Snoop Dogg

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, record executive, songwriter, and actor. Born on October 20, 1971, he emerged as a central figure in West Coast hip-hop, helping to define the G-funk and gangsta rap genres. Recognized for his signature drawled delivery and melodic flow, his music frequently addresses social themes such as recreational drug use and gun violence. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 35 million records worldwide.

Snoop Dogg was born in Long Beach, California, to Beverly Tate and Vernell Varnado. He was named after his stepfather, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr., following his biological father's departure shortly after his birth. His mother gave him the nickname "Snoopy" due to his affection for the Peanuts cartoon character. Raised Baptist, he sang and played piano at church in his youth, where he was introduced to old-school R&B music. He began rapping in the sixth grade and eventually graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1989. Shortly thereafter, he experienced periods of incarceration for cocaine possession. During his youth, he formed the musical group 213 alongside Nate Dogg, Lil' ½ Dead, and Warren G, recording early demo tapes in Long Beach.

Snoop Dogg's career took off after one of his early freestyle tapes reached record producer Dr. Dre, who invited him to audition in 1991. He rose to national prominence in 1992 through his contributions to Dr. Dre's single "Deep Cover" and the album The Chronic, including the track "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang". Produced by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg's debut solo album, Doggystyle (1993), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 806,000 copies sold in its first week. Featuring the hit singles "What's My Name?" and "Gin and Juice", the record was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. Following his acquittal in a 1993 murder charge, he released his second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), which also debuted atop the Billboard 200.

After leaving Death Row Records, Snoop Dogg signed with Master P's No Limit Records in 1998. He achieved further commercial success on the label with albums including Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). He subsequently released Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ in 2002 before signing with Geffen Records and Star Trak Entertainment. His 2004 album, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, produced the Pharrell-assisted single "Drop It Like It's Hot", which became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He later served in an executive role at Priority Records and released projects such as Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (2006), Ego Trippin' (2008), and Malice n Wonderland (2009).

In 2013, he temporarily adopted the stage name Snoop Lion to release the reggae album Reincarnated, accompanied by a documentary detailing his experiences in Jamaica. He followed this with the Pharrell-produced album Bush in 2015 and the gospel record Bible of Love in 2018. In 2022, Snoop Dogg acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group and released the album BODR. In addition to his recording work, he has maintained an extensive presence in television and film, including a role as a coach on the series The Voice.

Snoop Dogg's contributions to entertainment have earned him numerous honors, including seventeen Grammy Award nominations, two Sports Emmy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2022, he co-headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for the performance.