Early Life and Career Beginnings
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg, was born on October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, California. He got his nickname from his mother who jokingly remarked that he looked like Snoopy from the Peanuts cartoon (Snoop Dogg – Wikipedia). Snoop became interested in rap music as a child and began freestyling and writing lyrics when he was in sixth grade. In high school, he frequently got into trouble for cocaine possession and was a member of the Rollin’ 20 Crips gang. After graduating high school, Snoop and his cousins Nate Dogg and Lil’ 1⁄2 Dead formed the rap group 213. The group recorded homemade tapes to circulate around Long Beach and Compton.
Snoop caught the attention of producer Dr. Dre who invited him to audition. Impressed with Snoop’s flow and lyrics, Dre collaborated with him on his debut album Doggystyle which was released in 1993 by Death Row Records. Doggystyle was a huge success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawned several hit singles including “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and “Gin and Juice.” The album is considered a classic of West Coast gangsta rap and propelled Snoop to stardom.
Rise to Fame and Traditional Sound
Snoop Dogg first rose to fame in 1992 with the release of his debut album Doggystyle. Produced by Dr. Dre, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and is considered one of the most significant albums of the 1990s gangsta rap movement (
Snoop’s follow up album, Tha Doggfather, also reached number one in 1996. While not as commercially successful as his debut, it still featured popular singles like “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head” and “Vapors.” Snoop continued to collaborate with other major artists during this period like Tupac Shakur, Warren G, and Master P. His distinctive vocal contributions and infectious melodic hooks made him one of the most sought after guest artists in hip hop (
Shift Towards Pop/Crossover Appeal
In the early 2000s, Snoop began to shift towards a more pop and crossover-friendly sound. He achieved continued chart success with singles like “Beautiful” (featuring Pharrell) and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” with Pharrell, which became his first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004 (Source). Snoop collaborated with pop artists like Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry, showing his ability to adapt to contemporary trends. He also made appearances in films and TV shows like Starsky & Hutch, Scary Movie 5, and The L Word, further expanding his mainstream popularity.
Ventures Beyond Music
In addition to his prolific music career, Snoop Dogg has pursued numerous ventures in acting, business, and philanthropy.
Snoop Dogg made his film debut in the urban drama Caught Up in 1998. Since then, he has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, often playing comedic roles or fictional versions of himself. Some of his more notable acting credits include Starsky & Hutch, The L.A. Riots Spectacular, Scary Movie 5, Pitch Perfect 2, and The Beach Bum. He also provided voice work for animated projects like Arthur and Turbo.
As an entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg has invested in various business ventures beyond music. In 2015, he launched Leafs by Snoop, a line of cannabis products. He also founded the digital media business Merry Jane for cannabis-related news. Other investments include an alcoholic drink line, a film production company, and a venture capital firm.
Snoop Dogg has been active in community initiatives and philanthropy over the years. He founded a youth football league and has worked with charities supporting at-risk youth. After his son Cordell was diagnosed with Lupus, Snoop raised funds and awareness for the autoimmune disease. He also recently partnered with Master P to create a cereal brand, with some proceeds going to P’s philanthropic organization.
Legacy and Influence
Snoop Dogg’s longevity in hip hop is remarkable, spanning over 30 years since his debut in 1992 (RhymeJunkie). He has released over 17 studio albums, cementing his status as a hip hop legend. Beyond his own prolific career, Snoop Dogg has served as a mentor for younger artists like Kendrick Lamar, whom he signed to his record label in 2012 (“Snoop Dogg: The Legendary Journey of a Hip-Hop Icon”). Snoop’s guidance and cosign has boosted the careers of many young rappers looking to break through. Over three decades, his charisma, smooth flow, and catchy party anthems have endeared him to fans worldwide. Snoop Dogg is consistently ranked among the greatest hip hop artists of all time, landing a spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 10 rappers of all time in 2021. From his early west coast hits to pop crossover success to mentoring up-and-comers, Snoop Dogg’s enduring influence on hip hop is undeniable.
