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Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
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Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (/ˈbrdɪs/ BROH-dis; born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg),[note 1] is an American rapper, singer, record producer, and actor. Rooted in West Coast hip-hop, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time.[5][6][7] Known for his signature drawled lyrics—which often use melodic rhyming, repetition, word play, laconic phrases, syncopation and alliteration—his music often addresses the lifestyle and culture of the West Coast and social issues such as gun violence and stability for the youth.[8][9] His initial fame dates back to 1992 following his guest appearance on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, "Deep Cover", and later on Dre's debut album, The Chronic, that same year, including "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang". Snoop Dogg has since sold over 23 million albums in the United States, and 35 million albums worldwide.[10][11] His accolades include an American Music Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, two Sports Emmy Awards, and seventeen Grammy Award nominations.

Key Information

Produced entirely by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg's debut studio album, Doggystyle (1993) was released by Death Row Records and debuted atop the Billboard 200. Selling 806,000 copies in its first week, the album received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) the following year and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top ten singles "What's My Name?" and "Gin and Juice". He was the lead performer on Death Row's soundtrack album for the 1994 short film Murder Was the Case, wherein Snoop Dogg made his acting debut. He has since appeared in other films and popular media. His second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted atop the Billboard 200 and received double platinum certification.

In 1998, he parted ways with Death Row in favor of Master P's No Limit Records, through which he saw largely continued success with his albums Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). He then signed with Priority, Capitol, and EMI Records to release his sixth album Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss (2002), which was further commercially oriented. This effectively continued upon him signing with Geffen Records to release his next three albums: R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004), Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (2006), and Ego Trippin' (2008); the former spawned the single "Drop It Like It's Hot" (featuring Pharrell), which became his first to peak atop the Billboard Hot 100. He then returned to Priority and Capitol—upon his hiring as chairman of the former label—to release his tenth and eleventh albums, Malice 'n Wonderland (2009) and Doggumentary (2011), both of which saw mild critical and commercial response.[12]

In 2012, following a trip to Jamaica, Snoop Dogg converted to Rastafari and adopted the alias Snoop Lion, under which he released a reggae album, Reincarnated (2013), and a namesake documentary film about his Jamaican experience. His thirteenth studio album, Bush (2015), was produced entirely by frequent collaborator Pharrell. His fourteenth studio album, Coolaid was released in 2016. In 2018, Snoop Dogg became "a born-again Christian" and released his first gospel album, Bible of Love, in March of that year.[13] Also that year, Snoop Dogg was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[14] In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group (formerly known as eOne Music), and released his nineteenth studio album, BODR (2022)—preceded by the independently-released I Wanna Thank Me (2019) and From tha Streets 2 tha Suites (2021).[15] On December 13, 2024, he released his twentieth studio album, Missionary. It became his highest-charting album since 2015, peaking within the top twenty of the Billboard 200.

Early life

[edit]

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. was born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, to Beverly Tate (1951–2021) and Vernell Varnado.[16][17] Varnado, who was a Vietnam War veteran, singer, and mail carrier, left the family only three months after Snoop Dogg's birth, and thus he was named after his stepfather, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr. (1948–1984).[18][17] His biological father remained largely absent from his life. As a boy, his mother nicknamed him "Snoopy" due to his love for and likeness to the cartoon character from Peanuts.[19] He was the second of his mother's three sons.

Snoop Dogg was raised Baptist and began singing and playing piano at Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church when he was very young.[20][21] His mother, a member of the church choir, was one of his "prime musical influences" growing up and introduced him to old-school R&B music.[22] In his youth, Snoop Dogg sold candy, delivered newspapers, and bagged groceries. Snoop Dogg was described as having been a dedicated student and enthusiastic churchgoer, active in choir and football.[23]

In sixth grade, Snoop Dogg began rapping.[20] He would frequently rap in school, as he recalled: "When I rapped in the hallways at school I would draw such a big crowd that the principal would think there was a fight going on. It made me begin to realize that I had a gift. I could tell that my raps interested people and that made me interested in myself".[23]

In his teenage years, Snoop Dogg began engaging in unlawful activities and joining gangs, despite his mother's preventive efforts.[23] He was a member of the Rollin' 20s Crips gang in the Eastside neighborhood of Long Beach;[24] in 1993, however, he denied the frequent police and media reports by saying that he never joined a gang.[20] Shortly after graduating from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1989, he was arrested for possession of cocaine, and for the next three years was frequently incarcerated, including at Wayside Jail.[25] With his two cousins, Nate Dogg and Lil' ½ Dead, and friend Warren G, he recorded homemade tapes, with one titled Over the Counter attracting some label interest.[citation needed] The four called their group 213 after the area code of their native Long Beach at that time, and recorded their first four-song demo at their local VIP Records store.[26] One of Snoop's early solo freestyles over "Hold On" by En Vogue was on a mixtape that fortuitously wound up with Dr. Dre; the influential producer was so impressed by the sample that he called Snoop Dogg to audition in 1991 for his label Death Row Records (then known as Future Shock). Former N.W.A affiliate, American rapper Tracy Lynn Curry, better known as The D.O.C., taught him to structure his lyrics and separate the themes into verses, hooks, and choruses.[27]

Music career

[edit]

1991–1997: Death Row, Doggystyle, and Tha Doggfather

[edit]

When he began recording, the young rapper took the stage name Snoop Doggy Dogg. He was introduced to Dr. Dre by Warren G, who gave him Snoop Dogg's cassette tape. Snoop Dogg then signed with Dre's label Future Shock Records (which later became known as Death Row Records).[28] Dr. Dre began working with him, first on the theme song of the 1992 film Deep Cover, and then on Dr. Dre's debut solo album The Chronic, along with the other members of his former starting group, Tha Dogg Pound. This intense exposure played a considerable part in making Snoop Dogg's debut album, Doggystyle, the critical and commercial success that it was.[25]

Snoop Dogg performing in 1998

Fueling the ascendance of West Coast G-funk hip hop, the singles "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" and "Gin and Juice" reached the top ten most-played songs in the United States, and the album stayed on the Billboard charts for several months.[25] Gangsta rap became the center of arguments about censorship and labeling, with Snoop Dogg often used as an example of violent and misogynistic musicians.[29] Unlike many of the harder-edged gangsta rap artists, Snoop Dogg seemed to show his softer side, according to music journalist Chuck Philips. Rolling Stone music critic Touré asserted that Snoop Dogg had a relatively soft vocal delivery compared to other rappers: "Snoop's vocal style is part of what distinguishes him: where many rappers scream, figuratively and literally, he speaks softly".[20] Doggystyle, much like The Chronic, featured a host of rappers signed to or affiliated with the Death Row label, including Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Nate Dogg, and others.

In 1993, Snoop Dogg was charged with first-degree murder for the shooting of a member of a rival gang, who was actually killed by Snoop Dogg's bodyguard.[30] Snoop Dogg was acquitted on February 20, 1996, and the case was finally closed in 2024.[31] According to Snoop Dogg, after he was acquitted, he did not want to continue living the "gangsta" lifestyle, because he felt that continuing his behavior would result in his assassination or a prison term.[32] A short film about Snoop Dogg's murder trial, Murder Was the Case, was released in 1994, along with an accompanying soundtrack. On July 6, 1995, Doggy Style Records, Inc., a record label founded by Snoop Dogg, was registered with the California Secretary of State as business entity number C1923139.[33]

After his acquittal, Snoop Dogg and the mother of his son, along with their kennel of 20 pit bulls, moved into a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) home in the hills of Claremont, California, and by August 1996 Doggy Style Records, a subsidiary of Death Row Records, signed the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson as one of its first artists.[34] He collaborated with fellow rap artist Tupac Shakur on the 1996 single "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted". This was one of Shakur's last songs released while alive; he was shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas, dying six days later.

By the time Snoop Dogg's second album, Tha Doggfather, was released in November 1996, the price of appearing to be a gang member "living the gangsta life" had become very evident. Among the many notable hip hop industry deaths and convictions were the death of Snoop Dogg's friend and labelmate Tupac Shakur and the racketeering indictment of Death Row co-founder Suge Knight.[25] Dr. Dre had left Death Row earlier in 1996 because of a contract dispute, so Snoop Dogg co-produced Tha Doggfather with Daz Dillinger and DJ Pooh.

This album featured a distinct change of style from Doggystyle, and the leadoff single, "Snoop's Upside Ya Head", featured a collaboration with Charlie Wilson. The album sold reasonably well but was not as successful as its predecessor. Tha Doggfather had a somewhat softer approach to the G-funk style. Snoop Dogg was scheduled to release an EP titled Doggumentary on July 8, 1997, but the album had been canceled.[35] Despite this, a music video was released for its projected first single, Midnight Love.[35] Snoop Dogg realized that he was subject to an ironclad time-based contract (i.e., that Death Row practically owned anything he produced for a number of years), and refused to produce anymore tracks for Suge Knight other than the insulting "Fuck Death Row" until his contract expired.[24] 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.[36]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic said that after Tha Doggfather, Snoop Dogg began "moving away from his gangsta roots toward a calmer lyrical aesthetic":[25] for instance, Snoop Dogg participated in the 1997 Lollapalooza concert tour, which featured mainly alternative rock music. Troy J. Augusto of Variety noted that Snoop's set at Lollapalooza attracted "much dancing, and, strangely, even a small mosh pit" in the audience.[37]

1998–2006: Signing with No Limit and continued success

[edit]
Snoop Dogg performing in Hawaii for U.S. military members in 2005

Snoop Dogg signed with Master P's No Limit Records (distributed by Priority/EMI Records) in March 1998 and debuted on the label with Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told later that year. He said at the time that "Snoop Dogg is universal so he can fit into any camp-especially a camp that knows how to handmake shit[;] [a]nd, No Limit hand makes material. They make material fittin' to the artist and they know what type of shit Snoop Dogg is supposed to be on. That's why it's so tight". [sic][38] His other albums on No Limit were No Limit Top Dogg in 1999 (selling over 1,510,000 copies) and Tha Last Meal in 2000 (selling over 2,100,000).[25] In 1999, his autobiography, Tha Doggfather, was published.

In 2002, he released the album Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$, on Priority/Capitol/EMI, selling over 1,310,000 copies. The album featured the hit singles "From tha Chuuuch to da Palace" and "Beautiful", featuring guest vocals by Pharrell. In the same year, he featured in the remix of "Welcome to Atlanta" by Jermaine Dupri. By this stage in his career, Snoop Dogg had left behind his "gangster" image and embraced a "pimp" image.

In June 2004, Snoop Dogg signed to Geffen Records/Star Trak Entertainment, both distributed by Interscope Records; Star Trak is headed by producer duo the Neptunes,[39] which produced several tracks for Snoop's 2004 release R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece. "Drop It Like It's Hot" (featuring Pharrell), the first single released from the album, was a hit and became Snoop Dogg's first single to reach number one. His third release was "Signs", featuring Justin Timberlake and Charlie Wilson, which entered the UK chart at No. 2. This was his highest entry ever in the UK chart. The album sold 1,730,000 copies in the U.S. alone, and most of its singles were heavily played on radio and television. Snoop Dogg joined Warren G and Nate Dogg to form the group 213 and released The Hard Way in 2004. Debuting at No.4 on the Billboard 200 and No.1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, it included the single "Groupie Luv". Snoop Dogg appeared in the music video for Korn's "Twisted Transistor" along with fellow rappers Lil Jon, Xzibit, and David Banner.

Snoop Dogg appeared on two tracks from Ice Cube's 2006 album Laugh Now, Cry Later, including "Go to Church", and on several tracks on Tha Dogg Pound's Cali Iz Active the same year. His song "Real Talk" was leaked on the Internet in the summer of 2006 and a video was later released on the Internet. "Real Talk" was dedicated to former Crips leader Stanley "Tookie" Williams and a diss to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor of California. Two other singles on which Snoop Dogg made a guest performance were "Keep Bouncing" by Too $hort (also with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas) and "Gangsta Walk" by Coolio.

Snoop's 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment debuted on the Billboard 200 at No.5 and sold over 850,000 copies. The album and the second single "That's That Shit" featuring R. Kelly were well received by critics. In the album, he collaborated in a video with E-40 and other West Coast rappers on the single "Candy (Drippin' Like Water)".

2007–2012: Ego Trippin', Malice n Wonderland and Doggumentary

[edit]

In July 2007, Snoop Dogg made history by becoming the first artist to release a track as a ringtone before its release as a single, "It's the D.O.G". On July 7, 2007, Snoop Dogg performed at the Live Earth concert, Hamburg.[40] Snoop Dogg ventured into singing for Bollywood with his first ever rap for an Indian movie, Singh Is Kinng; the song title is also "Singh is Kinng". He appears in the movie as himself.[41] The album featuring the song was released on June 8, 2008, on Junglee Music Records.[42] He released his ninth studio album, Ego Trippin' (selling 400,000 copies in the U.S.), along with the first single, "Sexual Eruption". The single peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 100, featuring Snoop Dogg using autotune. The album featured production from QDT (Quik-Dogg-Teddy).

Snoop Dogg was appointed an executive position at Priority Records. His tenth studio album, Malice n Wonderland, was released on December 8, 2009. The first single from the album, "Gangsta Luv", featuring The-Dream, peaked at No.35 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at No.23 on the Billboard 200, selling 61,000 copies its first week, making it his lowest charting album. His third single, "I Wanna Rock", peaked at No.41 on the Billboard Hot 100. The fourth single from Malice n Wonderland, titled "Pronto", featuring Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, was released on iTunes on December 1, 2009. Snoop Dogg re-released the album under the name More Malice.

