Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg: The Legend in His Own Words

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., better known as Snoop Dogg, is a name synonymous with West Coast hip-hop and beyond. Born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, his journey from a young boy with a love for Peanuts to one of the greatest rappers of all time is nothing short of remarkable. His rise to fame began with his debut album Doggystyle (1993), produced by Dr. Dre, which sold over 23 million albums in the United States and spawned several successful singles.

But Snoop Dogg’s story is more than just hits and accolades; it’s a tale of resilience and transformation. His biological father was absent from his life, and as a child, he was nicknamed ‘Snoopy’ due to his love for the cartoon character. He grew up Baptist and began singing piano at church, where he met old-school R&B music through his mother’s choir. His early years were marked by selling candy and delivering newspapers, but it was in sixth grade that he started rapping, gathering crowds when he performed in school hallways.

As a teenager, Snoop Dogg joined the Rollin’ 20s Crips gang and faced legal troubles for cocaine possession. In 1993, he was charged with first-degree murder but was acquitted in 1996 along with his bodyguard. After this, he shifted away from a gangsta lifestyle and moved into a new home, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. His collaboration with Tupac Shakur on ‘2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted’ before Tupac’s death in 1996 further cemented his status as an influential figure.

From Gangsta to Calm

Tha Doggfather (1996) marked a change in Snoop’s approach, featuring a softer G-funk style and collaborations with Charlie Wilson. The album was not as successful as its predecessor but laid the groundwork for his future work. In an interview with Neil Strauss in 1998, Snoop Dogg said that though he had been given lavish gifts by his former label, they had withheld his royalty payments.

After Tha Doggfather, Snoop Dogg began moving away from his gangsta roots toward a calmer lyrical aesthetic. He signed with Master P’s No Limit Records in March 1998 and debuted on the label with Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told later that year.

A Musical Journey Through Time

Snoop Dogg’s career is a testament to his versatility. From Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ (2004) featuring the hit singles ‘From tha Chuuuch to da Palace’ and ‘Beautiful,’ to his reggae album Reincarnated in 2013, Snoop has continually reinvented himself. His eleventh studio album was Doggumentary, and he collaborated with Katy Perry on ‘California Gurls.’ In 2014-2017, Snoop released several albums including Ego Trippin’, Malice n Wonderland, and Doggumentary. His album Malice n Wonderland debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, selling 61,000 copies its first week.

Snoop Dogg’s career is a journey of transformation and reinvention, from gangsta to reggae, and back again. His music has evolved with each album, reflecting his personal growth and artistic vision.

Entrepreneurship and Activism

Beyond the music, Snoop Dogg is an entrepreneur and activist. He founded his own production company, Snoopadelic Films, in 2005, with their debut film being Boss’n Up. In December 2013, he performed at the Kennedy Center Honors concert honoring jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, crediting him with inventing hip-hop. He has also been involved in various social causes and investments, including his first legal marijuana shop, S.W.E.D., opening in Los Angeles in July 2024.

As a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, Snoop Dogg has appeared at WrestleMania XXIV in 2008, Raw in 2015, and WrestleMania 32 in 2016. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016. His involvement extends beyond wrestling; he also hosted a basketball fundraiser for Flint, Michigan, and performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Dr. Dre and others in February 2022.

A Philanthropic Heart

Snoop Dogg has been involved in various philanthropic activities. He founded the Snoop Youth Football League for at-risk youth in Southern California, which claims to be the largest youth football organization with over 1,500 players. He partners with city officials and annually gives away turkeys to the less fortunate in Inglewood, California, at Thanksgiving.

His advocacy includes defunding police departments and supporting tighter gun control, citing his own struggles with obtaining a gun in the past.

A Personal Life

Snoop Dogg has been married to Shante Taylor since 1997. They have three children together: Cordé (born 1994), Cordell (born 1997), and Cori (born 1999). He also has two additional children from other relationships.

As for his faith, Snoop Dogg was raised as a Baptist but later reported being a member of the Nation of Islam. In 2005, he converted to Rastafari and changed his name to Snoop Lion after a trip to Jamaica. He released reggae album Reincarnated, saying ‘I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated.’

Snoop Dogg is more than just a rapper; he’s an icon, a philanthropist, and a man of many talents. His journey from Long Beach to the world stage is one that continues to inspire.

From his humble beginnings in Long Beach to becoming one of the greatest rappers of all time, Snoop Dogg’s story is a testament to resilience and transformation. His music, philanthropy, and activism continue to resonate with fans around the world.