Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg
Name	Snoop Dogg
Caption	Snoop Dogg in 2019
Birth name	Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Birth date	20 October 1971
Birth place	Long Beach, California, U.S.
Occupation	Rapper, singer, songwriter, media personality, actor, entrepreneur
Years active	1992–present
Spouse	Shante Broadus (m. 1997)
Associated acts	213, Death Row Records, Dr. Dre, Tha Dogg Pound, The Game, Wiz Khalifa, Martha Stewart
Website	snoopdogg.com

Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, media personality, and actor. Rising to fame in the early 1990s under the mentorship of Dr. Dre, his distinctive laid-back West Coast hip hop vocal style became a defining element of the G-funk era. With a career spanning over three decades, he has sold millions of records worldwide, ventured into film and television, and become a prominent cultural icon through his business endeavors and public persona.

Early life and career beginnings

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. was born in Long Beach, California, and was given his nickname by his mother due to his resemblance to the Peanuts character Snoopy. His early life was influenced by the local Crips gang culture, and he faced several legal challenges as a teenager. His musical talent was nurtured through singing in the Golightly Church choir and forming the group 213 with friends Warren G and Nate Dogg. His breakthrough came when a homemade demo tape was heard by Dr. Dre, who was then preparing material for his seminal debut solo album after departing from the influential group N.W.A.

Music career

Snoop Dogg's career launched with his iconic featuring on Dr. Dre's 1992 single "Deep Cover" and his extensive contributions to The Chronic. His own debut album, Doggystyle (1993), released on Death Row Records, debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 and is considered a G-funk masterpiece. Subsequent albums like Tha Doggfather (1996) and Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998) solidified his commercial success. In the 2000s, he reinvented himself with the hit "Drop It Like It's Hot" featuring Pharrell Williams and the album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece. He has since released numerous albums, collaborated with artists ranging from Katy Perry to Willie Nelson, and explored genres like reggae under the alias Snoop Lion.

Other ventures and media presence

Beyond music, Snoop Dogg has built a vast media empire. His acting career includes roles in films like Training Day, Starsky & Hutch, and The Beach Bum. He has hosted television shows such as Doggy Fizzle Televizzle and the VH1 reality series Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, and provided commentary for WWE events. A savvy entrepreneur, he has launched business ventures including his own line of cannabis products, Leafs by Snoop, and collaborated with brands like Corona and Just Eat. His unexpected friendship with lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart has become a popular recurring segment on her shows and led to their own culinary series.

Personal life

Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor, in 1997; they have three children together. The couple briefly divorced in 2004 before remarrying in 2008. He is also the father of a child from a previous relationship. A longtime advocate for the legalization of cannabis, he has been open about his personal use. In 2012, he announced a spiritual transformation after a visit to Jamaica, leading to his temporary adoption of the Rastafari faith and the Snoop Lion persona. He has been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly with youth football leagues, founding the Snoop Youth Football League.

Discography and filmography

Snoop Dogg's extensive discography includes over 20 studio albums, with highlights such as Doggystyle, Tha Last Meal (2000), Bush (2015), and From tha Streets 2 tha Suites (2021). His filmography is equally prolific, featuring notable appearances in cult classics like Bones, the comedy ''Soul Plane'', and voice work in animated projects such as Turbo and The Addams Family. He has also released several direct-to-video features and starred in his own reality television programming.

Legacy and influence

Snoop Dogg is widely regarded as one of the most important and enduring figures in hip hop music. His smooth, melodic flow and distinctive persona helped popularize West Coast hip hop globally and influenced countless subsequent artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, and The Game. His ability to transcend music and become a ubiquitous pop culture personality—through film, television, advertising, and digital media—has cemented his status as an icon. In recognition of his impact, he has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, been inducted into the BET Hip Hop Awards Hall of Fame, and his contributions were celebrated with a Coachella headline performance alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent.

Category:American rappers Category:American male singers Category:People from Long Beach, California