Rap’s top dogg

Cordozar Calvin Broadus is coming to town.

He possesses a reputed IQ of 147 (145 and above is considered “genius”)—two points higher than Napoleon Bonaparte, and 10 points higher than both Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Broadus is, of course better known as Snoop Dogg and he’s one of the most widely known rappers of all time. Even the most casual fan has heard the lyrics to “Gin and Juice,” from his 1993 quadruple-platinum album, Doggystyle: “Rollin’ down the street smokin’ endo/ sippin’ on gin and juice/ (Laid back)/ with my mind on my money and my money on my mind.” He doesn’t need much introduction.

But if you really haven’t heard his music, maybe you saw him as Huggy Bear in the 2004 movie remake of the TV series Starsky & Hutch, or on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, or on his E! TV reality show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood (or maybe in his 2001 award-winning, X-rated film Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle).

Snoop’s making a return visit to the Senator Theatre on Jan. 23 in support of his new album, Malice N Wonderland.

The CN&R managed to catch up with the busy “Mr. Dogg” (as Stephen Colbert politely addressed him in a recent interview) for a little e-mail Q&A:

How did you come up with the title for your new album, Malice N Wonderland?

The great [Argentine] composer Lalo Schifrin and I were in the studio one night and he made a track for me with tha title “Malice N Wonderland” and I thought to myself what a dope idea for an album cover, ya dig?!?

Who did the artwork for the cover?

The bigg homey Cartoon [famous tattoo artist Mr. Cartoon]. He did a couple of versions and he hit it right on the head—he a genius at what he does—he did my one and only tattoo this past summer too.

What was it like working with such a who’s-who list of musicians and producers—R. Kelly, The-Dream, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Pharrell, Jazmine Sullivan, Soulja Boy, etc.?

It’s a blessing. I have worked with a lot of great artists and I hope to continue to do so, and make timeless, legendary music. Ugot2doit. Not why, but why not?

What made you think of remaking “Talking in Your Sleep,” by ’80s band The Romantics, into “Secrets” featuring Kokane? What does the band think of it?

I was a huge fan of “Secrets” and tha homey Kokane sang his ass off, so I had to jump on tha track and stamp it, ya dig? I hope they like it. What do you think of it?!? Hahaha.

What was it like working with your cousin Brandy on “Special”?

Ima bigg fan of Brandy. My wife Shante is a bigg fan. She my cousin—I gotta lotta luv for her. With Skateboard P on tha track it’s down to be a home run.

What can you tell me about why you wrote “Different Languages”?

I wrote “Different Languages” cuz Jazmine sounded so sweet on tha track and we both jus did our thang and sent it back to each other—and right away we knew it was a hit. Shout out to Jazmine and Philadelphia.

Do you have a favorite cut on this album? Why?

“2 Minute Warning” cuz it’s some real Gangsta shit.

What can we look forward to from Snoop Dogg the new creative chairman of Priority Records? Anything you want to say about your first signing, Cypress Hill?

Jus signed Cypress Hill. I got more surprises fo yo ass commin real soon. More Malice [of rap duo Clipse] is dropping top of March. 2010 is gonna be big, jacc!!! What up B-Real! We did our thang on George Lopez show [in December 2009] and we definitely got more commn for tha fans. Chuuch!!!!