In 2012, following a trip toJamaica, Snoop Dogg converted toRastafari and adopted the aliasSnoop Lion, under which he released areggae album,Reincarnated (2013), and anamesake 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 "aborn-again Christian" and released his firstgospel album,Bible of Love, in March of that year.[13] Also that year, Snoop Dogg was awarded a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.[14] In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records fromMNRK Music Group (formerly known as eOne Music), and released his nineteenth studio album,BODR (2022)—preceded by the independently-releasedI Wanna Thank Me (2019) andFrom 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 theBillboard 200.
Early life
Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. was born on October 20, 1971, inLong Beach, California, to Beverly Tate (1951–2021) and Vernell Varnado.[16][17] Varnado, who was aVietnam 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, Cordozar Calvin Broadus Sr. (1948–1984).[18][failed verification] 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 fromPeanuts.[19] He was the second of his mother's three sons. His mother and stepfather divorced in 1975.[16]
Snoop Dogg was raisedBaptist 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 theRollin' 20s Crips gang in theEastside 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 fromLong Beach Polytechnic High School in 1989, he was arrested for possession ofcocaine, and for the next three years was frequently incarcerated, including atWayside Jail.[18] With his two cousins,Nate Dogg and Lil' ½ Dead, and friendWarren G, he recorded homemade tapes, with one titledOver the Counter attracting some label interest.[citation needed] The four called their group213 after thearea code of their native Long Beach at that time. One of Snoop's early solofreestyles over "Hold On" byEn Vogue was on amixtape that fortuitously wound up withDr. Dre; the influential producer was so impressed by the sample that he called Snoop Dogg to audition in 1991 for his labelDeath Row Records (then known as Future Shock). FormerN.W.A affiliate, American rapper Tracy Lynn Curry, better known asThe D.O.C., taught him to structure his lyrics and separate the themes into verses, hooks, and choruses.[25]
Music career
1991–1997: Death Row,Doggystyle, andTha Doggfather
When he began recording, the young rapper took the stage name Snoop Doggy Dogg. He was introduced toDr. Dre byWarren 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).[26] Dr. Dre began working with him, first on the theme song of the 1992 filmDeep Cover, and then on Dr. Dre's debut solo albumThe 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.[18]
Snoop Dogg performing in 1998
Fueling the ascendance ofWest CoastG-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.[18]Gangsta rap became the center of arguments about censorship and labeling, with Snoop Dogg often used as an example of violent andmisogynistic musicians.[27] Unlike many of the harder-edgedgangsta rap artists, Snoop Dogg seemed to show his softer side, according to music journalistChuck Philips.Rolling Stone music criticTouré 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 likeThe Chronic, featured a host of rappers signed to or affiliated with the Death Row label includingDaz 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.[28] Snoop Dogg was acquitted on February 20, 1996, and the case was finally closed in 2024.[29] 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.[30] A short film about Snoop Dogg's murder trial,Murder Was the Case, was released in 1994, along with an accompanyingsoundtrack. On July 6, 1995,Doggy Style Records, Inc., a record label founded by Snoop Dogg, was registered with theCalifornia Secretary of State as business entity number C1923139.[31]
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 gangstalife" had become very evident. Among the many notable hip hop industry deaths and convictions were the death of Snoop Dogg's friend and labelmateTupac Shakur and theracketeering indictment of Death Row co-founderSuge Knight.[18] Dr. Dre had left Death Row earlier in 1996 because of a contract dispute, so Snoop Dogg co-producedTha Doggfather withDaz Dillinger andDJ Pooh.