Snoop Dogg collaborated with Katy Perry on "California Gurls", the first single from her album Teenage Dream, which was released on May 7, 2010.[43] Snoop Dogg can also be heard on the track "Flashing" by Dr. Dre and on Curren$y's song "Seat Change". He was also featured on a new single from Australian singer Jessica Mauboy, titled "Get 'em Girls" (released September 2010). Snoop's latest effort was backing American recording artist, Emii, on her second single entitled "Mr. Romeo" (released October 26, 2010, as a follow-up to "Magic"). Snoop Dogg also collaborated with American comedy troupe the Lonely Island in their song "Turtleneck & Chain", in their 2011 album Turtleneck & Chain.

Snoop Dogg's eleventh studio album was Doggumentary. The album went through several tentative titles including Doggystyle 2: Tha Doggumentary and Doggumentary Music: 0020 before being released under the final title Doggumentary on March 29, 2011.[44] Snoop Dogg was featured on Gorillaz' album Plastic Beach on the track "Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach" with the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. He also completed another track with them entitled "Sumthing Like This Night" which was later released on Doggumentary. He also appears on the 2011 Tech N9ne album All 6's and 7's on the track "Pornographic", which also features E-40 and Krizz Kaliko.

2012–2013: Reincarnated and 7 Days of Funk

[edit]
Snoop Dogg as Snoop Lion, 2013

On February 4, 2012, Snoop Dogg announced a documentary, Reincarnated, alongside his new upcoming studio album entitled Reincarnated. The film was released March 21, 2013, with the album slated for release April 23, 2013. On July 20, 2012, Snoop Dogg released a new reggae single, "La La La" under the pseudonym Snoop Lion.[45] Three other songs were also announced to be on the album: "No Guns Allowed", "Ashtrays and Heartbreaks", and "Harder Times".[46]

On July 31, 2012, Snoop Dogg introduced a new stage name, Snoop Lion. He told reporters that he was rechristened Snoop Lion by a Rastafari priest in Jamaica.[47] In response to Frank Ocean coming out, Snoop Dogg said hip hop was ready to accept a gay rapper.[48] Snoop Dogg recorded an original song for the 2012 fighting game Tekken Tag Tournament 2, titled "Knocc 'Em Down"; and makes a special appearance as a non-playable character in "The Snoop Dogg Stage" arena.[49][50]

In September of the same year, Snoop Dogg released a compilation of electronic music entitled Loose Joints under the moniker DJ Snoopadelic, stating the influence of George Clinton's Funkadelic.[51] In an interview with The Fader magazine, he stated "Snoop Lion, Snoop Dogg, DJ Snoopadelic—they only know one thing: make music that's timeless and bangs".[51] In December 2012, Snoop Dogg released his second single from Reincarnated, "Here Comes the King". It was also announced that Snoop Dogg worked a deal with RCA Records to release Reincarnated in early 2013.[52] Also in December 2012, Snoop Dogg released a That's My Work a collaboration rap mixtape with Tha Dogg Pound.[53]

In an interview with Hip Hop Weekly on June 17, producer Symbolyc One (S1) announced that Snoop Dogg was working on his final album under his rap moniker Snoop Dogg; "I've been working with Snoop, he's actually working on his last solo album as Snoop Dogg".[54] In September 2013, Snoop Dogg released a collaboration album with his sons as Tha Broadus Boyz titled Royal Fam.[55] On October 28, 2013, Snoop Dogg released another mixtape entitled That's My Work 2 hosted by DJ Drama.[56] Snoop Dogg formed a funk duo with musician Dâm-Funk called 7 Days of Funk and released their debut album, 7 Days of Funk, on December 10, 2013.

2014–2017: Bush, Coolaid, and Neva Left

[edit]

In August 2014, a clip surfaced online featuring a sneak preview of a song Snoop Dogg had recorded for Pharrell.[57] Snoop's Pharrell Williams-produced album Bush was released on May 12, 2015,[58] with the first single "Peaches N Cream" having been released on March 10, 2015.

On June 13, 2016, Snoop Dogg announced the release date for his album Coolaid, which was released on July 1, 2016.[59] He headlined a "unity party" for donors at Philly's Electric Factory on July 28, 2016, the last day of the Democratic National Convention.[60] Released March 1, 2017, through his own Doggy Style Records, "Promise You This" precedes the release of his upcoming Coolaid film based on the album of the same name. Snoop Dogg released his fifteenth studio album Neva Left in May 2017.[61]

2018–2021: Bible of Love, I Wanna Thank Me, and From tha Streets 2 tha Suites

[edit]

He released a gospel album titled Bible of Love on March 16, 2018.[62][63]

Snoop Dogg performing with Jamiroquai at Coachella)

In April 2018, Snoop Dogg performed at Coachella with acid-jazz and funk band Jamiroquai. Snoop Dogg was featured on Gorillaz' album The Now Now, released in June 2018, on a track called: "Hollywood" with Jamie Principle.[64] In November 2018, Snoop Dogg announced plans for his Puff Puff Pass tour, which features Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too $hort, Warren G, Kurupt, and others. The tour ran from November 24 to January 5.[14]

Snoop Dogg was featured on Lil Dicky's April 2019 single "Earth", where he played the role of a marijuana plant in both the song's lyrics and animated video.[65] On July 3, 2019, Snoop Dogg released the title track from his upcoming 17th studio album, I Wanna Thank Me.[66][67] The album was released on August 16, 2019.[68] Snoop Dogg collaborated with Vietnamese singer Son Tung M-TP in "Hãy trao cho anh" ("Give it to Me"), which was officially released on July 1, 2019.[69] As of October 3, 2019, the music video has amassed over 158 million views on YouTube.

Early in 2020, it was announced that Snoop Dogg had rescheduled his tour in support of his I Wanna Thank You album and documentary of the same name. The tour has been rescheduled to commence in February 2021.[70] In May 2020, Snoop Dogg released the song "Que Maldicion", a collaboration with Banda Sinaloense de Sergio Lizarraga, peaking at number one on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.[71]

On April 20, 2021, Snoop Dogg released his eighteenth studio album From tha Streets 2 tha Suites. It was announced on April 7, 2021, via Instagram.[72] The album received generally positive reviews from critics.

During an interview on the September 27 airing of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Snoop Dogg announced Algorithm. The album was released on November 19, 2021.[73]

2022: Super Bowl LVI halftime show performance and BODR

[edit]

Snoop Dogg performed at the halftime show of Super Bowl LVI alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar.[74]

In January 2022, Snoop Dogg announced that he would release his 19th studio album, BODR, on the same day as his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.[75] However, the album's release was pushed forward two days and was released on February 11, 2022.[76]

On February 10, 2022, Snoop Dogg announced that he had acquired Death Row Records and intended to revive the label.[77]

On June 24, 2022, Snoop Dogg collaborated with Eminem on the track "From the D 2 the LBC", with a live-action/animated music video released the same day.[78]

2024–present: Paris Olympics closing ceremony, Gin and Juice, Missionary, Iz It a Crime?

[edit]

On August 11, 2024, Snoop Dogg appeared during the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Paris, France,[79] performing a rendition of "Drop It Like It's Hot" and then, along with Dr Dre, "The Next Episode".[80][81] He had been working at the event as a correspondent for NBC and Peacock.[82][83] His hosting of the event won him two Sports Emmy Awards.[84]

In February 2024, Snoop Dogg launched a range of pre-mixed cocktails with Dr. Dre named after their hit single, "Gin and Juice". Flavors include apricot, citrus, melon and passion fruit.[85] A short prohibition themed trailer was created to support the release.[86] A luxury gin called "Still G.I.N.", a reference to the track Still D.R.E., was released later in 2024.[87][88] The Venetian glass bottle was designed by Ini Archibong.[88][89][90]

Also in 2024, Snoop Dogg announced a new album coming out called Missionary, entirely produced by Dr. Dre, serving as a spiritual sequel to Snoop Dogg's first album Doggystyle, which was also produced by Dr. Dre.[91][92] The album's first single "Gorgeous" was released on November 1, 2024, followed by the album's release on December 13, 2024, via Death Row/Aftermath and Interscope, while the latter label serving as its new signee.[93] The album features guest appearances from Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Method Man, and Sting, and received generally favorable reviews with praise directed towards Snoop's lyrics and Dr. Dre's production.[94] In April, he was listed as one of the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine. On May 15, 2025, he released the surprise album Iz It a Crime?

Other ventures

[edit]

Snoop Dogg has appeared in numerous films and television episodes throughout his career. His starring roles in film includes The Wash (with Dr. Dre) and the horror film Bones. He also co-starred with rapper Wiz Khalifa in the 2012 movie Mac & Devin Go to High School which a sequel has been announced.[95] He has had various supporting and cameo roles in film, including Half Baked, Training Day, Starsky & Hutch, and Brüno.

Snoop Dogg at WrestleMania XXIV at Orlando's Citrus Bowl with Ashley Massaro and tag team partner Maria, March 30, 2008

He has starred in three television programs: sketch-comedy show Doggy Fizzle Televizzle,[96] variety show Dogg After Dark,[97] and reality show Snoop Dogg's Father Hood (also starring Snoop's wife and children).[98] He has starred in episodes of King of the Hill, Las Vegas, and Monk, one episode of Robot Chicken,[99] as well as three episodes of One Life to Live.[100] He has participated in three Comedy Central Roasts, for Flavor Flav, Donald Trump, and Justin Bieber. Cameo television appearances include episodes of The L Word, Weeds, Entourage, I Get That a Lot, Monk, and The Price Is Right. He has also appeared in an episode of the YouTube video series, Epic Rap Battles of History as Moses.[101]

In 2000, Snoop Dogg (as "Michael J. Corleone") directed Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle, a pornographic film produced by Hustler. The film, combining hip hop with X-rated material, was a huge success and won "Top Selling Release of the Year" at the 2002 AVN Awards.[102] Snoop Dogg then directed Snoop Dogg's Hustlaz: Diary of a Pimp in 2002 (using the nickname "Snoop Scorsese").[103]

Snoop Dogg founded his own production company, Snoopadelic Films, in 2005. Their debut film was Boss'n Up, a film inspired by Snoop Dogg's album R&G, starring Lil Jon and Trina.[104]

In December 2013, Snoop Dogg performed at the annual Kennedy Center Honors concert, honoring jazz pianist Herbie Hancock. After his performance, Snoop Dogg credited Hancock with "inventing hip-hop".[105]

On several occasions, Snoop Dogg has appeared at the Players Ball in support of Bishop Don Magic Juan.[106][107] Juan appeared on Snoop's videos for "Boss Playa", "A.D.I.D.A.C.", "P.I.M.P. (Remix)", "Nuthin' Without Me", and "A Pimp's Christmas Song".

Snoop Dogg speaks onstage during day one of TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2015.

In January 2016, a Change.org petition was created in the hopes of having Snoop Dogg narrate the entire Planet Earth series. The petition comes after he narrated a number of nature clips on Jimmy Kimmel Live![108]

In April 2016, Snoop Dogg performed "Straight outta Compton" and "Fuck tha Police" at Coachella, during a reunion of N.W.A. members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and MC Ren.[109]

He hosted a basketball fundraiser "Hoops 4 Water" for Flint, Michigan.[110] The event occurred on May 21, 2016, and was run by former Toronto Raptors star and Flint native Morris Peterson.[110]

In the fall of 2016, VH1 premiered a new show featuring Snoop Dogg and his friend Martha Stewart called Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, featuring games, recipes, and musical guests.[111] The pair also starred together in a Super Bowl commercial for T-Mobile during Super Bowl LI in February 2017.[112] With Stewart, Snoop Dogg created a fried chicken recipe, with barbecue flavor potato chips as an added ingredient in the batter.[113]

In 2017, Snoop Dogg hosted a revival of The Joker's Wild, which spent its first two seasons on TBS before moving to TNT in January 2019.[114]

In October 2018, Snoop Dogg released a cookbook, From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen, containing "50 recipes inspired by Snoop's family staples and favorite comfort foods, with instructions to make everything from fried bologna sandwiches and baked mac and cheese, to soft tacos and orange chicken".[115] The book is coauthored with Ryan Ford and has a foreword by Martha Stewart.[116] The cookbook had a wave of over 200,000 sales in 2020 and entered the Amazon bestseller list in 2022 after Snoop Dogg's Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl appearances.[117][115]

In early 2020, Snoop Dogg launched his debut wine release, under the name "Snoop Cali Red", in a partnership with the Australian wine brand, 19 Crimes. The red wine blend features Snoop's face on the label.[118]

Snoop Dogg provided commentary for Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr., who some pundits described as having "won" the night through his colorful commentary and reactions.[119] At one point, Snoop Dogg described Tyson and Jones as "like two of my uncles fighting at the barbecue"; he also began singing a hymn, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord", during the undercard fight between Jake Paul and Nate Robinson, after Robinson was knocked down.[119]

In June 2021, Snoop Dogg officially joined Def Jam Recordings as its new executive creative and strategic consultant, a role allowing him to strategically work across the label's executive team and artist roster. His immediate focus was A&R and creative development, reporting to Universal Music Group chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge as well as Def Jam interim chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harleston.[120] On November 12, 2021, Snoop Dogg announced the signing of Benny the Butcher on Joe Rogan's podcast.[121]

In February 2022, it was announced that Snoop Dogg had fully acquired Death Row Records from its previous owners, MNRK Music Group (formerly eOne Music). The label was also revived when Snoop Dogg released his 20th album BODR.[122][123][124]

On April 14, 2022, Snoop Dogg was added to Call of Duty: Vanguard and Call of Duty: Warzone as an operator as part of the Tracer Pack: Snoop Dogg Operator Bundle available from the in game store.[125]

As of 2022, Snoop Dogg was a stakeholder in Fluf World, an NFT community based on 3D rabbit avatars.[126]

On May 13, 2024, it was announced that Snoop Dogg would be featured as a coach on the 26th season of The Voice, which aired from September to December 2024.[127] On April 23, 2025, it was announced that Snoop Dogg will return as a coach for the 28th season, which began airing in the latter half of 2025.[128]

Professional wrestling

[edit]
Snoop Dogg at WrestleMania XL with a WWE Championship belt.

