Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971) was born in Long Beach, California, United States. He is a highly influential American rapper, actor, and cultural icon. He is professionally known as Snoop Dogg. He rose to prominence in 1992 with his appearance on Dr. Dre's groundbreaking debut solo single, "Deep Cover," followed by his contributions to Dre's iconic album, The Chronic. Since then, Snoop Dogg has achieved remarkable success, selling over 23 million albums in the United States and an impressive 35 million albums worldwide. His contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including an American Music Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an impressive 17 Grammy Award nominations.
In November 1993, Snoop Dogg released his debut solo album, Doggystyle, under the guidance of Dr. Dre and through Death Row Records. The album took the music world by storm, debuting at number one on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. With hit singles like "What's My Name?" and "Gin and Juice," Doggystyle quickly became certified quadruple-platinum in 1994, solidifying Snoop Dogg's status as a rap superstar. That same year, he collaborated with Death Row Records on the soundtrack for the short film Murder Was the Case, in which he also starred.
Snoop Dogg's second album, Tha Doggfather, was released in 1996 and achieved tremendous success, debuting at number one on both the popular albums chart and the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The lead single, "Snoop's Upside Ya Head," further showcased Snoop Dogg's unique style and contributed to the album's double-platinum certification.
After departing from Death Row Records in January 1998, Snoop Dogg signed with No Limit Records, releasing three albums: Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). In 2002, he inked a deal with Priority/Capitol/EMI Records, leading to the release of Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss. Subsequently, he joined Geffen Records, where he released the critically acclaimed albums R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, and Ego Trippin'. His musical journey continued with releases such as Malice 'n Wonderland (2009) and Doggumentary (2011) under Priority Records.
Snoop Dogg's ventures extend beyond music. He has showcased his talent in the film industry, appearing in motion pictures, and has hosted several successful television shows, including Doggy Fizzle Televizzle, Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, and Dogg After Dark. In addition, he has dedicated his time to coaching a youth football league and a high-school football team, demonstrating his commitment to community and mentorship. In 2009, he took on the role of chairman for the reactivated Priority Records, adding another dimension to his already versatile career.
Known for his ongoing evolution, Snoop Dogg announced a transformative journey in 2012 after a visit to Jamaica. Inspired by Rastafari culture, he embraced a new identity as Snoop Lion and released a reggae album titled Reincarnated in 2013. The album was accompanied by a documentary film of the same name, which chronicled his Jamaican experiences.
Snoop Dogg's musical exploration continued in 2015 with the release of Bush, marking a return to his original moniker. The album showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to different genres. He followed up with his 14th solo studio album, Coolaid, in 2016, further solidifying his position as a respected and influential artist.
Snoop Dogg's impact reaches beyond the entertainment industry. In 2016, he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame, reflecting his widespread appeal and recognition. Two years later, he announced his embrace of Christianity and released his first gospel album, Bible of Love, further diversifying his musical repertoire.
In November 2018, Snoop Dogg received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his contributions to the entertainment world. His achievements have continuously propelled him forward, showcasing his remarkable talent, versatility, and enduring relevance.
In a significant milestone in 2022, Snoop Dogg acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group, formerly known as eOne Music, aligning with the label that played a pivotal role in his early career. He marked this milestone by releasing his 19th studio album, BODR, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and his commitment to preserving the legacy of Death Row Records.
Snoop Dogg's journey exemplifies the transformative power of music and his ability to transcend genres and generations. With his charismatic presence, undeniable talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