This album featured a distinct change of style fromDoggystyle, 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 titledDoggumentary on July 8, 1997, but the album had been canceled.[33] Despite this, a music video was released for its projected first single,Midnight Love.[33] 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 forSuge Knight other than the insulting "Fuck Death Row" until his contract expired.[24] In an interview withNeil Strauss in 1998, Snoop Dogg said that though he had been given lavish gifts by his former label, they had withheld his royalty payments.[34]
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic said that afterTha Doggfather, Snoop Dogg began "moving away from his gangsta roots toward a calmer lyrical aesthetic":[18] for instance, Snoop Dogg participated in the 1997Lollapalooza concert tour, which featured mainly alternative rock music. Troy J. Augusto ofVariety noted that Snoop's set at Lollapalooza attracted "much dancing, and, strangely, even a small mosh pit" in the audience.[35]
1998–2006: Signing with No Limit and continued success
Snoop Dogg performing in Hawaii for U.S. military members in 2005
Snoop Dogg signed withMaster P'sNo Limit Records (distributed byPriority/EMI Records) in March 1998 and debuted on the label withDa 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][36] His other albums on No Limit wereNo Limit Top Dogg in 1999 (selling over 1,510,000 copies) andTha Last Meal in 2000 (selling over 2,100,000).[18] In 1999, his autobiography,Tha Doggfather, was published.
In June 2004, Snoop Dogg signed toGeffen Records/Star Trak Entertainment, both distributed byInterscope Records; Star Trak is headed by producer duothe Neptunes,[37] which produced several tracks for Snoop's 2004 releaseR&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", featuringJustin Timberlake andCharlie 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 joinedWarren G andNate Dogg to form the group213 and releasedThe Hard Way in 2004. Debuting at No.4 on theBillboard 200 and No.1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, it included the single "Groupie Luv". Snoop Doggappeared in the music video forKorn's "Twisted Transistor" along with fellow rappersLil Jon,Xzibit, andDavid Banner.
Snoop Dogg appeared on two tracks from Ice Cube's 2006 albumLaugh Now, Cry Later, including "Go to Church", and on several tracks onTha Dogg Pound'sCali 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 leaderStanley "Tookie" Williams and a diss toArnold Schwarzenegger, the governor of California. Two other singles on which Snoop Dogg made a guest performance were "Keep Bouncing" byToo $hort (also withwill.i.am ofthe Black Eyed Peas) and "Gangsta Walk" byCoolio.
2007–2012:Ego Trippin',Malice n Wonderland andDoggumentary
In July 2007, Snoop Dogg made history by becoming the first artist to release a track as aringtone before its release as a single, "It's the D.O.G". On July 7, 2007, Snoop Dogg performed at theLive Earth concert, Hamburg.[38] Snoop Dogg ventured into singing forBollywood with his first ever rap for anIndian movie,Singh Is Kinng; the song title is also "Singh is Kinng". He appears in the movie as himself.[39] The album featuring the song was released on June 8, 2008, on Junglee Music Records.[40] He released his ninth studio album,Ego Trippin' (selling 400,000 copies in the U.S.), along with the first single, "Sexual Eruption". The single peaked at No. 7 on theBillboard 100, featuring Snoop Dogg usingautotune. The album featured production fromQDT (Quik-Dogg-Teddy).
Snoop Dogg was appointed an executive position at Priority Records. His tenth studio album,Malice n Wonderland, was released on December 8, 2009. The first single from the album, "Gangsta Luv", featuringThe-Dream, peaked at No.35 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at No.23 on theBillboard 200, selling 61,000 copies its first week, making it his lowest charting album. His third single, "I Wanna Rock", peaked at No.41 on theBillboard Hot 100. The fourth single fromMalice n Wonderland, titled "Pronto", featuringSoulja Boy Tell 'Em, was released oniTunes on December 1, 2009. Snoop Dogg re-released the album under the nameMore Malice.
Snoop Dogg collaborated withKaty Perry on "California Gurls", the first single from her albumTeenage Dream, which was released on May 7, 2010.[41] Snoop Dogg can also be heard on the track "Flashing" by Dr. Dre and onCurren$y's song "Seat Change". He was also featured on a new single from Australian singerJessica 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 troupethe Lonely Island in their song "Turtleneck & Chain", in their 2011 albumTurtleneck & Chain.
Snoop Dogg's eleventh studio album wasDoggumentary. The album went through several tentative titles includingDoggystyle 2: Tha Doggumentary andDoggumentary Music: 0020 before being released under the final titleDoggumentary on March 29, 2011.[42] Snoop Dogg was featured onGorillaz' albumPlastic Beach on the track "Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach" with theHypnotic Brass Ensemble. He also completed another track with them entitled "Sumthing Like This Night" which was later released onDoggumentary. He also appears on the 2011Tech N9ne albumAll 6's and 7's on the track "Pornographic", which also featuresE-40 andKrizz Kaliko.
