showcasing the genre's diversity and creativity. The tour's success helped to further popularize hip-hop, paving the way for future generations of artists.
The tour also marked a significant moment in the careers of its headliners. For Dr. Dre, the tour was a triumphant return to the stage after a few years of focus on his record label, Aftermath Entertainment. For Snoop Dogg, the tour was an opportunity to showcase his growth as an artist and entrepreneur. For Eminem, the tour was a breakout moment, introducing him to a wider audience and solidifying his status as a rising star.
Legacy and Influence
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 has had a lasting impact on the music industry. The tour's success paved the way for future hip-hop tours and festivals, including the annual Rolling Loud festival. The tour's influence can also be seen in the many artists who have cited it as an inspiration, including Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.
Conclusion
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was a historic moment in hip-hop history, bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre for a summer of unforgettable performances. The tour's significance extends beyond its commercial success, representing a cultural phenomenon that helped to shape the music industry and inspire future generations of artists.
References
Up in Smoke Tour 2000: A Legendary Hip-Hop Tour
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was a groundbreaking concert tour that took place in 2000, featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop at the time. The tour was headlined by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and included guest appearances by Warren G, Nate Dogg, and Eminem, among others.
The Tour
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 kicked off on June 15, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, and made its way across North America, visiting over 30 cities in total. The tour was a massive production, featuring a state-of-the-art stage, elaborate lighting and pyrotechnics, and a setlist that spanned the careers of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Performers
The tour featured a range of talented performers, including:
Setlist
The setlist for the Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was a veritable greatest hits collection of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's biggest songs, as well as some surprises. Some of the notable tracks performed on the tour included:
Legacy
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was a massive success, both critically and commercially. The tour grossed over $30 million and played to sold-out crowds across North America. The tour also helped to further cement Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's status as hip-hop legends, and provided a platform for emerging artists like Eminem to gain exposure. Reliving the Up In Smoke Tour: When Hip-Hop’s
The tour's impact on hip-hop culture cannot be overstated. The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was one of the first major hip-hop tours to feature a diverse range of artists and showcase the genre's growing mainstream appeal. The tour's influence can still be seen today, with many regarding it as a pivotal moment in hip-hop history.
Conclusion
The Up in Smoke Tour 2000 was a legendary hip-hop tour that brought together some of the biggest names in the genre for a series of unforgettable performances. With its all-star lineup, massive production, and historic setlist, the tour remains a standout moment in hip-hop history. If you're a fan of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, or just hip-hop in general, the Up in Smoke Tour 2000 is definitely worth checking out.
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
The Up in Smoke Tour was a landmark West Coast hip-hop concert tour that took place in the summer of 2000. Headlined by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, the tour is widely regarded as one of the most significant events in rap history, marking the pinnacle of the G-funk era and the rise of the "Shady-Aftermath" dynasty. Tour Overview and Lineup
The tour was originally conceived under the name "The Boyz in the Hood" to promote Dr. Dre's collaborative projects and his multi-platinum album, 2001. It ran for 44 dates across the United States and Canada from June 15 to August 20, 2000. The core lineup included a powerhouse of hip-hop legends:
Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg: Headliners who performed together for the final set.
Ice Cube: Performed with his group Westside Connection (WC and Mack 10).
Eminem: A rising superstar performing tracks from his recently released The Marshall Mathers LP.
Supporting Acts: Xzibit, Warren G, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, and D12.
Surprise Guests: Notable appearances by MC Ren (for an N.W.A reunion), The D.O.C., and Truth Hurts. Production and Performance Highlights
The tour was noted for its massive production value, rivaling major rock concerts of the era.
The Entrance: Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre famously arrived on stage in a hydraulically enhanced '64 Impala low-rider.
Stage Design: Features included a giant talking skull, high-tech video screens, and elaborate set pieces like Ice Cube emerging from a cryogenic chamber.
Eminem’s Persona: Often appeared on stage in a Jason Voorhees hockey mask and orange prison jumpsuit, wielding a chainsaw during his set.
N.W.A Reunion: Each show typically concluded with a mini-reunion of surviving N.W.A members (Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and MC Ren). Behind-the-Scenes and Legal Drama
The tour faced significant hurdles before it began. Nate Dogg, whose hooks were essential to the West Coast sound, was facing serious legal charges just before the tour kicked off. To ensure Nate could perform, Dr. Dre reportedly posted a $1 million bond.