Snoop Dogg is a lifelong fan of professional wrestling.[129] On March 30, 2008, Snoop Dogg appeared at WrestleMania XXIV as a Master of Ceremonies for a tag team match between Maria and Ashley Massaro as they took on Beth Phoenix and Melina.[130] On a March 23, 2015, episode of Raw, Snoop Dogg appeared in a segment with Hulk Hogan and Curtis Axel.[131] At WrestleMania 32, he accompanied his cousin Sasha Banks to the ring for her match, rapping over her theme music. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.[132] Snoop Dogg made a special guest appearance in All Elite Wrestling on the January 6, 2021, episode of AEW Dynamite, titled New Year's Smash.[133][134] During this appearance, Snoop Dogg appeared in the corner of Cody Rhodes during Rhodes's match with Matt Sydal. He later gave Serpentico a Frog Splash, with Rhodes then delivering a three-count.[135][136] Snoop Dogg would join The Miz to host both nights of WrestleMania 39. During Night 1, he accompanied Rey Mysterio in a lowrider during his entrance, paying tribute to Eddie Guerrero.[137] On Night 2, he introduced Shane McMahon to face The Miz in another spontaneous match. McMahon would sustain a quad injury during the match prompting Snoop Dogg to improvise and finish the match himself, ultimately defeating Miz.[138] Snoop Dogg's improvisational acts were lauded by wrestlers and executives, including WWE chief content officer Triple H.[139]

Business ventures and investments

[edit]

Snoop Dogg has been an active entrepreneur and investor. In 2009, he was appointed creative chairman of Priority Records.[140]

In May 2013, Snoop Dogg and his brand manager Nick Adler released an app, Snoopify, that lets users plaster stickers of Snoop's face, joints or a walrus hat on photos. Adler built the app in May after discovering stickers in Japan. As of 2015, the app was generating $30,000 in weekly sales.[141]

In November 2013, Snoop Dogg released an electrical weed vaporizer in collaboration with Grenco Science called G-Pen.[142]

In October 2014, Reddit raised $50 million in a funding round led by Sam Altman and including investors Marc Andreessen, Peter Thiel, Ron Conway, Snoop Dogg, and Jared Leto.[143][144]

In April 2015, Snoop Dogg became a minority investor in his first investment venture Eaze, a California-based cannabis delivery startup that promises to deliver medical marijuana to persons' doorsteps in less than 10 minutes.[145][146][147]

In October 2015, Snoop Dogg launched his new digital media business, Merry Jane, that focuses on news about marijuana. "Merry Jane is cannabis 2.0", he said in a promotional video for the media source. "A crossroads of pot culture, business, politics, health".[148]

In November 2015, Snoop Dogg announced his new brand of cannabis products, Leafs By Snoop. The line of branded products includes marijuana flowers, concentrates and edibles. "Leafs By Snoop is truly the first mainstream cannabis brand in the world and proud to be a pioneer", he said. In such a way, Snoop Dogg became the first major celebrity to brand and market a line of legal marijuana products.[149]

On March 30, 2016, Snoop Dogg was reported to be considering purchasing the famed soul food restaurant chain Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles out of bankruptcy.[150]

In 2019, Snoop Dogg ventured into the video game business, creating his own esports league known as the "Gangsta Gaming League".[151][152]

On March 7, 2022, it was announced that Snoop Dogg had joined FaZe Clan and would be a member of their board of directors.[153] He would resign from the board of directors in March of the following year.[154]

On December 19, 2022, Snoop Dogg ran a poll asking if he should "run twitter". Out of 2.3 million users, 81% said yes.[155][156][157]

In February 2024, Snoop Dogg launched a range of pre-mixed cocktails with Dr. Dre named after their hit Gin and Juice. Flavours include Apricot, Citrus, Melon and Passionfruit.[158] A short prohibition themed trailer was created to support the release.[159]

On April 2, 2024, Snoop Dogg was added into season 3 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty: Warzone as a playable operator.[160]

On July 16, 2024, it was announced that Snoop Dogg would be opening his first legal marijuana shop, S.W.E.D., in Los Angeles, California, located between SoFi Stadium and LAX.[161]

On November 1, 2024, Snoop Dogg performed in Times Square to promote the "Chapter 2 Remix" season in Fortnite, with outfits and stylized cosmetics based on Snoop Dogg being available for purchase in the game. He also headlined the sixth season of Fortnite Festival, which featured his songs "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "Young, Wild & Free".[162]

On July 17, 2025, it was announced that Snoop Dogg became a co-owner and investor in Welsh Football Club Swansea City who play in the EFL Championship.[163] This was teased days prior with Snoop Dogg releasing sneak previews of the clubs 2025–26 home jersey.[164]

NFTs

[edit]

On September 21, 2021, Snoop Dogg claimed on Twitter to be a prolific NFT collector known under the pseudonym Cozomo De' Medici.[165] In a Vice report following the 2021 claim, reporters Jordan Pearson and Jason Koebler provided evidence disputing the claim that Snoop Dogg and Cozomo De' Medici were the same person.[166] In a February 2023 interview with Christie's, Medici described the identity reveal as "trolling" and a "stunt".[167]

Artistry

[edit]

Snoop Dogg had been mainly described as a hip hop,[168][169] West Coast hip hop,[168][170] G-funk,[25][171] and gangsta rap artist.[25] Kool Moe Dee ranks Snoop Dogg at No. 33 in his book There's a God on the Mic, and says he has "an ultra-smooth, laidback delivery"[172] and "flavor-filled melodic rhyming".[173]

Peter Shapiro describes Snoop Dogg's delivery as a "molasses drawl"[174] and AllMusic notes his "drawled, laconic rhyming" style.[25] Kool Moe Dee refers to Snoop's use of vocabulary, saying he "keeps it real simple … he simplifies it and he's effective in his simplicity".[175]

Snoop Dogg is known to freestyle some of his lyrics on the spot – in the book How to Rap, Lady of Rage says, "When I worked with him earlier in his career, that's how created his stuff… he would freestyle, he wasn't a writer then, he was a freestyler",[176] and the D.O.C. states, "Snoop's [rap] was a one take willy, but his shit was all freestyle. He hadn't written nothing down. He just came in and started busting. The song was 'Tha Shiznit'—that was all freestyle. He started busting and when we got to the break, Dre cut the machine off, did the chorus and told Snoop to come back in. He did that throughout the record. That's when Snoop was in the zone then."[177]

Peter Shapiro says that Snoop Dogg debuted on "Deep Cover" with a "shockingly original flow – which sounded like a Slick Rick born in South Carolina instead of South London"[178] and adds that he "showed where his style came from by covering Slick Rick's 'La Di Da Di'".[174] Referring to Snoop's flow, Kool Moe Dee calls him "one of the smoothest, funkiest flow-ers in the game".[173] How to Rap also notes that Snoop Dogg is known to use syncopation in his flow to give it a laidback quality,[179] as well as 'linking with rhythm' in his compound rhymes,[180] using alliteration,[181] and employing a "sparse" flow with good use of pauses.[182]

Snoop Dogg listed his favorite rap albums for Hip Hop Connection: 10. Mixmaster Spade, The Genius Is Back 9. Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 8. Ice Cube, Death Certificate 7. 2Pac, Me Against the World 6. The Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die 5. N.W.A, Straight Outta Compton 4. Eric B. & Rakim, Paid in Full 3. Slick Rick, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick 2. Snoop Doggy Dogg, Doggystyle 1. Dr. Dre, The Chronic ("It's da illest shit")[183]

Personal life

[edit]
Snoop Dogg in August 2009

Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor (née Fuller), on June 14, 1997.[184] Shante's brother Jermaine died in 2002 after a standoff with Las Vegas police, during which Snoop Dogg unsuccessfully attempted to reason with him to surrender.[185] On May 21, 2004, he filed for divorce from Taylor, citing irreconcilable differences.[186] However, the couple renewed vows on January 12, 2008.[187] They have three children together: sons Cordé (born August 21, 1994) and Cordell (born February 21, 1997), who quit football to pursue a career as a filmmaker, and daughter Cori (born June 22, 1999).[188] Snoop Dogg also has a son from a relationship with Laurie Holmond, Julian Corrie Broadus (born 1998).

He is the first cousin of AEW professional wrestler Mercedes Moné, as well as the fellow 213 member Nathaniel Hale, known professionally as Nate Dogg, who died of congestive heart failure on March 15, 2011.[189][190] He has also claimed he is a cousin of R&B singers Brandy and Ray J, though Brandy stated she is unsure if they are actually related.[191][192] In 2015, Snoop Dogg became a grandfather, as his eldest son, Cordé Broadus, had a son with his girlfriend, Jessica Kyzer.[193] Cordé had another son, who died on September 25, 2019, ten days after birth.[194] As of 2025, he has seven grandchildren.[195]

Snoop Dogg claimed in a 2006 interview with Rolling Stone magazine that unlike other hip hop artists who had superficially adopted the pimp persona, he was an actual professional pimp in 2003 and 2004, saying, "That shit was my natural calling and once I got involved with it, it became fun. It was like shootin' layups for me. I was makin' 'em every time".

On October 24, 2021, Snoop's mother, Beverly Tate, died.[196]

On August 24, 2023, Boldy James revealed that he is related to Snoop Dogg through word of his family.[197][4]

On February 16, 2024, Snoop's brother, Bing Worthington, died at the age of 44.[198]

Sports

[edit]

Snoop Dogg is an avid sports fan, including hometown teams Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, and USC Trojans, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers.[199] He has stated that he began following the Steelers in the 1970s while watching the team with his grandfather.[200] He is also a fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Dallas Cowboys, often wearing a No. 5 jersey, and has been seen at Raiders training camps.[201] He has shown affection for the New England Patriots, having been seen performing at Gillette Stadium.[202][203] He is an avid ice hockey fan,[204] sporting jerseys from the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Boston Bruins as well at the AHL's Springfield Indians in his 1994 music video "Gin and Juice".

Snoop Dogg has frequented Los Angeles Kings games. On his reality show Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, Snoop Dogg and his family received hockey lessons from the Anaheim Ducks, then returned to the Honda Center to cheer on the Ducks against the Vancouver Canucks in the episode "Snow in da Hood".[205] He appeared in the video game NHL 20 as both a guest commentator and a playable character in the "World of Chel" game mode.[206]

Snoop Dogg is a certified football coach, and served as head coach of his son Cordell's youth football teams.[207][208] Cordell played wide receiver and defensive back at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cordell played on the 2014 state championship team, and received football scholarship offers from Southern California, UCLA, Washington, Cal, Oregon State, Duke, and Notre Dame.[209][210][211][212][213] Cordell committed and signed a letter of intent to play for UCLA on February 4, 2015.[214] On August 14, 2015, UCLA announced that Cordell had left the UCLA football team "to pursue other passions in his life".[215]

In 2022, Snoop Dogg signed with the esports organization FaZe Clan, as both a content creator and member of its board of directors.[216] In 2023, he resigned from the board of directors.[154]

Since 2005, Snoop Dogg has operated a youth football league in the Los Angeles area.[217] He is a coach in the league, and one of the seasons he coached was documented in the Netflix documentary Coach Snoop.

As a 2023 April Fools' Day joke, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they had signed Snoop Dogg to the roster as a wide receiver.[218]

Snoop Dogg is a fan of Celtic F.C., a football club based in Glasgow, Scotland.[219]

In 2023, he joined an investment group led by businessman Neko Sparks to help buy the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators.[217]

In June 2024, Snoop Dogg ran in an exhibition 200 meters race alongside former athletes Ato Boldon and Wallace Spearmon at the US track and field Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, finishing third in a time of 34.44 seconds.[220][221]

On July 23, 2024, Snoop Dogg was named as one of the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame before the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics.[222][223] He carried it through the suburb of Saint-Denis, home to the athletes' village for the Games.[224][225]

Religion

[edit]

Snoop Dogg was raised as a Baptist. He said his faith provided guidance, and he took it along with him everywhere he went in life.[20][226] In his 1999 autobiography, he wrote, "These days I look to God to get me through each day, to guide me on my path and to help others along their way. He's taken me this far; I've got no reason to believe He won't be with me for the rest of the ride".[227]

In 2009, it was reported that Snoop Dogg was a member of the Nation of Islam. On March 1, he made an appearance at the Nation of Islam's annual Saviours' Day holiday, where he praised minister Louis Farrakhan. Snoop Dogg said he was a member of the Nation, but declined to give the date on which he joined. He also donated $1,000 to the organization.[228][229][230]

In 2012, Snoop Dogg converted to the Rastafari movement,[231][232][233][234] switched the focus of his music to reggae[235] and changed his name to Snoop Lion after a trip to Jamaica. He released a reggae album, Reincarnated, saying, "I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated".[236] In January 2013, he was criticized by members of the Rastafari community in Jamaica, including reggae artist Bunny Wailer, for engaging in "fraudulent" cultural appropriation as a stunt.[237][238] Snoop Dogg later dismissed the claims, stating his beliefs were personal and not up for outside judgment.[239]

After releasing Bible of Love in early 2018 and performing in the 33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Snoop Dogg told a TV One interviewer while speaking of his Gospel influences that he "always referred to [his] savior Jesus Christ" on most of his records, and that he had become "a born-again Christian".[240]

Charity

[edit]

In 2005, Snoop Dogg founded the Snoop Youth Football League for at-risk youth in Southern California. In 2018, it was claimed to be the largest youth football organization in Southern California, with 50 teams and more than 1,500 players.[241][242] He has since claimed that at least 20 of his former pupils have gone on to play with the NFL.[243] Since 2017, he has also run a special-needs division called Snoop Special Stars for anyone 5 years or older with a physical, mental, or developmental disability.[244][243]

