Introduction
Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, media personality, entrepreneur, and actor who first rose to fame in 1992 when he was discovered by Dr. Dre and signed to Death Row Records. His debut album ‘Doggystyle’ (1993) was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Snoop went on to release several more successful albums in the 1990s including ‘Tha Doggfather’ (1996) and ‘Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told’ (1998). Over his decades-long career, Snoop Dogg has sold over 35 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling hip-hop artists of all time. He has also acted in numerous films and television shows, launched his own cannabis company, and remains an influential figure in West Coast hip hop and gangsta rap. Though he’s been through various controversies, Snoop Dogg’s laidback flow, charismatic persona, and slick rhymes have made him a hip-hop icon.
Early Life and Career
Snoop Dogg was born as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, to Vernall Varnado and Beverly Broadus (née Tate). He was named after his stepfather, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr. His father left the family when Broadus was just three months old. As a kid, Broadus sang at the Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church and began playing piano at age five. When he was in sixth grade, he began rapping. As a child, Broadus was nicknamed “Snoopy” by his parents because of his appearance.
As a teenager, Broadus frequently ran into trouble with the law. He was a member of the notorious Crips gang in Long Beach for several years. However, he stated in 1993 that he never joined a gang. After graduating from high school, he supported himself by selling drugs before pursuing a career in hip-hop music. His first album, Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre, catapulted him to fame. The album’s debut single “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” reached the top ten of Billboard Hot 100, and the album certified quadruple platinum by RIAA.
References:
Snoop Dogg – Wikipedia
Snoop Dogg Biography – Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements
Success in the 1990s
Snoop Dogg achieved immense popularity with the release of his debut album Doggystyle in 1993. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several hit singles including “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and “Gin and Juice” (Wikipedia). Doggystyle is considered one of the most significant albums in the development of West Coast hip hop and has sold over 5 million copies in the United States.
However, Snoop Dogg ran into legal troubles in the 1990s. He was arrested and charged with murder in August 1993 in connection with a drive-by shooting but was later acquitted (Britannica). He would continue to have run-ins with the law throughout the decade for drug possession and other charges.
Despite the legal issues, Snoop Dogg remained hugely popular through the 1990s. He collaborated with other major rappers like Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur and continued releasing successful albums like Tha Doggfather (1996) and Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998). His smooth flow and charismatic persona made him one of the most recognizable faces of West Coast hip hop.
Move to No Limit Records
In 1998, Snoop left Death Row Records and signed with Master P’s No Limit Records, which was based out of New Orleans. This marked a major shift in Snoop’s career. After years with Death Row, Snoop was looking for a fresh start.
Snoop’s debut album on No Limit was Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told, released in August 1998. The album featured production from Beats By the Pound and collaborations with Master P and other No Limit artists. According to Udiscovermusic.com, “Da Game Is To Be Sold… marked an iconic moment in rap history” (https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/snoop-dogg-da-game-is-to-be-sold-not-to-be-told-feature/).
Even after this major transition, Snoop continued releasing albums regularly. Over the next few years with No Limit, he put out No Limit Top Dogg in 1999 and Tha Last Meal in 2000 before leaving the label in 2001.
2000s – Reinvention
In the early 2000s, Snoop experimented with different musical styles and explored new creative directions. He shifted to a more laidback, pop-oriented sound on albums like R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004) and Ego Trippin’ (2008). Snoop also collaborated with musicians across different genres like rock, funk and reggae.
Even as he reinvented himself musically, Snoop continued to achieve commercial success in the 2000s. Singles like “Beautiful” featuring Pharrell and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” featuring Pharrell spent several weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts. He also had Top 10 hits like “Let’s Get Blown” and “Signs” featuring Justin Timberlake and Charlie Wilson. Snoop’s albums during this period continued to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
2010s – New Directions
In the 2010s, Snoop Dogg explored new musical directions. He released the reggae album Reincarnated in 2013 under the name Snoop Lion. The album featured collaborations with Major Lazer and featured the single “La La La” (https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-snoop-dogg-songs/). Snoop also released the gospel album Bible of Love in 2018, which featured gospel artists such as Fred Hammond.