2012–2013:Reincarnated and7 Days of Funk
Snoop Dogg as Snoop Lion, 2013
On February 4, 2012, Snoop Dogg announced a documentary,Reincarnated, alongside his new upcoming studio album entitledReincarnated. The film was released March 21, 2013, with the album slated for release April 23, 2013. On July 20, 2012, Snoop Dogg released a newreggae single, "La La La" under the pseudonym Snoop Lion.[43] Three other songs were also announced to be on the album: "No Guns Allowed", "Ashtrays and Heartbreaks", and "Harder Times".[44]
On July 31, 2012, Snoop Dogg introduced a new stage name, Snoop Lion. He told reporters that he was rechristened Snoop Lion by aRastafari priest inJamaica.[45] In response toFrank Ocean coming out, Snoop Dogg said hip hop was ready to accept a gay rapper.[46] Snoop Dogg recorded an original song for the 2012fighting gameTekken Tag Tournament 2, titled "Knocc 'Em Down"; and makes a special appearance as a non-playable character in "The Snoop Dogg Stage" arena.[47][48]
In September of the same year, Snoop Dogg released a compilation of electronic music entitledLoose Joints under the moniker DJ Snoopadelic, stating the influence ofGeorge Clinton'sFunkadelic.[49] In an interview withThe Fader magazine, he stated "Snoop Lion, Snoop Dogg, DJ Snoopadelic—they only know one thing: make music that's timeless and bangs".[49] In December 2012, Snoop Dogg released his second single fromReincarnated, "Here Comes the King". It was also announced that Snoop Dogg worked a deal with RCA Records to releaseReincarnated in early 2013.[50] Also in December 2012, Snoop Dogg released aThat's My Work a collaboration rap mixtape with Tha Dogg Pound.[51]
In an interview withHip Hop Weekly on June 17, producerSymbolyc 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".[52] In September 2013, Snoop Dogg released a collaboration album with his sons as Tha Broadus Boyz titledRoyal Fam.[53] On October 28, 2013, Snoop Dogg released another mixtape entitledThat's My Work 2 hosted byDJ Drama.[54] Snoop Dogg formed a funk duo with musicianDâm-Funk called 7 Days of Funk and released their debut album,7 Days of Funk, on December 10, 2013.
2014–2017:Bush,Coolaid, andNeva Left
In August 2014, a clip surfaced online featuring a sneak preview of a song Snoop Dogg had recorded for Pharrell.[55] Snoop'sPharrell Williams-produced albumBush was released on May 12, 2015,[56] 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 albumCoolaid, which was released on July 1, 2016.[57] He headlined a "unity party" for donors at Philly's Electric Factory on July 28, 2016, the last day of theDemocratic National Convention.[58] Released March 1, 2017, through his own Doggy Style Records, "Promise You This" precedes the release of his upcomingCoolaid film based on the album of the same name. Snoop Dogg released his fifteenth studio albumNeva Left in May 2017.[59]
In April 2018, Snoop Dogg performed atCoachella with acid-jazz and funk bandJamiroquai. Snoop Dogg was featured onGorillaz' albumThe Now Now, released in June 2018, on a track called: "Hollywood" withJamie Principle.[62] 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 onLil Dicky's April 2019 single "Earth", where he played the role of amarijuana plant in both the song's lyrics and animated video.[63] On July 3, 2019, Snoop Dogg released the title track from his upcoming 17th studio album,I Wanna Thank Me.[64][65] The album was released on August 16, 2019.[66] Snoop Dogg collaborated with Vietnamese singerSon Tung M-TP in "Hãy trao cho anh" ("Give it to Me"), which was officially released on July 1, 2019.[67] 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 hisI Wanna Thank You album and documentary of the same name. The tour has been rescheduled to commence in February 2021.[68] In May 2020, Snoop Dogg released the song "Que Maldicion", a collaboration withBanda Sinaloense de Sergio Lizarraga, peaking at number one on theBillboardBubbling Under Hot 100.[69]
On April 20, 2021, Snoop Dogg released his eighteenth studio albumFrom tha Streets 2 tha Suites. It was announced on April 7, 2021, viaInstagram.[70] The album received generally positive reviews from critics.