Snoop Dogg partners with city officials and annually gives away turkeys to the less fortunate in Inglewood, California, at Thanksgiving. He gave away 3000 turkeys in 2016.[245] Snoop Dogg was also a judge for the 7th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.[246]

Although Snoop Dogg has donated and raised millions of dollars for charitable causes over the years, it is difficult to ascertain the full extent of Snoop's charitable giving, as he is wary that his donations and charitable causes might be seen as publicity stunts for his own image. For example, regarding Snoop Special Stars, he said on LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Radio that he avoided being in videos and photos at first—due to this apprehension—but he acquiesced once he saw the joy the kids and parents were getting by taking photos together.[247] Some other known causes that he supports include Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Mothers Against Police Brutality, Habitat for Humanity, Orca Network, Save a Life Foundation, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and The Healing Circle.[248][249]

Political views and activism

[edit]
Snoop Dogg and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaking at a press conference following the 2016 shooting of Dallas police officers

In 2005, Snoop Dogg spoke at a funeral for Stanley Tookie Williams after he was executed by the state of California.[250]

In 2012, Snoop Dogg endorsed Congressman Ron Paul in the Republican presidential primary,[251] but later said he would vote for Barack Obama in the general election, and on Instagram gave 10 reasons to vote for Obama (including "He a black nigga", "He's BFFs with Jay-Z", and "Michelle got a fat ass"), and 10 reasons not to vote for Mitt Romney (including "He a white nigga", "That muthafucka's name is Mitt", and "He a ho").[252]

In a 2013 interview with The Huffington Post, Snoop Dogg advocated for same-sex marriage, saying: "People can do what they want and as they please".[253]

In his keynote address at the 2015 South by Southwest music festival, he blamed Los Angeles's explosion of gang violence in the 1980s on the economic policies of Ronald Reagan, and insinuated that his administration shipped guns and drugs into the area.[254]

He endorsed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live in May 2015, saying: "I would love to see a woman in office because I feel like we're at that stage in life to where we need a perspective other than the male's train of thought"[255] and "[…] just to have a woman speaking from a global perspective as far as representing America, I'd love to see that. So I'll be voting for Mrs. Clinton".[256]

Following the deadly shooting of five police officers in Dallas on July 7, 2016, Snoop Dogg and fellow rapper the Game organized and led a peaceful march to the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters.[257][258] The subsequent private meeting with the mayor Eric Garcetti and police chief Charlie Beck, and news conference was, according to Snoop Dogg, "[…] to get some dialogue and the communication going […]".[259] The march and conference were part of an initiative called "Operation H.U.N.T.", serving as a police brutality protest in response to the police shooting and killing of two black men, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling,[260] whose killing prompted nationwide protests including those that led to the Dallas killing of police officers. Snoop Dogg stated that "We are tired of what is going on and it's communication that is lacking".[259] Reports of attendance range between 50 and 100 people.[257][259][258][261]

Snoop Dogg advocates for the defunding of police departments, saying: "We need to start taking that money out of their pocket and put it back into our communities where we can police ourselves".[262]

Snoop Dogg has consistently expressed his support for tighter gun control. In 2013, then known as Snoop Lion, he told HuffPost Live: "Politicians, you all got to pay attention, man. This world that we live in, it's so easy to get your hands on a gun. You've got to put some restrictions or ramifications on it. I can go outside right now and buy a gun. Easy. Just like that".[263] Additionally, he released a song called "No Guns Allowed" featuring Drake and Cori B in 2013.[264]

In 2020, Snoop Dogg endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for President of the United States.[265] In contrast, in 2024, he said that he had "nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump".[266][267][268] Snoop Dogg had previously in 2017 released a video showing a mock execution of Trump in a clown costume.[269] In January 2025, he, alongside Soulja Boy and Rick Ross, performed at a Trump-sponsored cryptocurrency event preceding Trump's second inauguration.[270][271]

In August 2025, Snoop Dogg criticized LGBTQ representation in children's films, saying he was "scared to go to the movies".[272] In October 2025, Snoop Dogg partnered with GLAAD to support Spirit Day, an annual LGBTQ awareness day. The rapper also collaborated with Jeremy Beloate of The Voice on a new song titled "Love is Love", which was featured on his animated children's show Doggyland.[273]

Cannabis use

[edit]

Since the start of his career, Snoop Dogg has been an avowed cannabis smoker, making it one of the trademarks of his image. In 2002, he announced he was giving up cannabis for good;[274] this did not last long (a situation famously referenced in the 2004 Adam Sandler film 50 First Dates) and in 2013, he claimed to be smoking approximately 80 cannabis blunts a day.[275] He has been certified for medical cannabis in California to treat migraines since at least 2007.[276][277][278] In 2023, he announced via social media that he was "giving up smoke" after much consideration, but later revealed that it was an ad to promote a smokeless fire pit called SoloStove.[279][280][281]

Animal rights

[edit]

Snoop Dogg regularly appears in real fur garments, especially large coats, for which he attracts criticism from animal welfare charities and younger audiences. In a video podcast in 2012, the rapper asked, "Why doesn't PETA throw paint on a pimp's fur coat".[282] In 2014, Snoop Dogg claimed to have become a vegan; however, he has since opted against a complete vegan diet.[283] In June 2018, he performed at the Environmental Media Association (EMA) Honors Gala. While he was performing, the logo for vegan brand Beyond Meat was displayed on the screens behind him.[284] In 2020, Snoop Dogg invested in vegan food company Original Foods, which makes Pigless Pork Rinds, which he has said are a favorite.[285] He is an ambassador for Beyond Meat and lent his name and image as well as financial support for Beyond Meat's Feed a Million+ campaign to provide a million frontline workers with Beyond Meat burgers.[286][287]

World record for largest paradise cocktail

[edit]

At the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival on May 26, 2018, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Kendall Coleman, Kim Kaechele, and Michael Voltaggio set the Guinness World Record for the largest paradise cocktail. Measuring 550 liters (150 U.S. gal), the "Gin and Juice" drink was mixed from 180 1.75-liter (0.46 U.S. gal) bottles of gin, 156 1-liter (0.26 U.S. gal) bottles of apricot brandy and 28 1-U.S.-gallon (3.8 L) jugs of orange juice.[288][289][290][291][292][293]

[edit]

Criminal

[edit]

1989–1990: Felony possession of drugs and three-year prison sentence

[edit]
Mug shot, 1993

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1989, Snoop Dogg was arrested for possession of cocaine and for the following three years was frequently in and out of prison.[25] In 1990, he was convicted of felony possession of drugs and possession for sale.[294]

1993–1997: Traffic violation, gun possession and guilty plea

[edit]

In July 1993, Snoop Dogg was stopped for a traffic violation, and a firearm was found by police during a search of his car. In February 1997, he pled guilty to possession of a handgun and was ordered to record three public service announcements, perform 800 hours of community service, pay a $1,000 fine and serve three years' probation.[295][296][297]

1993–1996: Murder trial and acquittal

[edit]

While recording Doggystyle in August 1993, Snoop Dogg was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Philip Woldermariam, a member of a rival gang, who was actually killed by Snoop Dogg's bodyguard, McKinley Lee, aka Malik.[30] Snoop Dogg had been temporarily living in an apartment complex in the Palms neighborhood in the West Los Angeles region, in the intersection of Vinton Avenue and Woodbine Street—the location of the shooting. Both men were charged with murder, as Snoop Dogg was purportedly driving the vehicle from which the gun was fired. Johnnie Cochran defended them.[298] Both Snoop Dogg and his bodyguard were acquitted on February 20, 1996.[299] In February 2024, the case was sealed.[31]

1998–2010: Misdemeanor marijuana charges

[edit]

Snoop Dogg has also been arrested and fined three times for misdemeanor possession of marijuana: in Los Angeles in 1998;[300] Cleveland, Ohio in 2001;[301] and Sierra Blanca, Texas, in 2010.[302]

2006–2007: Airport arrests and convictions

[edit]

On April 26, 2006, Snoop Dogg and members of his entourage were arrested after being turned away from British Airways' first class lounge at Heathrow Airport in London. Snoop Dogg and his party were denied entry to the lounge due to some members flying in economy class. After being escorted outside, the group got in a fight with the police and vandalized a duty-free shop.[303] Seven police officers were injured during the incident. After a night in jail, Snoop Dogg and the other men were released on bail the next day but he was unable to perform a scheduled concert in Johannesburg.[304]

In September 2006, Snoop Dogg was detained at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, by airport security after airport screeners found a collapsible police baton in his carry-on bag. Donald Etra, Snoop Dogg's lawyer, told deputies the baton was a prop for a musical sketch. Snoop Dogg was sentenced to three years' probation and 160 hours of community service for the incident, starting in September 2007.[305] He was arrested again in October 2006 at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank after being stopped for a traffic infraction; he was arrested for possession of a firearm and for suspicion of transporting an unspecified amount of marijuana, according to a police statement.[306] The following month, after taping an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he was arrested again for possession of marijuana, cocaine and a firearm. Two members of his entourage, according to the Burbank police statement, were admitted members of the Rollin' 20s Crips gang and were arrested on separate charges.[307] In April 2007, he was given a three-year suspended sentence, five years' probation and 800 hours of community service after pleading no contest to two felony charges of drug and gun possession by a convicted felon. He was also prohibited from hiring anyone with a criminal record or gang affiliation as a security guard, talent manager or driver.[294]

2015: Sweden arrest for illegal drug possession

[edit]

Snoop Dogg, after performing for a concert in Uppsala, Sweden, on July 25, 2015, was pulled over and detained by Swedish police for allegedly using illegal drugs, violating a Swedish law enacted in 1988 which criminalized the recreational use of such substances – therefore making even being under the influence of any illegal/controlled substance a crime itself without possession. During the detention he was taken to the police station to perform a drug test and was released shortly afterwards. The rapid test was positive for traces of narcotics and he was potentially subject to fines depending on the results of more detailed analysis.[308][309] Although final results "strongly" indicated drug use the charges were ultimately dropped because it could not be proven that he was in Sweden when he consumed the substances.[310] The rapper uploaded several videos on the social networking site Instagram criticizing the police for alleged racial profiling; police spokesman Daniel Nilsson responded to the accusations, saying: "we don't work like that in Sweden". He declared in the videos, "Niggas got me in the back of police car right now in Sweden, cuz", and "Pulled a nigga over for nothing, taking us to the station where I've got to go pee in a cup for nothin'. I ain't done nothin'. All I did was came to the country and did a concert and now I've got to go to the police station. For nothin'!". He announced to his Swedish fanbase that he would never again go on tour in the country because of the incident.[311][312][313]

Civil

[edit]

2005: Alleged assault of a fan and lawsuit

[edit]

Snoop Dogg, Compton rapper Jayceon "the Game" Taylor and group Tha Dogg Pound, were sued for assaulting a fan on stage at a May 2005 concert at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington. The accuser, Richard Monroe Jr., claimed he was beaten by the artists' entourage while mounting the stage. He alleged that he reacted to an "open invite" to come on stage. Before he could, Snoop Dogg's bodyguards grabbed him and beat him into unconsciousness.[314] He claimed attack by crew members; Snoop Dogg and Taylor were included in the suit for not intervening, but both parties denied ever having any involvement.[315][316][317] The lawsuit focused on a pecuniary claim of $22 million in punitive and compensatory damages, battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.[318] The concerned parties appeared in court in April 2009; Snoop Dogg was cleared of the lawsuit in May.[319]

2016: Death Row bankruptcy case and compensation loss

[edit]

In May 2016, through the Death Row Records bankruptcy case, Snoop Dogg lost $2 million.[320]

Sexual assault lawsuits

[edit]

In January 2005, Snoop Dogg was sued by a makeup artist who claimed that Snoop Dogg and several others drugged and raped her backstage at a Jimmy Kimmel Live! taping in 2003.[321] Snoop Dogg had filed an extortion lawsuit against the woman a month before she brought her case. In August 2005 the two parties settled, with the accuser stating "the matter has been resolved amicably", and Snoop Dogg’s representative stating no money was exchanged.

In February 2022, a woman sued Snoop Dogg for $10 million, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in May 2013 following a concert in Anaheim, California.[322][323][324] Only a few months after its filing, the suit was withdrawn, then reintroduced in July.[325] In May 2023, court documents revealed that the case had been dismissed.[326]

Regional or international banishments

[edit]

2006–2010: United Kingdom

[edit]

On May 15, 2006, after his arrest on vandalism charges in London, the region's Home Office decided that Snoop Dogg would be denied entry to the United Kingdom for the foreseeable future and his British visa was denied the following year.[327][328][329] As of March 2010, however, Snoop Dogg was allowed back into the UK.[330] The entire group was banned from British Airways "for the foreseeable future".[331] According to Snoop Dogg, Queen Elizabeth II overturned the ban, saying: "This man has done nothing in our country. He can come."[332][333][334]

2007–2008: Australia

[edit]

In April 2007, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship banned Snoop Dogg from entering the country on character grounds, citing his prior criminal convictions.[335] He had been scheduled to appear at the MTV Australia Video Music Awards on April 29, 2007.[336] The Australian DIAC lifted the ban in September 2008 and had granted him a visa to tour Australia. The DIAC said: "In making this decision, the department weighed his criminal convictions against his previous behaviour while in Australia, recent conduct – including charity work – and any likely risk to the Australian community … We took into account all relevant factors and, on balance, the department decided to grant the visa".[337] He later visited for the 2014 Big Day Out festival, the 2023 "I Wanna Thank Me Tour" and is expected to provide entertainment for the 2025 AFL Grand Final.[338][339]

2012–2014: Norway

[edit]

Snoop Dogg was banned from entering Norway for two years in July 2012 after entering the country the month before in possession of 8 grams (0.3 oz) of marijuana and an undeclared 227,000 kr in cash, or about US$29,400 in 2022 terms.[340][341][342]

Filmography

[edit]

Awards and legacy

[edit]
Smoking Snoop Dogg in dog form, in Tel Aviv street art.

