Tha Eastsidaz Reflect on Their Journey, New Music, and West Coast Hip-Hop Revival on the Bootleg Kev Podcast

In a recent episode of the Bootleg Kev Podcast, Tha Eastsidaz—Trey Dee and Goldie L—made an exciting return to talk about their new EP, their history, and the renewed energy surrounding West Coast hip-hop. It’s been years since fans heard a major project from the iconic West Coast duo, but they’re back, and this time, they’re once again teamed up with Snoop Dogg. In a candid and nostalgic interview, they reflected on their journey from their early days under Snoop’s leadership to their upcoming projects, showing how far they've come and where they're headed next.

Reuniting With Snoop and New Music

Tha Eastsidaz just dropped their latest EP, the first significant body of work since 2001. Though they have been releasing independent tracks and performing over the years, this is the first time in a long while that they’re back working directly under Snoop’s banner. Trey Dee shared that after returning home in 2014 from a ten-and-a-half-year sentence, they got right back to making music, including a mixtape titled That's My Work Volume 4 with Snoop Dogg.

“We always in the mix, doing shows with Dogg and putting out singles here and there,” Trey Dee explained. This time around, however, they're back with new energy and are officially working with Snoop again. The new EP came together quickly—in just ten days—after Snoop encouraged them to get something done while he had a small opening in his schedule. “We fell in and went right to work,” Trey Dee recalled.

Reflecting on Their Debut and Bridging the Gap

Tha Eastsidaz reminisced about their iconic debut album from 2000, which marked the beginning of Snoop Dogg as a label head and a community unifier. The project brought attention to Long Beach and helped bring together neighborhoods that had historically been at odds. This effort wasn’t just about music; it was about community and unity. “To have our homeboys come together and start partying together... that was a big accomplishment for us,” Trey Dee reflected.

Snoop was a driving force behind that unity. Trey Dee highlighted Snoop’s vision: “He probably had the foresight that bringing us together would bring some healing to the city. He’s always been about the city, never divisive.” Snoop’s role as a peacemaker and leader during that time was instrumental, as he managed to align different factions and steer them toward a collective purpose—a monumental feat for Long Beach in the early 2000s.

Coming Full Circle with Death Row

One notable full-circle moment discussed in the podcast was Snoop's acquisition of Death Row Records. It’s not lost on Trey Dee and Goldie L how surreal it is that Snoop, who had once fled Death Row during its tumultuous years, now owns it. This new ownership has brought not only new music but also a line of branded products, from cannabis to seltzers. Tha Eastsidaz joked about creating Death Row rims to add to the merchandise line, capturing the essence of the ongoing evolution and rebranding of the label.

The acquisition of Death Row symbolizes Snoop’s long journey—from being an artist under Suge Knight’s infamous leadership to being the creative mastermind with full control over the iconic brand. This milestone represents the endurance and lasting impact of the West Coast music scene, something that Tha Eastsidaz are proud to be a part of.

The New EP and Collaborations

The new Eastsidaz EP, Still E, is all about fresh energy and collaboration. They praised October London, a new artist Snoop has been pushing, for his authentic R&B sound. Trey Dee described October as someone who sounds like he’s “from 1979,” adding that he quickly laid down a hook in just ten minutes. It’s clear that Tha Eastsidaz have a lot of respect for the new talent coming up under Snoop’s guidance.

They also talked about reconnecting with Butch Cassidy, who featured on their latest project. Goldie L explained how Butch was recording his own project in the same studio, and it only felt natural to have him jump on one of their tracks, especially since Butch is Nate Dogg’s cousin. “He had to get on this song,” Trey Dee said, emphasizing the organic vibe they strive for in their music.

Nate Dogg’s Influence

Nate Dogg’s influence continues to loom large, both in their music and in the wider hip-hop community. They reminisced about working with Nate Dogg and described him as someone who brought his own essence to every track he touched. Trey Dee spoke fondly of Nate: “When Nate gets on a track, it’s pretty much a wrap.” They shared that Nate was a director of sorts—he would feel the track and guide it to completion, with everyone else following his lead.

It was evident that, for Tha Eastsidaz, Nate wasn’t just a collaborator—he was a friend and a key figure in their musical journey. Trey Dee's stories about spending time with Nate in Clarksdale, Mississippi, painted a picture of a deep, personal bond beyond music.

A West Coast Revival

Tha Eastsidaz see this moment as a renaissance for West Coast hip-hop. With new projects from Snoop, Dogg Pound, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, and even Ice Cube, the West Coast music scene feels more alive than ever. “It feels like 2000 all over again,” Trey Dee said, reflecting on how today’s momentum reminds him of the early 2000s when West Coast rap was thriving.

They also touched on Tyler the Creator’s contributions to West Coast hip-hop, admitting they haven’t deeply locked into his music but acknowledging his impact. For them, it’s not just about one sound—it’s about the diversity and evolution of the West Coast soundscape.

Staying Active and Looking Forward

Beyond the music, Tha Eastsidaz are staying physically active. Bootleg Kev highlighted Trey Dee's dedication to fitness, noting his prison-style workouts. Trey Dee laughed it off, saying, “I get my curl on... tighten things up when I need to.” It’s clear that staying fit is just another part of how Trey Dee approaches life—always staying ready.

Looking ahead, Tha Eastsidaz have plans to keep the momentum going. They have already shot multiple music videos for their new EP, and they hinted at more content on the way. For fans who have been waiting for years, the return of Tha Eastsidaz brings not only nostalgia but also fresh music that continues to push the boundaries of West Coast hip-hop.

Conclusion

The Bootleg Kev Podcast episode with Tha Eastsidaz was more than just an interview—it was a reminder of the legacy of Long Beach and the power of unity through music. With their new EP, Still E, Trey Dee and Goldie L are not just reliving their glory days; they are evolving, collaborating, and celebrating the resurgence of West Coast hip-hop. For fans of the genre, this is a testament to the longevity and resilience of an era that continues to inspire new generations.