Full Name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Stage Name: Snoop Dogg
Date of Birth: October 20, 1971
Place of Birth: Long Beach, California, USA
Genres: Hip hop, G-funk, Reggae, Funk, R&B
Occupations: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur
Years Active: 1991–present
Early Life and Family Background
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. was born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, to Beverly Tate and Vernell Varnado.
Varnado, a Vietnam War veteran and singer, left the family shortly after Snoop’s birth, leading to his stepfather, Cordozar Calvin Broadus Sr., becoming a significant figure in his life. His mother, a member of the church choir, introduced him to old-school R&B music, which influenced his musical journey. Raised in a Baptist household, Snoop began singing and playing the piano at Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church from a young age.
Education and Early Interests
Snoop attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he was an active participant in choir and football. Despite his academic involvement, he faced challenges, including arrests for possession of cocaine shortly after graduation. During this period, he recorded homemade tapes with his cousins Nate Dogg and Lil’ ½ Dead, and friend Warren G, forming the group 213. Their demo attracted the attention of Dr. Dre, leading to a pivotal moment in Snoop’s career.
Rise to Fame and Musical Evolution
1991–1997: Breakthrough with Death Row Records
In 1991, Snoop Dogg’s freestyle over En Vogue’s “Hold On” reached Dr. Dre, who was impressed by his talent. This led to Snoop’s audition for Death Row Records, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership. His debut album, Doggystyle (1993), produced by Dr. Dre, introduced the world to his laid-back flow and G-funk sound. The album featured hits like “Gin and Juice,” which became anthems of West Coast hip-hop.
1998–2006: No Limit and Continued Success
After leaving Death Row, Snoop signed with Master P’s No Limit Records, releasing Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998). This period showcased his versatility, blending gangsta rap with elements of funk and soul. Albums like No Limit Top Dogg (1999) and Tha Last Meal (2000) solidified his position in the rap industry.
2007–2012: Artistic Exploration
Snoop’s musical journey took a turn with the release of Ego Trippin’ (2008), which incorporated elements of funk and soul. The album featured the hit single “Sensual Seduction,” showcasing his ability to adapt and experiment with different sounds. In 2012, he adopted the moniker Snoop Lion and released Reincarnated, a reggae-influenced album that marked a significant departure from his previous work.
2014–2017: Return to Roots
Snoop returned to his hip-hop roots with albums like Bush (2015) and Coolaid (2016), collaborating with artists like Pharrell Williams and Wiz Khalifa. These projects highlighted his enduring relevance in the hip-hop scene.
2018–2021: Expanding Horizons
During this period, Snoop ventured into gospel music with Bible of Love (2018) and continued to release hip-hop projects, including I Wanna Thank Me (2019) and From tha Streets 2 tha Suites (2021). His versatility as an artist was evident as he explored various genres and themes.
2022–Present: Major Collaborations and New Releases
In 2022, Snoop reunited with Dr. Dre for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, marking a historic moment as the first Super Bowl halftime show centered entirely around hip-hop music. The performance was met with critical acclaim and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
In December 2024, Snoop released Missionary, his twentieth studio album, produced by Dr. Dre. The album features collaborations with artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, Jelly Roll, Jhené Aiko, and a posthumous appearance by Tom Petty. Missionary showcases a return to the West Coast hip-hop sound, blending ’70s funk samples with contemporary themes.
Artistic Influence and Cultural Impact
Snoop Dogg’s influence extends beyond music. His distinctive voice and laid-back delivery have made him a cultural icon. He has ventured into acting, television hosting, and entrepreneurship, collaborating with figures like Martha Stewart and launching ventures in the cannabis industry. His ability to adapt and remain relevant across different entertainment sectors underscores his versatility and enduring appeal.
Awards and Recognition
Snoop Dogg has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He holds the record for the third most Grammy nominations without a win, with 16 nominations across various categories. Notably, his collaborations with Dr. Dre, such as “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Still D.R.E.,” have been recognized for their impact on the hip-hop genre.
Personal Life
Snoop Dogg has been married to Shante Broadus since 1997, and they have three children