The Washington Post, Billboard, and NME have called him a "West Coast icon";[343][344][345] and Press-Telegram, "an icon of gangsta rap".[346] In 2006, Vibe magazine called him "The King of the West Coast".[347] ABC News journalist Paul Donoughue, cited him among the 1990s acts that took hip-hop into the pop music charts.[348] Snoop Dogg received the BMI Icon Award in 2011.[349] In 2023, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.[350] Time magazine named Snoop Dogg one of the 100 most influential people of 2025.

[351]

Snoop Dogg popularized the use of -izzle speak particularly in the pop and hip-hop music industry.[352] A type of infix, it first found popularity when used by Frankie Smith in his 1981 hit song "Double Dutch Bus".[353] The Guardian's Rob Fitzpatrick has credited his album Doggystyle for proving that rappers "could reinvent themselves", expanding rap's vocabulary, changing hip-hop fashions, and helping introduce a hip-hop genre called G-funk to a new generation.[354] The album has been cited as an influence by rapper Kendrick Lamar,[355] while fellow rappers ScHoolboy Q and Maxo Kream have also cited him as an influence.[356][357]

Discography

[edit]

See also

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Explanatory notes

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Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, singer, actor, and entrepreneur whose career spans music production, media appearances, and business investments. Rising from street life in , he gained prominence through his association with and , embodying the genre with explicit lyrics depicting gang affiliations, drug use, and violence. His debut solo album, (1993), entered the at number one, selling over 800,000 copies in its first week and achieving multi-platinum status, marking a commercial breakthrough for independent rap artists at the time. Snoop Dogg has released numerous albums, with cumulative sales exceeding 23 million units in the United States alone, alongside ventures into acting in films like (2001) and television hosting. Early in his career, he faced significant legal scrutiny, including a 1993 first-degree murder charge alongside his bodyguard, from which both were acquitted after claims in a gang-related altercation; he also pleaded guilty to multiple drug possession charges reflective of his public embrace of marijuana culture. Transitioning from gangsta rap's raw edge, Snoop Dogg expanded into entrepreneurship, launching cannabis brands, investing in startups such as and , and endorsing products from wine to NFTs, contributing to an estimated of $160 million as of 2025. Despite ongoing civil lawsuits alleging —which he has denied as attempts—his adaptability from controversial origins to mainstream underscores a pragmatic evolution driven by market realities rather than ideological shifts.

Early Life

Family Background and Childhood

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. was born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, to Beverly Tate and Vernell Varnado. He received his name from his stepfather, Calvin Broadus Sr., whom Tate married when Broadus was three months old, while Varnado, a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, was largely absent during his early years due to personal struggles following his military service. Tate, originally from McComb, Mississippi, raised Broadus and his two half-brothers—older sibling Jerry Wesley Carter and younger brother Bing Worthington (who died in 2024 at age 44)—as a single mother after her divorce from Varnado, working various jobs to provide for the family amid financial hardships in a low-income area of Long Beach. Broadus's childhood unfolded in the Eastside of Long Beach, a neighborhood marked by and limited resources, where Tate instilled discipline and a strong connection to the Baptist church despite economic constraints. His mother, who served as a director at Golgotha Baptist Church, encouraged his early musical talents by involving him in singing with the and playing piano, fostering a foundation in performance that contrasted with the surrounding instability. Tate later became an ordained evangelist and author, reflecting the religious influence on the household, while Broadus earned the lifelong nickname "Snoopy"—later adapted to Snoop—from his resemblance to the character, a moniker given by his mother. The family dynamic emphasized resilience, with Tate providing structure for her three sons in an environment where basic necessities were often a struggle, though Broadus later recalled appreciating the modest means available to them. Varnado, who pursued singing and acting in adulthood, maintained sporadic contact but did not play a primary role in daily upbringing, leaving Tate as the central figure in shaping Broadus's early values and interests.

Entry into Crime and Early Music

During his teenage years in , Calvin Broadus Jr., later known as Snoop Dogg, became involved in local street gangs, affiliating with the . This association exposed him to a gangster lifestyle that included drug dealing and frequent conflicts with . Shortly after graduating from in 1989, he was arrested for selling to an undercover agent and served approximately one year in jail. He faced additional arrests for drug possession in the late and early , including a 1990 conviction for possession, which contributed to periods of incarceration. While engaging in these criminal activities, Broadus began exploring as an outlet, starting to rap as early as and performing in hallways. In the late 1980s, he formed the group 213 with childhood friends and , recording informal demos that reflected their shared experiences in Long Beach's gang culture. These efforts gained traction when passed a of Broadus's to in 1991; Dre was impressed and invited him to collaborate. This led to Broadus's debut on the 1992 single "Deep Cover" under the stage name Snoop Doggy Dogg, marking his entry into professional amid ongoing legal .

Music Career

1992–1996: Death Row Breakthrough and Doggystyle Era

In early 1992, Snoop Dogg (then performing as Snoop Doggy Dogg) achieved his breakthrough via collaborations with Dr. Dre, including the single "Deep Cover" from the film soundtrack of the same name and prominent features across Dre's debut album The Chronic, released on December 15, 1992, by Death Row Records and Interscope. These appearances, on tracks such as "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" and "Dre Day," showcased Snoop's smooth, laid-back flow over G-funk production characterized by slow tempos, synthesizers, and funk samples, helping The Chronic sell over 5 million copies in the U.S. and peak at number 3 on the Billboard 200. Affiliated with Death Row Records—founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight, Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey—Snoop's exposure on The Chronic positioned him as a central figure in West Coast gangsta rap's rise, amid the label's roster that included Daz Dillinger and Warren G. Snoop's solo debut, , produced primarily by and released on November 23, 1993, via /Interscope, debuted at number 1 on the and sold 806,858 copies in its first week—the fastest-selling debut album by a hip-hop artist at the time. Certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, the album featured hits like "" (number 8 on the ) and "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" (number 50 on the Hot 100), blending explicit lyrics on street life, partying, and with instrumentation that influenced subsequent West Coast rap. 's commercial dominance—over 800,000 units shipped in week one—reflected 's marketing prowess and the post-Chronic hype, though critics noted its reliance on formulaic gangsta themes without significant innovation beyond production. Parallel to his musical ascent, Snoop faced severe legal scrutiny following an August 25, 1993, incident in Palms, California, where he and bodyguard McKinley Lee were charged with first- and second-degree in the shooting death of 22-year-old Philip Woldemariam, allegedly a gang rival. The case, tried in Santa Maria starting October 1995 with defense by , hinged on claims after Woldemariam approached Snoop's vehicle; Lee fired shots while Snoop drove away. After six days of , both were acquitted of on February 20, 1996, but convicted on misdemeanor charges, resulting in for Snoop; the trial's media frenzy amplified perceptions of rap's ties to , though acquittal bolstered his outlaw image without derailing sales. By late 1996, amid Death Row's internal strife—including Dr. Dre's departure earlier that year—Snoop released on November 12, 1996, shifting toward a smoother, less aggressive sound with production from and others, but it debuted at number 2 on the with 278,000 first-week sales, underperforming relative to due to label instability and diluted appeal. Certified double platinum, the album's singles like "" reached number 43 on the Hot 100, signaling the era's close as Snoop navigated Death Row's chaos, including feuds with , while maintaining chart presence.

1997–2005: Post-Death Row Transitions and No Limit

Following his acquittal in the 1993 murder trial and amid Death Row Records' collapse after Tupac Shakur's 1996 death and label head Marion "Suge" Knight's imprisonment, Snoop Dogg departed the label in early 1998, citing its chaotic environment as having "broke his spirit." He signed a reported $4 million distribution deal with Master P's No Limit Records, brokered by Priority Records, marking a shift to the Southern rap imprint's faster-paced, bass-heavy sound while retaining some West Coast G-funk elements. This transition also saw him drop "Doggy" from his stage name for contractual reasons, becoming Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg's No Limit debut, Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told, arrived on August 4, 1998, via No Limit and , featuring collaborations with labelmates like and alongside production from and DJ PR. The album debuted at number one on the , selling over 519,000 copies in its first week, and was certified platinum by the RIAA on October 22, 1998, for one million units shipped. Lead single "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" peaked at number five on the Hot Rap Singles chart, blending introspective lyrics on fame with No Limit's signature hooks. The follow-up, , released May 11, 1999, via No Limit and Priority, leaned back toward Snoop Dogg's roots with reuniting for production on tracks like "" featuring and . It debuted at number two on the with 187,400 first-week sales and earned gold certification from the RIAA on October 13, 1999. Despite commercial viability, creative tensions emerged over No Limit's assembly-line production style, prompting Snoop Dogg to seek greater artistic control. Tha Last Meal, released December 19, 2000, through , No Limit, and , served as Snoop Dogg's effective farewell to the label, incorporating diverse producers like and Battlecat while featuring guests including and on "Just Dippin'." The album debuted at number nine on the with 397,000 first-week units sold and achieved platinum status from the RIAA by February 26, 2001. Single "Lay Low" reached number one on the Hot Rap Singles chart, signaling Snoop Dogg's pivot toward broader mainstream appeal post-No Limit. After fully departing No Limit around 2001 for independent ventures under his Doggystyle imprint, Snoop Dogg released Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ on November 26, 2002, via Priority and Doggystyle, with production from , , and emphasizing eclectic, radio-friendly tracks like "From tha Chuuuch to da Palace." It debuted at number 12 on the and was certified platinum by the RIAA on March 31, 2003. By 2004's R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, issued November 16 via Geffen and Doggystyle, Snoop Dogg further adapted to contemporary hip-hop trends, debuting at number six on the with 225,000 first-week sales and earning gold certification on December 17. Hit "" with topped the , underscoring his commercial resurgence through genre-blending collaborations.

2006–2011: Mainstream Adaptations and Collaborations

In 2006, Snoop Dogg released his eighth studio album, , on November 21 through . The album debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart and received a gold certification from the RIAA on February 20, 2007, for 500,000 units sold. It featured collaborations with artists including and , marking a commercial pivot with singles like "That's That Shit" emphasizing polished production over raw . The following year, Snoop Dogg expanded into mainstream pop-rap hybrids, contributing a verse to Akon's "I Wanna Love You," which topped the for one week in December 2006. This track exemplified his adaptation to broader audiences through R&B-infused hooks and radio-friendly beats. In November 2007, he issued "" (initially titled "Sexual Eruption") as the lead single from his ninth album Ego Trippin', employing early effects akin to T-Pain's style for a synth-driven, seductive that contrasted his West Coast roots. Ego Trippin' followed on March 11, 2008, debuting at number 3 on the and blending hip-hop with and soul elements via producers like . By 2009, , released December 8, incorporated Wonderland-themed visuals and features with pop-leaning artists like and , though it underperformed commercially, debuting at number 23 on the . Snoop's guest spot on Katy Perry's "" in May 2010 further bridged hip-hop and pop, reaching number 1 on the and showcasing his versatility in candy-coated, anthemic production. In 2011, Snoop Dogg closed the period with on March 29 via , debuting at number 8 on the and including upbeat singles like "Boom" featuring . The album's soundtrack tie-in Mac & Devin Go to High School yielded "" with and , a marijuana-themed crossover hit emphasizing party rap over hardcore lyricism. These efforts reflected Snoop's strategic shift toward accessible, collaborative tracks that prioritized chart potential and multimedia synergy.

2012–2019: Genre Experiments and High-Profile Features

In 2012, following a trip to , Snoop Dogg adopted the reggae-inspired persona Snoop Lion and released the album Reincarnated on April 23, 2013, marking his first full venture into reggae music. The project, largely produced by (), featured collaborations with artists such as Angela Hunte on "Here Comes the King" and Mavado and on "Lighters Up," blending hip-hop roots with and elements across 12 tracks. This genre shift drew mixed reception, with some critics noting its spiritual themes but uneven execution in departing from his origins. Returning to his primary moniker, Snoop Dogg released Bush on May 12, 2015, a funk and R&B-infused album entirely produced by , emphasizing smooth grooves over hardcore lyricism. The 10-track effort included high-profile features like on "So Many Pros," on harmonica for "," and on "Moment of Truth," achieving moderate commercial success with tracks evoking 1970s influences such as those from . Bush represented another experimental pivot, prioritizing melodic experimentation and party-oriented vibes amid Snoop's evolving multimedia presence. Subsequent releases leaned back toward hip-hop while incorporating eclectic guests. Coolaid, dropped on July 1, 2016, featured West Coast stalwarts like Too $hort on "Don't Stop" and on "Kush Ups," alongside production nods to revival, positioning it as a return to rap fundamentals after funk detours. In 2017, Neva Left arrived on May 19, underscoring loyalty to his Long Beach heritage with appearances from Redman, , and , including nostalgic cuts like "Bacc In da Dayz" with Dogg Pound's . These albums highlighted high-profile cross-generational features, reinforcing Snoop's role as a connective figure in hip-hop. By 2018, Snoop explored gospel with the double album , released March 16, featuring over 30 tracks and collaborations with Rance Allen, , and , framed as a spiritual reflection rather than proselytizing. This 32-song collection, exceeding two hours, extended his pattern of genre forays into faith-based music, akin to prior shifts into and , while maintaining rap cadences on select cuts. Throughout the period, Snoop's features on tracks like Pharrell's funk remixes and YG's politically charged "FDT" (2016) amplified his versatility, often prioritizing cultural commentary or laid-back flows over mainstream pop concessions.

