Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.
Snoop Dogg’s career kicked off at Death Row Records
His musical journey began in the early 1990s, becoming a prominent figure in gangsta rap. He was signed by the legendary Dr. Dre to Death Row Records, making his debut on Dre’s first solo album, ‘The Chronic’.
Snoop’s career soared in 1993 with the release of his debut album, ‘Doggystyle’. It became an international success and catapulted the rapper to fame. He was a close friend of the late Tupac Shakur, one of the most well-known and controversial rappers in history, who was murdered in 1996 in a crime that remains unsolved.
In his biggest hit (‘Drop it like it’s hot’, 2004), Snoop Dogg portrayed himself as a pimp, a role he claimed went beyond mere metaphor. As he explained to Rolling Stone magazine, he always aspired to exploit women from a young age, a goal he eventually achieved, albeit not for money. “I managed to set up an organization, had a bus following me with ten bitches inside. Clients could hire a bitch, have sex with her,” he stated, adding that he catered to top athletes and artists.
One of the most famous rappers in history
Throughout his career, Snoop Dogg has sold over 35 million albums and released 19 studio albums, 5 collaborative albums, 17 compilation albums, and 25 mixtapes. His distinctive style and storytelling ability have made him an influential figure in hip-hop music.
In 2001, he founded his own record label, Doggystyle Records, bringing fame to artists like Tha Eastsidaz, Lil’ 1/2 Dead, and Soopafly. In 2022, he purchased Death Row Records, the label that launched his career, and announced his investment in NFTs. Additionally, he has ventured into various businesses, including a children’s series, his own food products, and pet accessories.
The legalization of marijuana, his major crusade
Beyond his musical success, Snoop Dogg is known for advocating the legalization of marijuana. In 2015, he launched Leafs by Snoop, a line of cannabis-related products. He is also an ambassador for Beyond Meat, a plant-based food company.
Personal life and net worth
After some tumultuous early decades, it seems he has found his focus. He has four children with his wife, Shante, whom he has been with since 1997. The couple separated in 2004 but reconciled in 2008 and have been together ever since.
As for his net worth, Forbes estimates Snoop Dogg’s fortune at 150 million dollars, making him among the richest rappers in the world. His legacy in music and versatility as an artist have left a lasting mark on pop culture.