During an interview on the September 27 airing ofThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Snoop Dogg announcedAlgorithm. The album was released on November 19, 2021.[71]
2022: Super Bowl LVI halftime show performance andBODR
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.[73] However, the album's release was pushed forward two days and was released on February 11, 2022.[74]
On February 10, 2022, Snoop Dogg announced that he has acquired Death Row Records and intends to revive the label.[75]
On June 24, 2022, Snoop Dogg collaborated withEminem on the track "From the D 2 the LBC", with a live-action/animated music video released the same day.[76]
2024: Paris Olympics closing ceremony,Gin and Juice andMissionary
On August 11, 2024, Snoop Dogg appeared during the2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Paris, France,[77] performing a rendition of "Drop It Like It's Hot" and then, along with Dr Dre, "The Next Episode".[78][79] He had been working at the event as a correspondent for NBC and Peacock.[80][81]
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.[82] A shortprohibition themed trailer was created to support the release.[83] A luxury gin called "Still G.I.N.", a reference to the trackStill D.R.E., was released later in 2024.[84][85] TheVenetian glass bottle was designed byIni Archibong.[85][86][87]
Also in 2024, Snoop Dogg announced a new album coming out calledMissionary, entirely produced by Dr. Dre, serving as a spiritual sequel to Snoop Dogg's first albumDoggystyle, which was also produced by Dr. Dre.[88][89] 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.[90] The album features guest appearances fromEminem, Dr. Dre,50 Cent,Method Man, andSting, and received generally favorable reviews with praise directed towards Snoop's lyrics and Dr. Dre's production.[91]
Other ventures
Snoop Dogg has appeared in numerous films and television episodes throughout his career. His starring roles in film includesThe Wash (with Dr. Dre) and the horror filmBones. He also co-starred with rapper Wiz Khalifa in the 2012 movieMac & Devin Go to High School which a sequel has been announced.[92] He has had various supporting and cameo roles in film, includingHalf Baked,Training Day,Starsky & Hutch, andBrüno.
Snoop Dogg founded his own production company,Snoopadelic Films, in 2005. Their debut film wasBoss'n Up, a film inspired by Snoop Dogg's albumR&G, starringLil Jon andTrina.[101]
In December 2013, Snoop Dogg performed at the annualKennedy Center Honors concert, honoring jazz pianistHerbie Hancock. After his performance, Snoop Dogg credited Hancock with "inventing hip-hop".[102]
On several occasions, Snoop Dogg has appeared at thePlayers Ball in support ofBishop Don Magic Juan.[103][104] 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 entirePlanet Earth series. The petition comes after he narrated a number of nature clips onJimmy Kimmel Live![105]
In April 2016, Snoop Dogg performed "Straight outta Compton" and "Fuck tha Police" atCoachella, during a reunion of N.W.A. members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and MC Ren.[106]
He hosted a basketball fundraiser "Hoops 4 Water" forFlint, Michigan.[107] The event occurred on May 21, 2016, and was run by former Toronto Raptors star and Flint nativeMorris Peterson.[107]
In the fall of 2016, VH1 premiered a new show featuring Snoop Dogg and his friendMartha Stewart calledMartha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, featuring games, recipes, and musical guests.[108] The pair also starred together in aSuper Bowl commercial forT-Mobile duringSuper Bowl LI in February 2017.[109] With Stewart, Snoop Dogg created a fried chicken recipe, with barbecue flavor potato chips as an added ingredient in the batter.[110]
In 2017, Snoop Dogg hosted a revival ofThe Joker's Wild, which spent its first two seasons onTBS before moving toTNT in January 2019.[111]
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".[112] The book is coauthored with Ryan Ford and has a foreword by Martha Stewart.[113] 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.[114][112]
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.[115]
Snoop Dogg provided commentary forMike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr., who some pundits described as having "won" the night through his colorful commentary and reactions.[116] At one point, Snoop Dogg described Tyson and Jones as "like two of my uncles fighting at the barbecue"; he also began singing ahymn, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord", during the undercard fight betweenJake Paul andNate Robinson, after Robinson was knocked down.[116]