2020–Present: Recent Releases, Performances, and Shifts

In 2021, Snoop Dogg released the album , an independent project emphasizing digital distribution and collaborations with emerging producers. This was followed in 2022 by B.O.D.R. (Bacc On Death Row), his nineteenth studio album, released after he acquired the catalog from , marking a return to the label that launched his career and allowing greater creative control over his West Coast rap roots. In 2023, he issued the 30th Anniversary Edition, remastering and expanding his 1993 debut with previously unreleased tracks to capitalize on . The year 2024 saw the release of , Snoop Dogg's twentieth studio , produced entirely by and featuring guest appearances from artists including and , which debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200. In 2025, he dropped Iz It A Crime? on May 15, alongside Altar Call, the latter incorporating elements consistent with his prior explorations in faith-based music. These releases reflect a pattern of frequent output, blending traditional hip-hop with production from long-term collaborators to sustain commercial viability amid streaming dominance. Snoop Dogg maintained high-profile live presence, headlining the on February 13, 2022, alongside , , , and , performing classics like "" and "" to an audience of over 100 million viewers. He reunited with for "" and solo tracks including "" at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony on August 11. Further performances included a medley at the 2025 in June and the pre-game show at the 2025 Toyota on September 27, alongside ongoing North American tour dates through 2026. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, he served as Honorary Coach for Team USA and NBC correspondent, supporting athletes, attending events, carrying the Olympic torch, and riding a Zamboni. A key shift occurred with the 2022 Death Row acquisition, enabling Snoop Dogg to curate reissues and new material under the imprint, shifting from label dependency to ownership-driven production that prioritized legacy preservation over major-label constraints. This move coincided with strategic collaborations reinforcing his elder statesman role in hip-hop, as seen in Missionary's Dre partnership, while sustained touring and event appearances demonstrate adaptation to post-pandemic live music economics without genre pivots.

Business and Entrepreneurial Activities

Cannabis and Lifestyle Brands

Snoop Dogg entered the as an entrepreneur in 2015, capitalizing on his long-publicized affinity for the substance to launch branded products and investment vehicles amid expanding legalization in the United States. His ventures emphasize premium strains, extracts, edibles, and ancillary services, often distributed through licensed dispensaries in states like and . Leafs by Snoop, introduced on November 10, 2015, marked his initial foray into direct product sales, debuting exclusively at LivWell dispensaries in with eight flower strains—four indica-dominant hybrids, three sativa-dominant hybrids, and one high-CBD variant—including varieties such as Northern Lights, Cali Kush, and Lemon Pie—alongside concentrates and edibles. The brand's packaging, designed by , features a faceted leaf to evoke a jewel-like aesthetic while complying with federal restrictions on imagery. Products expanded to include nationwide availability for medical and recreational use, with strains like Bananas and Purple Bush added to the lineup. In parallel, Snoop Dogg co-founded Casa Verde Capital in 2015 with industry executive Karan Storm as a venture fund dedicated to cannabis-related investments, including software, wholesale platforms, and cultivation operations. The firm raised $100 million for its second fund in December 2020 and has backed entities such as a Portuguese medical cannabis producer with $15 million in 2021 and a marijuana insurer with a $3 million round led in February 2025. Following his acquisition of Death Row Records in early 2022, Snoop Dogg launched Death Row Cannabis in December 2022, tying the label's legacy to infused products available initially at dispensaries in . In 2023, he partnered with Hempacco to introduce Dogg LBS, a brand offering products such as Delta-9 gummies and THCA vapes. This evolved into broader platforms, including SWED.com in December 2024—a direct-to-consumer marketplace offering hemp-derived items, smoking accessories, and branded merchandise—and TryDeathRow.com in June 2025 for nationwide hemp sales. In March 2025, he partnered with Harmony Craft Beverages to introduce Iconic Tonics, a lineup of seven hemp- and -infused drinks blending adaptogens and nostalgic flavors. These initiatives position his brands as extensions of a cannabis-centric , encompassing edibles, beverages, and e-commerce beyond traditional flower sales.

Media Productions and Investments

Snoop Dogg established Pictures as his primary film and television production banner, securing a multi-year creative partnership with Entertainment & Studios in April 2025 to develop content across film, television, sports, and unscripted formats. This agreement enables production of original projects, including an initial slate led by a planned biopic. The partnership builds on Snoop Dogg's prior media ventures, emphasizing his role in executive producing urban-themed narratives. Under Death Row Pictures, Snoop Dogg executive produced the 2024 comedy The Underdoggs, distributed by , portraying a former professional coaching underprivileged youth; the film grossed approximately $8.6 million domestically upon release in August 2024. He holds a similar executive producer credit on the upcoming action thriller 1992, starring Tyrese Gibson and centered on the , announced in July 2024. In September 2025, Snoop Dogg signed on as producer for director Eli Roth's horror feature Don't Go in That House, Bitch!, with financing supported by Media Capital Technologies' fan-investment model. Snoop Dogg's media investments include an early-stage stake in , the social news and discussion platform founded in 2005, which he acquired prior to its 2021 public valuation exceeding $10 billion. He owns Digital Dogg, a gaming and animation studio that launched the mobile title Snoop Dogg's Rap Empire in 2023, targeting interactive entertainment tied to his brand. Additionally, in July 2023, he participated in SOUND's Series A funding round, backing the music technology startup focused on creator monetization tools. These holdings reflect a strategy of leveraging personal IP into and tech ecosystems.

Other Ventures Including NFTs and Partnerships

Snoop Dogg entered the (NFT) market prominently in 2021 under the pseudonym Cozomo de' Medici, revealing his identity in September of that year after amassing a collection of digital art and assets worth millions of dollars. This alter ego facilitated high-profile purchases, including works from platforms like SuperRare and drops on the Solana , positioning him as an early advocate for NFTs amid their rising popularity. In April 2022, Snoop Dogg collaborated with the Clay Nation project to launch the "Baked Nation" NFT collection on the Cardano blockchain, targeting collectors with themed digital assets tied to his persona. By June 2023, he expanded his initiatives with the Snoop Dogg Passport Series, a set of NFTs designed to offer holders virtual experiences and access within his digital ecosystem. His involvement extended to development, including ownership of virtual land in The Sandbox, where he hosted events blending music and immersive technology. Snoop Dogg's NFT activities peaked in scale with a July 2025 drop on Telegram's TON blockchain, featuring nearly 1 million digital collectibles that sold out in under 30 minutes, generating $12 million in sales as the platform's first major celebrity NFT initiative. In August 2025, he partnered with Gala Games to release music-themed NFTs integrated into blockchain-based gaming, allowing token holders utility across virtual titles and further collections. Beyond NFTs, Snoop Dogg pursued tech investments, including participation in a $50 million funding round for in 2014, which valued the social platform at approximately $500 million at the time. These efforts reflect a broader pivot toward , gaming, and digital innovation, distinct from his core music and lifestyle brands.

Acting and Media Appearances

Film Roles and Productions

Snoop Dogg's entry into film acting featured cameo appearances in the late 1990s, including a pimp role in the stoner comedy Half Baked (1998). His visibility increased in 2001 with a supporting turn as Blue, a street-level drug dealer, in the crime thriller Training Day, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the performance. That year, he also played Rodney, a volatile associate of the protagonist, in John Singleton's coming-of-age drama Baby Boy; took the lead as Pearl "Bones" Johnson, a drug kingpin revived as a vengeful zombie, in the horror film Bones; and co-starred as Dee Loc in the ensemble comedy The Wash opposite Dr. Dre. In the mid-2000s, Snoop Dogg leaned into comedic roles, portraying the streetwise informant Huggy Bear—a nod to the 1970s television series—in the buddy-cop remake Starsky & Hutch (2004), which grossed over $170 million worldwide. He followed with the lead as airline captain Mack in the aviation parody Soul Plane (2004), emphasizing his laid-back persona in ensemble casts. Later credits include voice work as the fast-talking snail Smoove Move in the animated Turbo (2013); a supporting role in Harmony Korine's surreal comedy The Beach Bum (2019); and appearances in Day Shift (2022), an action-horror film about vampire hunters, and Dolemite Is My Name (2019), a biographical comedy about Rudy Ray Moore. More recently, Snoop Dogg voiced Snoop Catt, a feline rapper, in the animated The Garfield Movie (2024), which earned $260 million globally. He starred as Jaycen "Two Js" Jennings, a disgraced former pro football player coaching underprivileged kids, in the sports comedy The Underdoggs (2024), released via Amazon MGM Studios. Snoop Dogg has also contributed to film production, serving as executive producer and narrator for the horror anthology Hood of Horror (2006), in which he appeared in a segment depicting urban supernatural tales. He executive produced the documentary Reincarnated (2012), which documented his brief foray into reggae as Snoop Lion, and co-produced The Underdoggs. Additional producing credits include the martial arts film Domino: Battle of the Bones (2021).

Television and Hosting Gigs

Snoop Dogg launched his television hosting career with Doggy Fizzle Televizzle, a series that premiered on on November 10, 2002, and concluded after one season of eight episodes in 2003. The program featured Snoop in various roles, blending hip-hop performances, satirical skits, and celebrity cameos to parody urban life and industry tropes. In 2007, he starred in and effectively hosted , a reality series on E! that aired two seasons through 2009, chronicling his family dynamics, parenting challenges, and professional commitments in suburban . The show depicted Snoop mentoring his children, managing household routines, and navigating personal growth amid his public persona. Snoop hosted the variety-talk program Dogg After Dark on , which debuted on February 17, 2009, and was filmed live from the Kress nightclub on , incorporating celebrity interviews, musical guests, and improv segments. Guests included figures like and , with the format emphasizing Snoop's improvisational style and nightlife curation. Subsequent hosting roles expanded into game shows and specials, including Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker's Wild, a TBS revival of the trivia-based program that premiered on October 24, 2017, where Snoop oversaw contestants competing for cash prizes through themed challenges tied to his branding. In 2022, he hosted So Dumb It's Criminal on Peacock, a six-episode series examining surveillance footage of inept crimes alongside comedian panelists. More recently, Snoop hosted a two-hour New Year's Eve musical variety special airing live on and Peacock from on December 31, 2025, featuring performances and guests to ring in 2026. On January 11, 2026, while presenting at the Golden Globes, Snoop Dogg was briefly censored on the live broadcast after stating, "I'm high as a motherf**ker right now. Y'all had me here too damn long," a moment that subsequently went viral online.

Artistry

Musical Style, Production, and Influences

Snoop Dogg's musical style is characterized by a laid-back, drawling vocal delivery and smooth, rhythmic flow that became hallmarks of West Coast in the 1990s. His phrasing often employs laconic expressions, , and melodic rhyming patterns, contributing to a conversational yet hypnotic cadence. This approach, evident in tracks like from Dr. Dre's 1992 album , helped define the subgenre through its emphasis on groove over aggressive lyricism. In production, Snoop Dogg's early work heavily relied on collaborations with , who pioneered 's signature sound featuring slow tempos around 90-100 BPM, prominent whiny synthesizers, deep basslines, and samples from 1970s funk acts like . Dre's techniques on Snoop's 1993 debut included layering funky bass grooves with minimalistic drum patterns and high-pitched synth leads, creating a laid-back, cruising aesthetic suited to Snoop's delivery. Later projects, such as the 2024 with Dre, updated this formula with modern production elements while retaining core traits like funk-inspired sampling and polished mixes. Snoop Dogg's influences draw from funk pioneers including George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, whose psychedelic grooves informed G-funk's foundational samples, as heard in tracks like "G Funk Intro" sampling "(Not Just) Knee Deep." Earlier hip-hop figures and West Coast rap precursors, combined with R&B deejay styles, shaped his rhythmic and thematic approach. Over time, his versatility incorporated reggae, pop, and gospel, reflecting broader funk and soul roots, as seen in collaborations spanning genres from Rasta Road Trip (2011) to Bible of Love (2018).

Lyrical Content and Thematic Development

Snoop Dogg's early lyrics, prominently featured on his 1993 debut album , centered on tropes derived from his experiences in Long Beach and Compton, including affiliations with the , interpersonal violence, drug dealing, and hedonistic partying. Tracks like "" exemplify this through narratives of alcohol-fueled escapades, casual sexual encounters, and evading trouble, portraying a laid-back yet perilous street existence that resonated with West Coast audiences. Similarly, "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" asserts his identity and gang loyalty with boasts of criminal prowess and territorial pride, reinforcing themes of hyper-masculine dominance and survival in a hostile environment. As his career progressed into the , lyrical content retained gangsta elements but incorporated more commercial and introspective layers, often blending bravado with entrepreneurial undertones amid legal acquittals and industry success. Songs such as "Drop It Like It's Hot" (2004) maintained rhythmic warnings and street posturing while achieving mainstream appeal through minimalist production and playful aggression. This period marked a subtle shift toward themes of resilience and , as seen in "Think About It" from Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (2006), where Snoop reflects on his enduring relevance in hip-hop despite personal and professional turbulence. A pronounced thematic pivot occurred with the 2012 Reincarnated album under the Snoop Lion moniker, embracing reggae influences and Rastafarian spirituality to explore redemption, peace, and anti-violence messages, diverging from prior glorification of gang life. Lyrics in tracks like "No Guns Allowed" advocate disarmament and family protection, signaling a maturation influenced by personal losses and global travels, though critics noted inconsistencies with his ongoing gangsta persona. Subsequent releases, including Neva Left (2017), revisited West Coast roots with a tempered perspective, emphasizing positive affirmations and cultural legacy over raw aggression. By the 2020s, themes increasingly highlighted self-empowerment, wellness, and business acumen, as in songs promoting an optimistic outlook amid his branding expansions.

