Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg, was born in Long Beach, California, on October 20, 1971. His mother nicknamed him "Snoopy" because of his love for the Peanuts cartoon character. He began singing and playing piano at his local Baptist church at a young age, and started rapping in the sixth grade. After high school, he had several run-ins with the law and spent time in prison for drug possession. Music became a way for him to escape his troubles.
Music Career
Discovery and Debut
Snoop Dogg's career began after his early demo tapes, recorded with his cousin Nate Dogg and friend Warren G, caught the attention of producer and rapper Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre featured Snoop on his 1992 single "Deep Cover" and his landmark album, "The Chronic". Snoop's prominent vocals on hit singles like "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" and "Dre Day" quickly propelled him to stardom. His debut album, "Doggystyle" (1993), produced by Dr. Dre, was a massive success, becoming the first debut album to enter the Billboard 200 chart at number one. The album featured iconic tracks like "What's My Name?" and "Gin and Juice".
Album Discography and Evolution
Following his debut, Snoop Dogg released his second album, "Tha Doggfather" in 1996. In 1998, he left Death Row Records and signed with No Limit Records, where he released albums like "Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told" (1998), "No Limit Top Dogg" (1999), and "Tha Last Meal" (2000). His career continued with albums on various labels, including "Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss" (2002) and "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece" (2004), which featured the number-one single "Drop It Like It's Hot". Over the years, Snoop Dogg has explored different genres. In 2012, he adopted the moniker Snoop Lion and released a reggae album, "Reincarnated" (2013). He also released a funk album, "Bush" (2015), produced by Pharrell Williams, and a gospel album, "Bible of Love" (2018). In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records and released his album "BODR" (Bacc on Death Row) under the label.
Beyond Music
Acting and Television
Snoop Dogg has built a successful career in film and television. He has appeared in numerous movies, including "Training Day" (2001), "Starsky & Hutch" (2004), and "The Wash" (2001). He has also made guest appearances on various television shows and starred in his own reality series, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood". He co-hosted "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party" with Martha Stewart, for which they received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Business Ventures
A savvy entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg has invested in various businesses. He launched his own line of cannabis products, Leafs by Snoop, in 2015. He also has a venture in the wine industry with the 19 Crimes brand and co-developed a line of cocktails with Dr. Dre. His business interests extend to a production company, a sports management agency, and a youth football league. In 2022, he made a significant move by acquiring Death Row Records, the label that launched his career.
Personal Life
Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor, in 1997. They have three children together: two sons, Cordé and Cordell, and a daughter, Cori. He also has a son named Julian from a previous relationship. He is also a grandfather.