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 & CEOSir Lucian Grainge as well as Def Jam interim chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harleston.[117] On November 12, 2021, Snoop Dogg announced the signing ofBenny the Butcher onJoe Rogan'spodcast.[118]
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 albumBODR.[119][120][121]
On April 14, 2022, Snoop Dogg was added toCall of Duty: Vanguard andCall of Duty: Warzone as an operator as part of the Tracer Pack: Snoop Dogg Operator Bundle available from the in game store.[122]
As of 2022, Snoop Dogg was a stakeholder in Fluf World, anNFT community based on3D rabbitavatars.[123]
On May 13, 2024, it was announced that Snoop Dogg would be featured as a coach on the26th season ofThe Voice, which began airing in September 2024.[124]
Snoop Dogg is a lifelong fan of professional wrestling.[125] On March 30, 2008, Snoop Dogg appeared atWrestleMania XXIV as aMaster of Ceremonies for a tag team match betweenMaria andAshley Massaro as they took onBeth Phoenix andMelina.[126] On a March 23, 2015, episode of Raw, Snoop Dogg appeared in a segment withHulk Hogan andCurtis Axel.[127] AtWrestleMania 32, he accompanied his cousinSasha Banks to the ring for her match, rapping over her theme music. He was also inducted into theWWE Hall of Fame in 2016.[128] Snoop Dogg made a special guest appearance inAll Elite Wrestling on the January 6, 2021, episode ofAEW Dynamite, titledNew Year's Smash.[129][130] During this appearance, Snoop Dogg appeared in the corner ofCody Rhodes during Rhodes's match withMatt Sydal. He later gaveSerpentico aFrog Splash, with Rhodes then delivering a three-count.[131][132] Snoop Dogg would joinThe Miz to host both nights of WrestleMania 39. During Night 1, he accompaniedRey Mysterio in a lowrider during his entrance, paying tribute toEddie Guerrero.[133] On Night 2, he introducedShane 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.[134] Snoop Dogg's improvisational acts were lauded by wrestlers and executives, including WWE chief content officer Triple H.[135]
Business ventures and investments
Snoop Dogg has been an active entrepreneur and investor. In 2009, he was appointed creative chairman of Priority Records.[136]
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.[137]
In November 2013, Snoop Dogg released an electrical weedvaporizer in collaboration with Grenco Science called G-Pen.[138]
In April 2015, Snoop Dogg became a minority investor in his first investment ventureEaze, a California-basedcannabis delivery startup that promises to delivermedical marijuana to persons' doorsteps in less than 10 minutes.[141][142][143]
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".[144]
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.[145]
In 2019, Snoop Dogg ventured into the video game business, creating his ownesports league known as the "Gangsta Gaming League".[147][148]
On March 7, 2022, it was announced that Snoop Dogg had joinedFaZe Clan and would be a member of their board of directors.[149] He would resign from the board of directors in March of the following year.[150]
On December 19, 2022, Snoop Dogg ran a poll asking if he should "run twitter". Out of 2.3 million users, 81% said yes.[151][152][153]
In February 2024, Snoop Dogg launched a range of pre-mixed cocktails withDr. Dre named after their hitGin and Juice. Flavours include Apricot, Citrus, Melon and Passionfruit.[154] A shortprohibition themed trailer was created to support the release.[155]
On July 16, 2024, it was announced that Snoop Dogg would be opening his first legalmarijuana shop, S.W.E.D., in Los Angeles, California, located betweenSoFi Stadium andLAX.[157]
On September 21, 2021, Snoop Dogg claimed on Twitter to be a prolific NFT collector known under the pseudonym Cozomo De' Medici.[159] 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.[160] In a February 2023 interview with Christie's, Medici described the identity reveal as "trolling" and a "stunt".[161]
Peter Shapiro describes Snoop Dogg's delivery as a "molassesdrawl"[168] andAllMusic notes his "drawled,laconic rhyming" style.[18]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".[169]
Snoop Dogg is known tofreestyle some of his lyrics on the spot – in the bookHow 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",[170] andthe 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."[171]
Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor (née Fuller), on June 14, 1997.[178] 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.[179] On May 21, 2004, he filed for divorce from Taylor, citing irreconcilable differences.[180] However, the couple renewed vows on January 12, 2008.[181] 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 film maker, and daughter Cori (born June 22, 1999).[182] Snoop Dogg also has a son from a relationship with Laurie Holmond, Julian Corrie Broadus (born 1998).
