The 2024 Olympics concluded in Paris with an epic performance by none other than Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, leaving the audience talking about the electrifying entertainment. The closing ceremony, with a performance of horses running in from the sea representing Venice Beach in California, was a huge party at which the Olympic flame was handed over, in effect, from Paris to Los Angeles, host of the next Games, in 2028.
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre perform ‘The Next Episode’ during the handover of the Olympics closing ceremony 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3rQofxVcJJ
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) August 11, 2024
The vibrant event featured a stellar lineup of artists, including pop sensation Billie Eilish and rock legends the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But it was one pairing that pretty much got it spot on: Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. Their rambunctious rendition of their seminal hit “The Next Episode” translated with ease to the audience, hitting that note of musical joy etched by West Coast rap.
Snoop Dogg opened the set with his soulful, trademark flow, starting things off with his hit solo track “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” His introduction was met with an eruption when fellow traveler Dr. Dre surprised everyone by appearing on stage to perform a run of their greatest hits, including “Gin and Juice,” “Still D.R.E.,” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.” The chemistry between the two couldn’t have been any more apparent, taking fans back with every beat and rhyme to the golden era of hip-hop.
Despite facing some technical challenges earlier in the event, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s performance was credited with “saving” the closing ceremony. Their ability to captivate the audience with strong lyrics and a commanding stage presence turned potential setbacks into a triumph, making it a memorable finale to the Olympics.
The performance also highlighted just how culturally intertwined Paris and Los Angeles really are as the world gears up for the 2028 Games. A native of Long Beach and cultural icon, Snoop Dogg strongly represented that connection through his core interest and participation in regard to the Games. From working as an Olympic correspondent—reporting for NBC—to running as part of the last leg with the torch in Paris, Snoop was the darling during the Olympics, sharing his passion for both sports and music with fans everywhere around the world.
Throughout the games, Snoop Dogg proved he was not just a performer but a true Olympic enthusiast. His reactions and commentary on various events, from women’s gymnastics to badminton matches, have turned into viral sensation memesis. He dug in for every moment, cheering athletes, learning swimming techniques from Olympian Michael Phelps, and even doing affirmations with gymnast Suni Lee. All this came naturally to him as enthusiasm and humor bled out of him, definitely making him stand out during the Olympics.
Special guest appearances were a big part of the ceremony’s appeal, from the surprise appearance of Hollywood mega-star Tom Cruise to musical festivities featuring a go by Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. Beyoncé was remarkable in her pre-recorded piece, really showing her support for Team USA and the spirit of the Olympics.
Nothing felt more touching than Snoop Dogg himself gifting Simone Biles’ dad a Death Row chain for his birthday. Beyond a gift to an individual, it spoke of Snoop’s appreciation not only for the athletes but for their families. This distinguishes his Olympics experience from that of anyone else on this planet.
And as the Olympic flame was being ceremonially passed from Paris to Los Angeles, there was already a lot of excitement in the air for the 2028 Games. The closing ceremony literally was a bridge from the vibrant Parisian land to the City of Angels, underlining the harmonious chords played with sports and music to bring the world closer.
The stunning performance by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at the closing ceremony of these games will be etched in as the performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making a huge breakthrough in games’ history and setting the stage for an unimaginably thrilling event in Los Angeles.