Snoop expanded his career beyond music, starring in films and TV shows and doing branding deals and endorsements. He appeared as himself on shows like Empire and The Simpsons. He also became the face of brands like Boost Mobile and Orbit Gum.
Current Homes
Snoop Dogg currently has homes in several locations in Southern California. His primary residence is located in Diamond Bar, California, which is a suburban city in the eastern region of Los Angeles County. According to VelvetRopes, Snoop purchased the Diamond Bar estate in 1994 shortly after his debut album Doggystyle went quadruple platinum. The home has been custom renovated multiple times over the years and currently has a two-story guest house, recording studio, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pool, and spa area.
In addition to the Diamond Bar house, Snoop also owns properties in nearby Claremont and La Quinta, California according to The Richest. The Claremont home was purchased in 2009 and has 7 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, tennis/basketball courts, and a swimming pool. The La Quinta house located in the desert regions near Palm Springs has 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and his own personal golf course.
Diamond Bar House
One of Snoop Dogg’s main homes is located in Diamond Bar, California. He purchased the sprawling French Chateau-style mansion in 1994 shortly after releasing his debut album Doggystyle. The luxurious property sits on over an acre of land and features 7 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and approximately 6,500 square feet of living space.
The extravagant home is designed in a classic French style, with characteristics like a slate roof, arched windows, Corinthian columns, and decorative ironwork. The interior features chandeliers, winding staircases, marble floors, detailed moldings, and a regal style befitting Snoop’s rap royalty status.
Snoop has hosted many celebrations and parties at the Diamond Bar estate over the years. However, the palatial pad has also attracted some controversy. In 2015, police seized over $10,000 in cash and a trove of marijuana products following an investigation [1]. The raid shed light on Snoop’s side marijuana business ventures operating out of the property at the time.
Other Real Estate
In addition to his current Diamond Bar residence, Snoop Dogg has owned several other luxurious properties over the years. One of his former homes was located in Claremont, California. He purchased this 8,700 square foot Mediterranean-style mansion in 1994 for $1.83 million shortly after releasing his debut album Doggystyle (https://www.therichest.com/luxury/a-look-at-the-most-expensive-houses-snoop-dogg-has-lived-in/). The Claremont home featured 7 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a home theater, and a sports court.
Snoop also owns a 5-bedroom vacation home in La Quinta, California which he purchased in 2019 for $720,000. Nestled in a gated golf course community, this 4,261 square foot property serves as a getaway residence for the rapper (https://www.therichest.com/luxury/a-look-at-the-most-expensive-houses-snoop-dogg-has-lived-in/).
In addition to his primary homes, Snoop Dogg has made other lucrative real estate investments over the course of his career. He owns properties in North Hollywood, Studio City, and Inglewood that he rents out. His real estate holdings are estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars.
Conclusion
In summary, Snoop Dogg has had an extensive music career spanning over 25 years. After rising to fame in the 1990s with albums like Doggystyle, he has continued to reinvent himself and explore new musical directions into the 2010s. Though he found major mainstream success early on, Snoop Dogg has not forgotten his roots in Long Beach and West Coast hip hop culture.
Today, Snoop Dogg calls Diamond Bar, California home. He lives in a sprawling 8,600 square foot Mediterranean-style mansion that he purchased in 1994 shortly after releasing his debut album. The home features 7 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a home theater, and a lavish backyard with a large pool (Source). While he owns properties in other states, his primary residence remains in Diamond Bar near his original stomping grounds.
After over two decades in hip hop, Snoop Dogg’s music career continues to evolve. But he stays connected to his West Coast roots through his luxurious Diamond Bar estate and support of up-and-coming local artists.