He is the first cousin ofAEW professional wrestlerMercedes Moné, as well as the fellow213 member Nathaniel Hale, known professionally asNate Dogg, who died of congestive heart failure on March 15, 2011.[183][184] He has also claimed he is a cousin of R&B singersBrandy andRay J, though Brandy stated she is unsure if they are actually related.[185][186] In 2015, Snoop Dogg became a grandfather, as his eldest son, Cordé Broadus, had a son with his girlfriend, Jessica Kyzer.[187] Cordé had another son, who died on September 25, 2019, ten days after birth.[188] Currently, he has 6 grandchildren.[189]
Snoop Dogg claimed in a 2006 interview withRolling Stone magazine that unlike other hip hop artists who had superficially adopted thepimp 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.[190]
On August 24, 2023,Boldy James revealed that he is related to Snoop Dogg through word of his family.[191][4]
Snoop Dogg has frequentedLos Angeles Kings games. On his reality showSnoop Dogg's Father Hood, Snoop Dogg and his family received hockey lessons from theAnaheim Ducks, then returned to theHonda Center to cheer on the Ducks against theVancouver Canucks in the episode "Snow in da Hood".[199] He appeared in the video gameNHL 20 as both a guest commentator and a playable character in the "World of Chel" game mode.[200]
In 2022, Snoop Dogg signed with theesports organizationFaZe Clan, as both a content creator and member of its board of directors.[210] In 2023, he resigned from the board of directors.[150]
Since 2005, Snoop Dogg has operated a youth football league in the Los Angeles area.[211] He is a coach in the league, and one of the seasons he coached was documented in theNetflix documentaryCoach Snoop.
On July 23, 2024, Snoop Dogg was named as one of the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame before the opening ceremony at theParis Olympics.[215][216] He carried it through the suburb ofSaint-Denis, home to the athletes' village for the Games.[217][218]
Religion
Snoop Dogg was raised as aBaptist. He said his faith provided guidance, and he took it along with him everywhere he went in life.[20][219] 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".[220]
In 2009, it was reported that Snoop Dogg was a member of theNation of Islam. On March 1, he made an appearance at the Nation of Islam's annualSaviours' Day holiday, where he praised ministerLouis 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.[221][222][223]
In 2012, Snoop Doggconverted to theRastafari movement,[224][225][226][227] switched the focus of his music to reggae[228] and changed his name to Snoop Lion after a trip to Jamaica. He released a reggae album,Reincarnated, saying, "I have always said I wasBob Marley reincarnated".[229] In January 2013, he was criticized by members of the Rastafari community in Jamaica, including reggae artistBunny Wailer, for engaging in "fraudulent"cultural appropriation as a stunt.[230][231] Snoop Dogg later dismissed the claims, stating his beliefs were personal and not up for outside judgment.[232]
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.[234][235] He has since claimed that at least 20 of his former pupils have gone on to play with theNFL.[236] Since 2017, he has also run aspecial-needs division called Snoop Special Stars for anyone 5 years or older with a physical, mental, or developmental disability.[237][236]
Snoop Dogg partners with city officials and annually gives away turkeys to the less fortunate inInglewood, California, atThanksgiving. He gave away 3000 turkeys in 2016.[238] Snoop Dogg was also a judge for the 7th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.[239]
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 aspublicity stunts for his own image. For example, regarding Snoop Special Stars, he said onLL Cool J'sRock 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.[240] Some other known causes that he supports includeChildren'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.[241][242]
In his keynote address at the 2015South by Southwest music festival, he blamed Los Angeles's explosion of gang violence in the 1980s on the economic policies ofRonald Reagan, and insinuated that his administration shipped guns and drugs into the area.[247]
He endorsed presidential candidateHillary Clinton onBravo'sWatch 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"[248] 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".[249]
Snoop Dogg advocates for thedefunding 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".[255]
Snoop Dogg has consistently expressed his support for tightergun control. In 2013, then known as Snoop Lion, he toldHuffPost 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".[256] Additionally, he released a song called "No Guns Allowed" feat.Drake and Cori B in 2013.[257]
In 2020, Snoop Dogg endorsed former Vice PresidentJoe Biden for President of the United States.[258] In contrast, in 2024, he said that he had "nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump".[259][260][261] Snoop Dogg had previously in 2017 released a video showing a mock execution of Trump in a clown costume.[262] In January 2025, he, alongsideSoulja Boy andRick Ross, performed at a Trump-sponsoredcryptocurrency event preceding Trump'ssecond inauguration.[263][264]
Cannabis use
Since the start of his career, Snoop Dogg has been an avowedcannabis smoker, making it one of the trademarks of his image. In 2002, he announced he was giving up cannabis for good;[265] this did not last long (a situation famously referenced in the 2004Adam Sandler film50 First Dates) and in 2013, he claimed to be smoking approximately 80 cannabis blunts a day.[266] He has been certified formedical cannabis in California to treatmigraines since at least 2007.[267][268][269] 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.[270][271][272]
Animal rights
Snoop Dogg regularly appears in realfur garments, especially large coats, for which he attracts criticism fromanimal welfare charities and younger audiences. In avideo podcast in 2012, the rapper asked, "Why doesn't PETA throw paint on a pimp's fur coat".[273] In 2014, Snoop Dogg claimed to have become avegan; however, he has since opted against a complete vegan diet.[274] In June 2018, he performed at theEnvironmental Media Association (EMA) Honors Gala. While he was performing, the logo for vegan brandBeyond Meat was displayed on the screens behind him.[275] In 2020, Snoop Dogg invested in vegan food company Original Foods, which makes Pigless Pork Rinds, which he has said are a favorite.[276] 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.[277][278]
1989–1990: Felony possession of drugs and three-year prison sentence
Mug shot, 1993
Shortly after graduating from high school in 1989, Snoop Dogg was arrested for possession ofcocaine and for the following three years was frequently in and out of prison.[18] In 1990, he was convicted of felony possession of drugs and possession for sale.[285]
1993–1997: Traffic violation, gun possession and guilty plea
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.[286][287][288]
1993–1996: Murder trial and acquittal
While recordingDoggystyle 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.[28] Snoop Dogg had been temporarily living in an apartment complex in thePalms neighborhood in theWest 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.[289] Both Snoop Dogg and his bodyguard were acquitted on February 20, 1996.[290] In February 2024, the case was sealed.[29]
1998–2010: Misdemeanor marijuana charges
Snoop Dogg has also been arrested and fined three times for misdemeanor possession of marijuana: in Los Angeles in 1998;[291]Cleveland, Ohio in 2001;[292] andSierra Blanca, Texas, in 2010.[293]
2006–2007: Airport arrests and convictions
On April 26, 2006, Snoop Dogg and members of his entourage were arrested after being turned away fromBritish Airways' first class lounge atHeathrow 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 aduty-free shop.[294] 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 inJohannesburg.[295]
In September 2006, Snoop Dogg was detained atJohn Wayne Airport inOrange County, California, by airport security after airport screeners found a collapsible policebaton 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.[296] He was arrested again in October 2006 atBob Hope Airport inBurbank 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.[297] The following month, after taping an appearance onThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he was arrested again for possession ofmarijuana, cocaine and a firearm. Two members of his entourage, according to the Burbank police statement, were admitted members of the Rollin' 20sCrips gang and were arrested on separate charges.[298] In April 2007, he was given a three-yearsuspended sentence, five years' probation and 800 hours of community service after pleadingno 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.[285]
2015: Sweden arrest for illegal drug possession
Snoop Dogg, after performing for a concert inUppsala, 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.[299][300] 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.[301] The rapper uploaded several videos on the social networking siteInstagram criticizing the police for allegedracial 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 no longer go on tour in the country due to the incident.[302][303][304]
Civil
2005: Alleged assault of a fan and lawsuit
Snoop Dogg,Compton rapper Jayceon "the Game" Taylor and groupTha Dogg Pound, were sued for assaulting a fan on stage at a May 2005 concert at theWhite River Amphitheatre inAuburn, 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.[305] 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.[306][307][308] The lawsuit focused on a pecuniary claim of $22 million in punitive andcompensatory damages,battery,negligence, andintentional infliction of emotional distress.[309] The concerned parties appeared in court in April 2009; Snoop Dogg was cleared of the lawsuit in May.[310]
2016: Death Row bankruptcy case and compensation loss
In May 2016, through the Death Row Records bankruptcy case, Snoop Dogg lost $2 million.[311]
Sexual assault lawsuits
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 aJimmy Kimmel Live taping in 2003.[312] 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 hesexually assaulted her in May 2013 following a concert inAnaheim, California.[313][314][315] Only a few months after its filing, the suit was withdrawn, then reintroduced in July.[316] In May 2023, court documents revealed that the case had been dismissed.[317]
Regional or international banishments
2006–2010: United Kingdom
On May 15, 2006, after his arrest on vandalism charges in London, the region'sHome 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.[318][319][320] As of March 2010, however, Snoop Dogg was allowed back into the UK.[321] The entire group was banned from British Airways "for the foreseeable future".[322] According to Snoop Dogg,Queen Elizabeth II overturned the ban, saying: "This man has done nothing in our country. He can come."[323][324][325][326]
2007–2008: Australia
In April 2007, the AustralianDepartment of Immigration and Citizenship banned Snoop Dogg from entering the country on character grounds, citing his prior criminal convictions.[327] He had been scheduled to appear at theMTV Australia Video Music Awards onApril 29, 2007.[328] 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".[329]
2012–2014: Norway
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.[330][331][332]
Snoop Dogg popularized the use of-izzle speak particularly in the pop and hip-hop music industry.[341] A type ofinfix, it first found popularity when used byFrankie Smith in his 1981 hit song "Double Dutch Bus".[342]The Guardian's Rob Fitzpatrick has credited his albumDoggystyle for proving that rappers "could reinvent themselves", expanding rap's vocabulary, changing hip-hop fashions, and helping introduce a hip-hop genre calledG-funk to a new generation.[343] The album has been cited as an influence by rapperKendrick Lamar,[344] while fellow rappersScHoolboy Q andMaxo Kream have also cited him as an influence.[345][346]
Discography
Logo used from 2004 until 2009Logo used since 2009
^Earlier in his career, he frequently referred to himself as "Snoop Rock". Other names that he has released music under include "DJ Snoopadelic", "Snoopzilla", "Bigg Snoop Dogg", "Snoop Lion" and simply "Snoop".
^Chris Jericho (August 12, 2015)."TIJ – EP168 – Mercedes Mkné".Talk Is Jericho (Podcast). No. 168.Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. RetrievedAugust 13, 2015 – via PodcastOne.
^Ross, Christopher (August 27, 2015)."Um dia com o rapper Snoop Dogg".The Wall Street Journal.Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. RetrievedOctober 5, 2017.
^Snoop Dogg (1999).Tha Doggfather. HarperCollins. p. 14.ISBN978-0-688-17158-2.Mama was one of my prime musical influences growing up. First off, there was the church. She herself was a member of the choir.
^Newsome, Brad (January 14, 2008)."Snoop Dogg's Father Hood".Sydney Morning Herald.Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. RetrievedJanuary 16, 2020.
^Barrie-Anthony, Steven (August 18, 2005)."Rapper Clears the Field".Los Angeles Times.Archived from the original on February 28, 2009. RetrievedMarch 12, 2009.
^Snoop Dogg (1999).Tha Doggfather. HarperCollins. p. 228.ISBN978-0-688-17158-2.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.
_(cropped)_(cropped).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
