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. 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.
The most famous clash occurred in Detroit, Michigan, at the Joe Louis Arena. Local police threatened to shut down the concert and arrest the artists if they played a controversial, sexually explicit backstage video before Eminem’s set. The audio was temporarily cut, and the incident became a central plot point in the official Up In Smoke Tour DVD, framing the artists as fighters for free speech. The Legacy of the Tour
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.
An immaculate live backing band that blended Dre’s signature G-funk studio production with raw, heavy live instrumentation. Iconic On-Stage Moments Up In Smoke Tour 2000 - med Dr dre- snoop dog- ...
Eminem's set was a chaotic lightning bolt of energy. He performed alongside Proof and D12, ripping through "Kill You", "The Real Slim Shady", and "Forgot About Dre" alongside his mentor.
The Up In Smoke Tour was a landmark moment for several reasons:
The main event was a collaborative mega-set by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. The stage featured a full-scale lowrider that emerged from beneath the stage, a replica skull shooting lasers, and a giant screen broadcasting custom-shot short films. The duo moved seamlessly through a decade of hits, from The Chronic classics like "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" to 2001 standouts like "Still D.R.E." and "The Next Episode." The Significance of the Ensemble Cast The roster for Up in Smoke read like
Under Dr. Dre's strict musical direction, a live rhythm section, horn section, and backing vocalists recreated studio beats with immense power and clarity. Controversies and Cultural Impact
The was a visual and auditory spectacle, often described as a "riotous roadshow". The 2000 tour, which ran from June to August, was characterized by high-production values, including a full-size lowrider car that would hop on stage during performances. Key Highlights of the Show:
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 audio was temporarily cut, and the incident
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.
The tour featured a "supergroup" roster that brought together multi-generational icons: Headliners: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ice Cube. Key Performers: Xzibit, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt, and Mack 10. D12, Westside Connection, and Tha Eastsidaz. Special Guests: Appearances often included MC Ren and The D.O.C.. Memorable Highs The Stage Production: