Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, is a rapper, singer, actor, and entrepreneur who has become one of the most recognizable and influential figures in hip-hop. With a career spanning over three decades, Snoop Dogg is known for his laid-back flow, distinct voice, and persona that blends gangster rap with a smooth, charismatic charm. He gained widespread fame in the early 1990s with his collaboration with Dr. Dre and has remained a cultural icon through his music, business ventures, and media presence.
Early Life and Introduction to Music
Snoop Dogg was born to Vernell Varnado and Beverly Tate and raised by his mother after his father left the family. He grew up in Long Beach, California, during a time when gang violence and the crack epidemic were rampant. As a teenager, Snoop became involved with gangs and began dealing drugs, associating with the Crips, one of the most notorious street gangs in Los Angeles.
Despite his involvement in street life, Snoop had a passion for music and began rapping in high school. His nickname “Snoop” was given to him by his mother because of his resemblance to the cartoon character Snoopy from Peanuts. After a few run-ins with the law, including time in jail, Snoop decided to take his music career seriously.
He started recording homemade tapes with his cousins Nate Dogg and Daz Dillinger, along with his friend Warren G. These early demos eventually caught the attention of Dr. Dre, a member of the pioneering rap group N.W.A. Warren G, Dre’s stepbrother, introduced Dre to Snoop’s music, and Dre was immediately impressed by Snoop’s unique delivery and vocal style.
Breakthrough with The Chronic and Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg’s big break came when Dr. Dre invited him to collaborate on Dre’s debut solo album, The Chronic (1992). Snoop’s voice was featured prominently on the album, with standout performances on tracks like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Dre Day.” The Chronic became a groundbreaking album that helped define West Coast hip-hop, and Snoop’s smooth, laid-back delivery made him an instant star.
Following the success of The Chronic, Snoop released his debut solo album, Doggystyle, in 1993, produced by Dr. Dre. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” and “Gin and Juice.” Doggystyle was praised for its fusion of G-funk beats and Snoop’s unique vocal style, and it became the first debut album in history to enter the charts at No. 1.
Snoop’s laid-back flow, combined with his gritty depictions of gang life, resonated with audiences, and Doggystyle became one of the most influential albums of the 1990s. It has since been certified quadruple platinum and remains a staple of West Coast rap.
Legal Troubles and Murder Trial
At the height of his early success, Snoop Dogg faced significant legal issues. In 1993, he was charged with first-degree murder for the shooting of a gang member, Philip Woldemariam, by Snoop’s bodyguard, McKinley Lee. Snoop and Lee claimed self-defense, and the high-profile trial dominated headlines, coinciding with the release of his album Murder Was the Case (1994), a soundtrack to a short film starring Snoop that detailed his fictionalized life and run-ins with the law.
In 1996, Snoop was acquitted of all charges, but the trial cast a shadow over his career for a time. Despite the legal drama, his popularity continued to grow, and his street credibility was further cemented.
Mid-Career Evolution: Tha Doggfather and Departure from Death Row
After his acquittal, Snoop Dogg faced challenges within the music industry, particularly due to the turmoil surrounding Death Row Records, his label at the time. Death Row’s CEO, Suge Knight, was involved in a series of controversies, and the murder of Snoop’s friend and labelmate Tupac Shakur in 1996 further destabilized the label. Snoop released his second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), but it didn’t match the commercial success of Doggystyle, though it still achieved platinum status.
Tensions with Suge Knight, combined with the decline of Death Row Records, led Snoop to leave the label in 1998. He signed with Master P’s No Limit Records, a move that surprised many in the hip-hop community but allowed Snoop to reinvent himself. His first album under No Limit, Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), showcased a different sound but was commercially successful, continuing his streak of chart-topping albums.
Reinvention and Mainstream Success
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Snoop Dogg began to transform his image from the gangsta rapper persona of his early days to a more laid-back, mainstream figure. Albums like No Limit Top Dogg (1999) and Tha Last Meal (2000) marked a return to his West Coast roots and G-funk sound, while Snoop began collaborating with a wide range of artists, crossing into pop and R&B.
His 2004 album, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, featured the hit single “Drop It Like It’s Hot” with Pharrell Williams, which became one of the most iconic songs of the decade. The success of the album and single marked Snoop’s ability to stay relevant in a rapidly changing music industry.
Acting, Business Ventures, and Media Presence
Snoop Dogg’s charisma and larger-than-life persona made him a natural fit for the entertainment industry. He began appearing in films and television shows, including Training Day (2001), Starsky & Hutch (2004), and his own reality series, Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood (2007), which offered a comedic look at his family life.
In addition to his music and acting, Snoop became an entrepreneur. He launched his own cannabis brand, Leafs by Snoop, in 2015, capitalizing on his long association with marijuana culture. He also invested in tech startups and ventured into video game production, producing a range of business ventures that broadened his influence beyond music.
In recent years, Snoop has remained a fixture in pop culture. He’s hosted TV shows like Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party alongside Martha Stewart, showcasing his ability to appeal to audiences far beyond hip-hop. His humorous, easy-going personality has made him a favorite in the media world, while his frequent collaborations with newer artists keep him relevant in the music scene.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Snoop Dogg’s contribution to hip-hop is immense. He was a key figure in bringing West Coast rap to mainstream prominence, and his collaborations with Dr. Dre helped define the G-funk era of the 1990s. With his distinctive voice and smooth delivery, Snoop’s style became instantly recognizable, and he remains one of the most imitated rappers of all time.
Beyond music, Snoop’s persona has transcended the genre. He has become a pop culture icon, known not just for his music, but for his contributions to film, television, business, and even culinary arts. His brand is built on a mix of humor, authenticity, and a connection to his roots, making him one of the most versatile entertainers in the world.
Continued Relevance
Snoop Dogg continues to release music, with projects like Neva Left (2017) and I Wanna Thank Me (2019), which reflect on his long career. In 2022, he made headlines when he acquired Death Row Records, the label that launched his career. This full-circle moment not only cemented his legacy but also provided him the opportunity to control the future of the label that played such a significant role in his rise to fame.
As of 2024, Snoop Dogg remains a dominant figure in the entertainment industry. His ability to evolve while staying true to his roots has allowed him to maintain relevance across multiple generations. Whether in music, business, or media, Snoop Dogg’s influence is undeniable, making him a true cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow.
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