Personal Life

Family Dynamics and Relationships

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., was raised primarily by his mother, Beverly Tate (1951–2021), after his parents separated during his early childhood in . Tate, who worked multiple jobs including as a bookkeeper and housekeeper, instilled Baptist values and nicknamed him "Snoopy" after the character due to his laid-back demeanor and resemblance. She later authored a and appeared in family-oriented media, maintaining a close bond with Snoop, who credited her influence on his resilience and family loyalty until her death from cancer on October 20, 2021. His father, Vernell Varnado, a veteran, singer, and postal worker, was less involved in daily life but reconciled with Snoop in adulthood, sharing musical interests and a physical likeness; Varnado's intermittent presence shaped Snoop's views on fatherhood, prompting him to prioritize consistency with his own children. Snoop has one full brother, , and two half-brothers from his father's side: Jerry Wesley Carter and (died 2019 at age 44). Family ties extend to cousins including singers and through maternal connections, though immediate sibling dynamics centered on shared experiences of economic hardship and street life in Long Beach, which Snoop has described as forging a protective bond amid his rising fame. Snoop married his high school sweetheart, Shante Broadus (née Taylor), on June 12, 1997, after dating since their teens in the early 1990s; she has served as his manager, handling business affairs and providing stability during his peaks and legal troubles. The couple filed for in 2004 amid Snoop's admitted infidelities and the strains of stardom, but reconciled shortly after, renewing vows in 2008 and celebrating 28 years of marriage in June 2025, with Snoop attributing endurance to mutual forgiveness, her non-working role supported by his earnings, and a commitment to unity over external temptations. Snoop is father to four children, emphasizing hands-on parenting to counter his own absent father model. With Shante, he has sons Corde Broadus (born August 11, 1994), an aspiring and entrepreneur who welcomed Snoop's first grandchild in 2015; Cordell Broadus (born February 22, 1997), a former USC football recruit turned media personality and founder of Broadus Foods; and daughter Cori Broadus (born June 22, 1999), who has pursued music and modeling while overcoming health challenges like and a 2022 ; Cori's daughter Codi Dreaux, born prematurely in February 2025, died on January 26, 2026, at 10 months old after complications from her premature birth. He also has a son, Julian Broadus (born 1998), from a relationship with Laurie Holmond, whom Snoop integrated into the family early, supporting his upbringing and public appearances despite initial non-marital circumstances. Snoop has eight grandchildren as of 2025, often highlighting intergenerational ties through and joint ventures, such as mentoring Cordell in business, reflecting a dynamic of paternal guidance blended with collaborative family enterprises.

Religious Evolution

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., was raised in a Baptist household in , where his mother, Beverly Broadus-Green, served as an evangelist at Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church. As a child, he participated in church activities, playing and singing in the , which instilled early that he later credited for providing moral guidance amid personal hardships. His mother's lifelong role as an ordained minister further embedded these influences, though Broadus drifted from during his youth, coinciding with involvement in gang activity and the rise of his music career in the early 1990s. In March 2009, Broadus publicly affiliated with the Nation of Islam (NOI) during its annual convention in , a move some observers linked to broader themes of racial empowerment amid experiences of . This association marked a shift toward structured spiritual discipline outside his Baptist roots, though it did not result in a full adoption of orthodox , as NOI doctrines diverge from mainstream Sunni or Shia practices by incorporating unique racial and eschatological elements. By July 2012, following a trip to , Broadus announced a conversion to Rastafarianism, adopting the stage name Snoop Lion and releasing the album Reincarnated, which emphasized themes of and redemption. This phase reflected an eclectic spiritual search, influenced by Rastafari's emphasis on African heritage and natural living, but it was short-lived in formal commitment. In 2018, Broadus declared himself a born-again Christian, releasing the gospel album Bible of Love on March 16, featuring collaborations with artists like and Rance Allen, and explicitly stating that faith had long weighed on his heart. This return to echoed his upbringing and mother's influence, with Broadus citing personal reflection and a desire to honor her as key factors. He has since incorporated elements into performances and announced plans for another project, , dedicated to his late mother in 2024. Despite these professions, Broadus has maintained secular pursuits, including advocacy, prompting skepticism from some Christian observers about the depth of his transformation. Broadus has not pursued formal as a minister, though he has referenced informal spiritual leadership roles.

Sports Engagement and Fandom

Snoop Dogg has expressed lifelong fandom for the of the , attributing his allegiance to childhood admiration for defensive lineman "Mean during the team's dynasty era, despite his California upbringing. He has incorporated Steelers imagery into performances and maintained public support, including appearances discussing the team on broadcasts as recently as October 2024. While occasionally spotted with apparel from other teams like the or , leading some to label him a bandwagon supporter, his core loyalty remains with . In 2005, Snoop Dogg founded the Snoop Youth Football League, a initially aimed at providing inner-city children in with structured team sports to foster discipline, teamwork, and self-respect. The league expanded nationwide by the 2010s, incorporating cheer programs and enabling participant travel for competitions, with chapters established in locations including by 2015. It has produced over 40 alumni who reached the , including players like Jaylin "J-Roc" Smith, emphasizing its role in talent development amid urban challenges. A 2018 Netflix docu-series, Coach Snoop, documented his hands-on coaching of the league's "Snoop Steelers" youth team, highlighting efforts to steer participants away from street risks through athletic focus. Snoop Dogg has engaged directly in through , serving as master of ceremonies for the Bunnymania match at on March 30, 2008, and as Raw guest host in 2009. He participated in an impromptu tag-team match at on April 2, 2023, delivering a People's Elbow to wrestler , and provided commentary at in 2024. His contributions earned induction into the WWE Hall of Fame's Celebrity Wing. In combat sports, Snoop Dogg co-founded The Fight Club boxing league with Triller in December 2020, acting as co-owner, host, announcer, and talent selector to blend music and fights in a new promotional format. He provided commentary for events like Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, though criticized by some for lacking boxing expertise. Snoop Dogg has pursued sports investments, joining the ownership group of soccer club Swansea City as a minority stakeholder in July 2025 to support club operations and global branding. He aligned with a bid for NHL's in 2023, reflecting interest in hockey franchise acquisition.

Philanthropic Efforts

Snoop Dogg established the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) in 2005 as a non-profit initiative targeting inner-city children aged 5 to 13, with the goal of fostering discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship through organized football while steering participants away from street violence in areas like . The program has expanded nationwide, offering travel opportunities and team-based skill development, and has received financial support such as a $100,000 donation from Raising Cane's in June 2024 to expand access for more youth. The SYFL reports producing over 40 players who advanced to the , including Houston Texans quarterback , who credited at age 12 with shaping his discipline and path to professional success, as well as others like and . Participants and observers attribute the league's impact to its role in providing structured alternatives to gang involvement and urban risks, with Snoop Dogg himself highlighting its superiority to personal accolades like Grammy nominations in terms of societal value. Beyond sports, Snoop Dogg has supported education through initiatives like the 2022 launch of Doggyland, a YouTube channel featuring original songs and content designed for social-emotional learning in young children, co-created to promote emotional intelligence and positive development. He has also donated to underprivileged schools for resources and scholarships via efforts tied to his foundations, and in June 2025, collaborated with Wiz Khalifa and Pat McAfee on a $50,000 one-time donation to fund Pittsburgh public schools. Additional community contributions include organizing charity basketball games benefiting his Save a Life Foundation, which aids youth programs and high schools, and involvement in the , where 100% of proceeds since its inception have gone to local nonprofits. He has backed organizations such as , Baby2Baby for child welfare, and , alongside personal donations to cancer support and disaster relief, including aid during Los Angeles wildfires.

Political Views

Initial Activism and Alignments

In the mid-2000s, Snoop Dogg began engaging in advocacy, notably campaigning for clemency for Stanley "Tookie" Williams, a former co-founder scheduled for execution in . On November 19, 2005, Snoop publicly urged Governor to spare Williams' life, citing his anti-gang violence initiatives in prison, including authoring children's books promoting peace and authoring a protocol to end Crips-Bloods hostilities, despite Williams' prior convictions for four murders. Williams was executed on December 13, 2005, but Snoop's involvement highlighted his emerging focus on rehabilitation over punitive measures for reformed offenders, drawing from his own experiences with the system, including a 1993 murder charge from which he was acquitted in 1996. By 2008, Snoop aligned with Democratic presidential candidate , endorsing him amid criticism of the administration's policies. In interviews, he stated Americans should grant Obama "four more years" post-2012 reelection to rectify Bush's "eight years" of mishandling, emphasizing economic recovery and social issues resonant with urban communities. This support reflected broader alignments with Democratic platforms on issues like and community investment, though Snoop occasionally backed libertarian-leaning figures, such as in 2012 primarily for marijuana legalization stances. His early thus intertwined personal history with calls for systemic leniency, predating more formalized reform efforts.

Recent Shifts and Statements

In January 2024, Snoop Dogg publicly softened his longstanding criticism of Donald Trump, declaring in an interview with The Sunday Times that he held "nothing but love and respect" for the former president, primarily due to Trump's 2021 pardon of Michael "Harry-O" Harris, the Death Row Records co-founder credited with discovering and promoting Snoop's early career. This represented a notable pivot from his prior antagonism, including 2017 statements labeling Trump a racist and vowing to call out Black supporters of the politician. Throughout the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, Snoop maintained neutrality by withholding endorsements for either Trump or Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, explaining in November 2024 that he sought to avoid fostering division and did not align with the Democratic or Republican parties. After Trump's election victory, Snoop performed at the Crypto Ball event tied to the January 20, 2025, inauguration, an action that elicited backlash from critics accusing him of or of prior anti-Trump stances. He responded by reaffirming his independence, stating on January 27, 2025, via that he remained "100 percent Black" and represented only himself, not any political faction, while advising detractors to "get your life right" rather than scrutinize his choices. In April 2025, Snoop reiterated his apolitical stance in a Time magazine feature, emphasizing neutrality despite the inauguration appearance and clarifying that his decisions stemmed from personal opportunity rather than partisan loyalty. By May 2025, he directly rebutted "sellout" allegations in public statements, underscoring his non-affiliation with Republicans while defending his performance as a professional engagement unbound by ideology.

Cannabis Involvement

Advocacy and Legalization Push

Snoop Dogg has been a prominent public advocate for cannabis legalization since the early , leveraging his cultural influence to promote reform efforts. In 2010, he endorsed California's Proposition 19, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, by recording a and publicly smoking on camera to demonstrate support. The measure failed, garnering 46% approval against 53% opposition. Following the defeat of Proposition 19, Snoop Dogg continued advocating through performances and statements, including a 2012 420 concert with that highlighted amid ongoing legalization debates. By 2016, he celebrated the passage of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis in California, tweeting "We just legalized marijuana in Cali. #smokeweedeveryday" to mark the 53.3% voter approval that enabled adult use starting January 1, 2018. His efforts extended to national and international reform, including direct engagement with policymakers and participation in events pushing for changes tied to past prohibitions. In , he joined a Zoom call with a Koch-backed group, the Cannabis Freedom Alliance, contributing to broader federal advocacy. Snoop Dogg has emphasized that profits from should primarily benefit those involved before it was legal, arguing against exclusion of early participants in the industry. He has spoken at rallies and used his platform to destigmatize , noting shifts in since his 1993 debut album when possession was illegal nationwide.

Personal Habits and Health Realities

Snoop Dogg has integrated into his daily life since , employing a personal blunt roller named Renegade since 2016 to handcraft his marijuana cigarettes. estimated that, through 2022, Snoop had smoked approximately 450,000 of her rolled blunts, equating to about half a pound of marijuana daily or 75 to 150 joints. Snoop addressed these figures as somewhat inflated, clarifying his as typically 15 to 25 blunts per day, varying with professional demands such as touring or recording. He has described as a consistent companion, used for relaxation, creativity, and social rituals, without admitting dependency. In January 2026, while presenting at the Golden Globes, he publicly stated, "I'm high as a motherfucker right now," resulting in brief broadcast censorship, underscoring his candid embrace of cannabis culture. On November 16, 2023, Snoop posted on that he was "giving up smoke" following family consultations, sparking speculation of health-driven cessation after over 40 years of habitual inhalation. Four days later, he revealed this as part of an for Solo Stove's smokeless fire pits, emphasizing a transition to "smokeless" living while affirming continued use through alternatives like edibles and tinctures to avoid combustion-related harm. This shift aligns with broader patterns among long-term users seeking to mitigate respiratory risks without forgoing the substance. Chronic heavy , as in Snoop's pre-2023 routine, exposes users to , , and carcinogens from combusted plant matter, paralleling tobacco's effects and elevating risks for , , and . Medical authorities note potential long-term cognitive impacts, including impaired memory and executive function, alongside cannabis use disorder prevalence of 9-30% among regular users, though Snoop reports no such impairments and sustains rigorous performance schedules. No link specific diagnoses to his habits, but empirical studies underscore that quitting improves pulmonary function within months, potentially averting cumulative damage. Snoop's apparent at age 54 suggests individual variability in tolerance, yet underscores causal risks from extreme, unmoderated exposure over decades.

Early Criminal Charges and Imprisonment

Calvin Broadus Jr., professionally known as Snoop Dogg, engaged in drug dealing and gang activity during his teenage years in , leading to multiple arrests in the late 1980s for possession of marijuana and . Affiliated with the , he frequently entered and exited juvenile detention facilities due to these offenses, which reflected the violent street environment of his upbringing. In 1990, Broadus was convicted on charges of possession and possession with intent to sell, resulting in a sentence that interrupted his early attempts at music production. On August 25, 1993, shortly after the release of his debut album , Broadus and his McKinley Lee were arrested and charged with first-degree and in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Philip Woldemariam, an alleged member of a rival , at Woodbine Park in . Prosecutors alleged the shooting stemmed from a initiated by Woldemariam approaching their , with Lee firing multiple shots while Broadus drove away; the defense maintained it was self-defense against an armed aggressor. Broadus faced additional charges of accessory after the fact. Released on $1 million pending trial, he was not held in prolonged . The initial trial in late 1995 ended in a mistrial due to a , and a retrial in February 1996 resulted in acquittals for both men on all counts.

High-Profile Trials and Acquittals

In August 1993, Snoop Dogg, whose legal name is Calvin Broadus Jr., and his bodyguard McKinley Lee were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit assault following the fatal shooting of Woldemariam, a 22-year-old member of a rival gang, outside a Woodland Hills, , park. The incident stemmed from an altercation where Woldemariam allegedly approached Broadus's vehicle aggressively, prompting Lee to fire multiple shots in what the defense argued was after Woldemariam reached for a weapon. The trial, which began in November 1995 in Superior Court, drew significant media attention due to Broadus's rising fame in the rap industry and the involvement of high-profile attorney , who later gained further prominence in the case. Prosecutors alleged that Broadus directed Lee to fire at Woldemariam, portraying the event as a gang-related tied to affiliations, while the defense emphasized video evidence and witness testimony supporting the self-defense narrative, including claims that Woldemariam had initiated violence. After six days of deliberations, Broadus and Lee were acquitted of all charges on February 20, 1996, with the verdict announced the following day; the found insufficient evidence to disprove the claim, particularly given inconsistencies in prosecution witness accounts and forensic details. This outcome allowed Broadus to resume his music career without conviction, though the case inspired his 1994 short film and soundtrack , which dramatized the events. In October 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge approved Broadus's petition to seal the arrest records from the 1993 case, 28 years post-acquittal, citing his rehabilitation and lack of subsequent convictions as factors under California law permitting such relief for non-convictions. No other high-profile criminal trials resulting in acquittals are documented in Broadus's legal history beyond this incident.

Civil Disputes and Recent Lawsuits

In February 2024, Snoop Dogg, alongside through their company Broadus Foods, filed a civil lawsuit against , , and associated entities, alleging and that prevented their Snoop Cereal product from reaching store shelves despite meeting distribution criteria. The suit, represented by attorney Ben Crump, claimed discriminatory treatment favoring established brands and sought damages exceeding $50,000 plus injunctive relief, highlighting broader issues of for minority-owned ventures. As of October 2025, the case remains ongoing without reported resolution. In July 2024, Jr. initiated a lawsuit against Snoop Dogg, , and others, asserting unauthorized use of two bass and drum backing tracks on the rapper's 2022 album BODR. The plaintiff sought licensing fees, royalties, and statutory damages for the alleged unlicensed sampling. Snoop Dogg settled the dispute out of court in June 2025, with terms undisclosed, avoiding a trial on the infringement claims. In March 2025, Houston investor Lydia Harris refiled a $100 million civil lawsuit against Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records, and related parties, stemming from a 1991 agreement where she allegedly advanced $1.5 million to co-founder Suge Knight for label operations in exchange for equity and royalties. Harris contended that subsequent owners, including Snoop Dogg after his 2022 acquisition of the label, failed to honor profit-sharing obligations despite the catalog's value exceeding billions. The suit accuses fraud and breach of contract, seeking to dissolve Death Row's corporate structure; it remains pending as of October 2025. Snoop Dogg and faced a $1.3 million in October 2025 related to their collaborative rap group Mt. Westmore, with plaintiffs alleging of tour commitments and failure to deliver on promotional promises after the project's tours were canceled. The defendants have denied the claims, contesting deposition requests and arguing the suit lacks merit; no settlement or ruling has been reported.

Travel Bans and International Conflicts

In 2006, Snoop Dogg was arrested at London's following a disturbance involving his entourage and British officials, leading to charges of violent disorder and a subsequent ban from entering the . The incident stemmed from an altercation where members of his group allegedly assaulted guards, resulting in his detention and exclusion from the country under rules targeting individuals deemed a risk to public order. In March 2010, an immigration tribunal overturned the ban, ruling that the denial of entry had been unjustified given the lack of conviction for the charges, allowing him to resume touring in the . Australia denied Snoop Dogg entry on April 26, 2007, barring him from a scheduled tour due to his prior convictions for drug possession and firearms offenses, which immigration authorities cited as evidence of poor character unfit for the country. Then-Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews emphasized the rapper's history of promoting violence and drug use through his music as factors in the decision, reflecting 's strict visa policies for entertainers with criminal records. The ban disrupted planned performances but was not specified as permanent, and Snoop Dogg later obtained visas for subsequent visits. In July 2012, Norwegian authorities banned Snoop Dogg from the country for two years after detaining him at (Kjevik) upon discovery of eight grams of marijuana by drug-sniffing dogs during a search prompted by his entourage's behavior. He faced charges for drug importation, with police noting the was hidden in his baggage, leading to a fine and the entry prohibition under Norway's narcotics laws. The restriction expired in 2014, after which he has performed in without reported Norwegian issues. These incidents highlight recurring international travel barriers tied to Snoop Dogg's documented , including drug-related offenses, though none escalated to broader diplomatic conflicts. Additional encounters, such as a 2015 detention in for carrying $422,000 in undeclared cash exceeding legal limits, resulted in questioning but no formal ban.

Controversies

Glorification of Gangsta Lifestyle

Snoop Dogg's early music and public persona heavily emphasized the gangsta lifestyle, drawing from his affiliation with the gang in , where he engaged in street activities including drug dealing and pimping during his youth. This background informed his debut album , released on November 23, 1993, which sold over 800,000 copies in its first week and featured production highlighting casual depictions of marijuana use, interpersonal violence, sexual dominance, and criminal hustling as markers of authenticity and appeal. Tracks like "Serial Killa" narrated predatory acts against women and rivals in a boastful tone, while "" portrayed partying amid fights and intoxication as aspirational escapism. The 1994 single "," tied to a and comic book, dramatized a , , and supernatural deal for survival, framing gang retribution as a high-stakes with rhythmic allure rather than unequivocal caution. Released during Snoop's murder trial for the August 25, 1993, shooting of Woldemariam, the song fueled debates over whether such content blurred and , with prosecutors citing as evidence of mindset despite the on February 20, 1996. Critics contended that Snoop's smooth delivery and commercial success—Doggystyle certified quadruple platinum by 1994—made gangsta rap's elements of , gunplay, and territorial loyalty seem glamorous and attainable, exploiting racial stereotypes of hyper-masculine black men for profit while downplaying causal links to real . Organizations and commentators linked such portrayals to broader cultural normalization of narcotics distribution and retaliatory violence, arguing they prioritized shock value over empirical critique of socioeconomic drivers like and family breakdown. Snoop defended the content as reflective of lived realities, stating in 2013 that gang life appealed more than alternatives like church due to its visible camaraderie and power dynamics.

Public Statements on Social Issues

Snoop Dogg has frequently addressed police brutality and racial injustice, participating in protests such as the July 2016 march in alongside rapper The Game following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, where he emphasized communication over confrontation with . In June 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's killing, he highlighted longstanding issues of and police violence in Black communities, stating that such matters had been raised repeatedly without sufficient response. He publicly endorsed voting to end police brutality in September 2020, linking it explicitly to the movement. On gun violence, Snoop Dogg launched anti-gun initiatives drawing from personal losses, including the deaths of friends and associates, as detailed in his 2015 "I'm Disarming" campaign promoting background checks and pledges against violence. His 2013 song "No Guns Allowed" inspired petitions for universal background checks, and he met with Michael Brown's family in 2014 to discuss fallout from events in Ferguson. In 2014, he collaborated with figures like and to advocate for reduced , reflecting on his own past advocacy for it in earlier music as a point of redemption through later songs. Regarding gender and women in music, Snoop Dogg acknowledged his early career's use of derogatory terms toward women, influenced by cultural norms in , but credited in 2024 for prompting a shift toward emphasizing , stating women "deserve to be respected" without constant slurs. He advocated for equal pay for female athletes in sports endorsements, urging compensation on par with males. Past incidents, such as 2015 comments to a female reporter suggesting she "give [him] the pussy for the big exposure," drew criticism for , though he later framed his evolution as personal growth without regret for documenting prior attitudes. In August 2025, Snoop Dogg criticized the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes, such as a same-sex couple in the film , claiming it made him hesitant to take children to theaters and arguing movies should allow kids to "be kids" without such content, prompting accusations of homophobia from media outlets and activists. He responded with an apology, posting "My bad" and expressing willingness to learn, though his representative later denied the authenticity of some attributed Instagram follow-ups. Politically, Snoop Dogg endorsed Democratic figures like and in prior cycles but expressed neutrality in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, stating he represented neither major party but the "Gangster Party." By 2025, he performed at events tied to Donald Trump's , including a crypto ball, citing Trump's pardon of co-founder Michael Harris as a factor in his respect, while rejecting "sellout" labels and affirming his identity as "100 percent Black" amid backlash. This marked a shift from earlier anti-Trump rhetoric, where he vowed to "roast" supporters, to pragmatic engagement.

Business and Fraud Allegations

Snoop Dogg has pursued a wide array of ventures, leveraging his celebrity status to invest across industries such as , , , and consumer products. In 2015, he co-founded Casa Verde Capital, a firm focused on startups with an initial fund of $150 million that later expanded, positioning him as a prominent investor in the legal marijuana sector amid varying state regulations. He acquired in February 2022 for an estimated $50 million, transforming the label into a entity including NFTs and digital content distribution. Additional investments include early stakes in (via a $160 million portfolio reported in 2024), , and , alongside launches like the Still G.I.N. spirits brand co-founded with in 2024 and pet products under Snoop Doggie Doggs. These endeavors have contributed to his reported exceeding $150 million as of 2024, though exact figures fluctuate with market conditions and undisclosed holdings. Fraud allegations against Snoop Dogg primarily stem from disputes over merchandising and partnership agreements. In November 2024, Westside Merchandising LLC filed a $1.3 million lawsuit in against Snoop Dogg, , E-40, Too $hort, and LLC, accusing them of , , conversion, and related to unreturned advances and merchandise production for the supergroup's tours and promotions dating back to 2021. The plaintiff claims the defendants accepted over $1 million in payments for apparel and event merchandise that was never delivered or compensated, prompting demands for depositions that Snoop's legal team has resisted, asserting the claims lack merit. Snoop and co-defendants have denied all wrongdoing, arguing the suit misrepresents standard industry advances and contractual disputes rather than intentional deceit. Separate business litigation has involved claims of sabotage and withheld compensation, though not always framed as fraud. In February 2024, Broadus Foods—co-owned by Snoop Dogg and —sued and for $1 billion, alleging the companies deliberately understocked and hid their Broadus-branded cereals on shelves to favor established products like , resulting in lost sales exceeding $10 million annually. The suit, later amended, claims discriminatory practices against minority-owned ventures but has not advanced to fraud-specific rulings as of October 2025. In August 2025, Houston investor Lydia Harris filed a $100 million against Snoop Dogg and , seeking to invalidate the label's operations based on an alleged 1991 investment of $1.5 million for a 20% stake, which she claims was defrauded through non-payment of royalties over decades; Snoop's acquisition of the label post-dates the original dealings with founders and , complicating attribution. These cases highlight risks in celebrity-backed partnerships, where opaque contracts and reliance on can lead to protracted disputes, though Snoop has prevailed or settled many prior business claims without admissions of liability.

Legacy

Awards, Sales, and Commercial Success

Snoop Dogg's debut album (1993) debuted at number one on the and received quadruple from the RIAA on May 31, 1994, for shipments exceeding 4 million units in the United States. Subsequent releases like (1996) achieved double status, while Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998) earned on October 22, 1998. Overall, his includes multiple multi-platinum albums, contributing to reported U.S. sales surpassing 23 million units and global figures around 35 million. In terms of awards, Snoop Dogg has received 17 Grammy nominations across categories such as Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song but has not won any, a point he publicly criticized in 2024 amid ongoing nominations without victories. He has secured an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, a Primetime Emmy for the 2022 performance, and two for outstanding music composition and lyrics. Additional honors include a 2022 Emmy win shared with for their VH1 series Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party. Beyond music, Snoop Dogg's commercial success stems from diversified ventures, including cannabis brands like and investments through co-founded Casa Verde Capital, which manages a portfolio exceeding $300 million in the industry. Partnerships with brands such as Corona and Dunkin' for ad campaigns, alongside the 2024 launch of premium STILL with , have bolstered his entrepreneurial profile, earning him the Webby Award for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2025. These efforts have sustained his relevance and financial growth, with estimates placing his net worth in the nine figures as of 2024.

Cultural Influence and Critiques

Snoop Dogg's contributions to hip-hop helped define the subgenre, characterized by synthesized funk samples and laid-back flows, which dominated West Coast rap in the early 1990s following his debut on Dr. Dre's in 1992. His smooth delivery and slang-heavy lyrics popularized elements of Long Beach street culture, influencing subsequent artists in blending gangsta themes with melodic production. Beyond music, Snoop's persona—marked by exaggerated verbal tics, pimp aesthetics, and catchphrases like "fo' shizzle"—permeated pop culture, appearing in , , and advertising, sustaining his relevance across generations. His entrepreneurial ventures amplified this influence, turning him into a brand icon through cannabis-related businesses, apparel lines, and endorsements with companies like and Martha Stewart's brands, demonstrating adaptability from origins to mainstream commerce. Collaborations spanning genres, including fusions and features with artists like , expanded hip-hop's commercial footprint, with Snoop's projects often achieving multimillion-dollar sales and streaming milestones reflective of his enduring draw. Critics have argued that Snoop's early work, such as (1993), glorified gang affiliations, drug dealing, and violence rooted in his ties, potentially normalizing destructive behaviors for impressionable youth amid rising urban crime rates in the . Lyrics depicting pimping, shootings, and narcotics use drew scrutiny for mirroring and amplifying inner-city pathologies rather than critiquing them, contributing to broader debates on gangsta rap's role in escalating tied to the crack epidemic. Despite later pivots toward family-oriented content and anti-violence , such as organizing forums, detractors contend his foundational image perpetuated a cycle of harm within communities by commodifying trauma for profit, with some attributing persistent culture partly to such media portrayals. Empirical studies on rap's societal effects remain contested, but Snoop's unapologetic embrace of his past has fueled ongoing critiques that prioritize authenticity over cautionary messaging.

References

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