Additionally, the tour was heavily scrutinized by local authorities. Venues utilized metal detectors and a heavy police presence to maintain order, following a history of violence at other major rap tours that year. Commercial and Cultural Impact
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.
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. Were you at the Up In Smoke Tour
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 event in hip-hop history that brought together the titans of West Coast rap for a 44-city North American arena tour in the summer of 2000. A Hip-Hop Super Tour
The tour featured a legendary lineup that solidified the era's dominant sound. Headlined by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, the shows also featured Ice Cube and a rapidly rising Eminem, who was at the height of his "Marshall Mathers LP" fame.
Main Performers: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Eminem, and Warren G.
Special Guests: The tour featured a "traveling hip-hop carnival" of talent, including Nate Dogg, Xzibit, Kurupt, MC Ren, Mack 10, and D12. Performance and Production
The tour was known for its high-production value, featuring elaborate stage designs such as a giant skull that asked the crowd, "Does anybody have a smoke?".
Dr. Dre's First Tour: This was Dr. Dre's first-ever national live tour.
Behind the Scenes Drama: Dr. Dre famously paid a $1 million bond to ensure Nate Dogg could perform after he was arrested shortly after the tour began.
Tributes: The tour included emotional tributes to 2Pac, specifically during stops in cities like Boston where Dre and Snoop performed "California Love". Cultural Impact and Legacy
The tour grossed over $22 million, proving that hip-hop could achieve the same arena-level commercial success as major rock bands like U2 or the Rolling Stones. It is widely considered one of the most successful and professional rap tours ever produced.
For those who couldn't attend, a professional concert film recording of the Worcester, Massachusetts show was released on DVD in late 2000, which has since been certified 6x platinum.
Up In Smoke Tour 2000 – The Most Legendary Hip-Hop Rollout of All Time
In the fall of 2000, hip-hop history was written in diesel fumes and blunt smoke. The Up In Smoke Tour didn't just cross the country – it blazed through it, leaving a trail of bass drops, blue lights, and unforgettable cameos.
Headliners:
Also appearing:
What went down: Massive inflatable joints, a rotating stage, Puff Daddy showing up unannounced in Detroit, and a 90-minute N.W.A reunion that nearly broke the internet before the internet was even that cool.
The verdict: If you weren't there, you can still feel the smoke. This wasn't just a concert – it was a coronation of West Coast dominance, a victory lap for 2001, and the blueprint for every stadium hip-hop tour that followed.
"Still ain't forgettin' that tour, baby. Blunts in the air forever." – Snoop Dogg (probably)
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By: Legacy of the West
In the summer of 2000, the landscape of popular music shifted. While boy bands and nu-metal dominated the radio waves, a convoy of luxury buses and 18-wheelers rolled across North America, unleashing a thunderous roar that would redefine what a rap concert could be. It wasn't just a concert; it was a coronation.
The Up In Smoke Tour 2000, spearheaded by the legendary Dr. Dre alongside Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ice Cube, was the "greatest hip-hop show ever assembled." For those lucky enough to witness it—or those discovering the bootlegs on YouTube today—it remains the gold standard for hip-hop touring.
Minnesvärd hiphop-turné från år 2000 där några av genrens största artister delade scen: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Eminem, Nate Dogg, Cypress Hill och många fler. Konserterna var kända för högt tempo, klassiska låtar och en feststämning som samlade både West Coast-vibbar och national publik.
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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.
To understand the gravity of this tour, look at the roster. In 2000, every single headliner was at a career peak or inflection point:
Before 2000, rap shows often involved a DJ, a microphone, and maybe a fog machine. The Up In Smoke Tour changed the production value permanently.
Upon entering the arena, fans were greeted by a massive, two-story set designed to look like a seedy Los Angeles boulevard. There were real streetlights, fire hydrants, and the facade of a lowrider shop. But the centerpiece was the "Chronic Cloud"—a massive inflatable skull with glowing red eyes that rose from the stage, blowing smoke across the entire floor.
Midway through the set, a real 1964 Chevrolet Impala (a lowrider) descended from the ceiling, bouncing on hydraulics while Snoop Dogg rapped "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang." It was spectacle, theater, and raw hip-hop rolled into one.