The electronic music world was rocked when renowned DJ Maceo Plex, real name Eric Estornel, decided to share his memories of one of the most surreal encounters of his life. The hero of this story was none other than rap icon Snoop Dogg. It turns out the legendary performer once seriously intended to engage in a real-life “smoking duel” with the DJ’s wife, Christina Mooneyhan, known in creative circles by her stage name Maars.
It all began during the pandemic, when artists around the world were forced to switch to online performances. Maceo Plex recalls how, after their joint stream, Snoop Dogg’s manager unexpectedly approached him. It turned out that the rapper was so impressed by Christina’s reputation—rumor had it she could outsmoke even Snoop—that he wanted to confirm it himself. “Snoop wants to meet you, he heard your wife smokes more than him, and he wants to have a duel,” his manager reported his idol’s words.
Unfortunately or fortunately, this high-level meeting never took place. Christina, being a pragmatic person, simply went home before the official invitation from Snoop Dogg’s team had time to reach its destination. She was absolutely certain that a legend of such stature wouldn’t waste time on such a challenge, but Eric admits it was entirely possible, as his own manager had informed the rapper’s entourage in advance of his wife’s “talents.”
Maceo Plex himself remembers well what it was like to enter Snoop Dogg’s inner sanctum. He described with a smile the artist’s incredible training system: Snoop Dogg has a specially trained person on staff whose sole job is to expertly roll joints, mixing cannabis with high-quality resin and wax. Eric tried to offer himself as a partner, but quickly realized the odds were stacked. “I only took one or two hits and started literally choking,” the DJ recalled wryly. The rapper, observing the scene, heartily laughed at his guest, while Eric himself, after such a powerful reception, was forced to fall asleep in the car, feeling incredibly embarrassed by his lack of endurance.
Despite this awkward moment, Maceo Plex insists: Snoop Dogg is one of the nicest people he’s ever met in the industry. This strange story not only left vivid memories but also marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the DJ and the rapper’s team.
Today, the DJ’s life has changed dramatically. Maceo Plex, currently performing at the OFFSónar festival in Barcelona, admits he’s reconsidered his approach to touring. After years of wild parties and grueling flights, he’s decided to prioritize his health. He’s been accepting fewer gigs, preferring quality rest to endless partying. “I feel healthier than ever,” he says, emphasizing that with age, he’s realized the destructive power of constant stress. Barcelona, he says, remains a special place for him, a place where he feels at home, as it’s where he began his career and has played every key stage in the city.
