Calvin Broadus, better known as Snoop Dogg, is an iconic American rapper and media personality who rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the leading figures in gangsta rap. Beyond his successful music career, Snoop has also made a name for himself in the film and television industry. Despite facing legal troubles in his youth, Snoop’s undeniable talent caught the attention of renowned producer-rapper Dr. Dre, leading to the release of his debut album ‘Doggystyle’. With hits like “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and “Gin and Juice”, Snoop’s laid-back rapping style became synonymous with the gangster rap of the era. Throughout his illustrious career, he has consistently delivered chart-topping albums and has made numerous appearances in movies and television shows. While his personal life has been marred by legal issues, Snoop Dogg’s undeniable talent and controversial reputation have kept him in the spotlight since the beginning of his career.
Quick Facts
- Nick Name: Snoopy, Calvin
- Also Known As: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
- Age: 52 Years, 52 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Shante Broadus
- Father: Vernell Varnado
- Mother: Beverly Tate
- Children: Corde Broadus, Cordelle Braudus, Cori Broadus, Julian Corrie Broadus
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Snoop Dogg
- Rappers
- Height: 6’4″ (193 cm), 6’4″ Males
- Notable Alumni: Long Beach Polytechnic High School
- U.S. State: California
- City: Long Beach, California
- Founder/Co-Founder: Doggystyle Records
- More Facts
- Education: Long Beach Polytechnic High School
Childhood & Early Life
Snoop Dogg, born as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, had a challenging childhood. His father, Vernall Varnado, left the family soon after Calvin’s birth, and he was named after his stepfather, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr. Despite this, Snoop Dogg developed a keen interest in singing, rapping, and playing the piano from an early age. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1989. However, his life took a turn for the worse when he was arrested for drug possession shortly after graduating and spent the next three years in and out of prison. During this time, he and his cousins formed a group called ‘213’ and recorded homemade tapes.
Career
Snoop Dogg’s career took off when his solo freestyle over En Vogue’s “Hold On” was heard by the influential producer Dr. Dre. Impressed by his talent, Dr. Dre invited Snoop Dogg to audition for him. This led to Snoop Dogg working with Dr. Dre on his debut solo album, ‘The Chronic’, which was highly acclaimed. In 1993, Snoop Dogg released his debut album, ‘Doggystyle’, which became a huge success. He continued to release albums throughout the years, including ‘Tha Doggfather’ (1996), ‘Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told’ (1998), ‘No Limit Top Dogg’ (1999), ‘Tha Last Meal’ (2000), ‘Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$’ (2002), ‘R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece’ (2004), ‘The Hard Way’ (2004), ‘Tha Blue Carpet Treatment’ (2006), ‘Ego Trippin” (2008), ‘Malice n Wonderland’ (2009), ‘Doggumentary’ (2011), ‘Coolaid’ (2016), ‘Neva Left’ (2017), ‘Bible of Love’ (2018), and ‘I Wanna Thank Me’ (2019).
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1997, Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor. They have three children together: two sons, Cordé and Cordell, and a daughter named Cori. However, their marriage hit a rough patch, and Snoop Dogg filed for divorce in 2004. They later reconciled and renewed their wedding vows in 2008.
Major Works
One of Snoop Dogg’s most successful works is the single “Drop It Like It’s Hot” from his 2004 album ‘R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece’. The song reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Snoop Dogg’s first US No. 1 single.
Awards & Achievements
Snoop Dogg has received numerous awards throughout his career. In 1994, he won three Billboard Music Awards, including ‘Top Billboard 200 Album Artist – Male’, ‘Top R&B Album Artist’, and ‘Top R&B Album Artist – Male’. He also won the MTV Video Music Award for ‘Best Rap Video’ in 1994 and the American Music Award for ‘Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist’ in 1995. In 2005, he received the ‘International Dance Music Award’ for ‘Best Rap/Hip-Hop Dance Track’ for his song “Drop It Like It’s Hot”. He has also won the MOBO Award, Source Award, Stony Award, and Urban Fashion Award.
Quotes
“You might not have a car or a big gold chain, stay true to yourself and things will change.”
Filmography
Snoop Dogg has appeared in several movies, including ‘The Wash’ (2001), ‘Bones’ (2001), and ‘Mac and Devin Go to High School’ (2012). He has also had supporting and cameo roles in films such as ‘Half Baked’ (1998), ‘Training Day’ (2001), ‘Starsky & Hutch’ (2004), and ‘Brüno’ (2009).
Television Appearances
Snoop Dogg has appeared in television programs such as the sketch comedy show ‘Doggy Fizzle Televizzle’ and the reality show ‘Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood’.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1997, Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Taylor. The couple has three children together: two sons, Cordé and Cordell, and a daughter named Cori. In 2004, Dogg filed for divorce from Shante, citing irreconcilable differences. However, they renewed their wedding vows in January 2008.