Biography

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, television personality, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, he became one of the most recognizable figures in West Coast hip-hop through a relaxed vocal delivery, melodic flow, and instantly identifiable persona. His work has been associated primarily with gangsta rap, G-funk, and West Coast hip-hop.

Snoop Dogg began attracting attention in the early 1990s after Warren G introduced his recordings to Dr. Dre. His first major appearance came on the soundtrack for the 1992 film *Deep Cover*, followed by prominent performances on Dre's album *The Chronic*. Snoop's laid-back voice and vivid storytelling became central to the record's sound, helping establish him as a major new artist before he had released a solo album.

His debut, *Doggystyle*, arrived in 1993 on Death Row Records. Produced largely by Dr. Dre, the album combined funk-based production with Snoop's conversational rhymes and sharply drawn street narratives. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and produced enduring singles including "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" and "Gin and Juice." *Doggystyle* remains his defining recording and one of the landmark albums of 1990s hip-hop. Its success also made Snoop a major figure in music videos, where his distinctive image and understated performance style became as influential as the music itself.

Snoop's second album, *Tha Doggfather*, followed in 1996 after Dr. Dre's departure from Death Row. Although its creation was shaped by label tensions and the absence of Dre, it also debuted at number one. Snoop subsequently left Death Row and signed with Master P's No Limit Records. Albums such as *Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told* (1998), *No Limit Top Dogg* (1999), and *Tha Last Meal* (2000) demonstrated his ability to remain commercially active while working with new producers and collaborators.

During the 2000s, Snoop broadened his musical range. *Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss* (2002) and *R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece* (2004) moved toward a more polished, crossover-oriented sound. The latter included "Drop It Like It's Hot," a collaboration with Pharrell Williams that became Snoop's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. He continued to release albums across several styles, working with artists from hip-hop, pop, R&B, reggae, and funk.

In 2012, he adopted the name Snoop Lion for a reggae-oriented phase, resulting in the album *Reincarnated* (2013) and an accompanying documentary. He later returned to the Snoop Dogg name for projects including the Pharrell-produced *Bush* (2015) and the gospel album *Bible of Love* (2018). His later work has included extensive collaborations, television appearances, acting roles, and business ventures. In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records, the label that launched his recording career, and released *BODR*. His 2024 album *Missionary* reunited him with Dr. Dre as producer.

Beyond recording, Snoop Dogg has hosted and appeared on television programs, acted in films, participated in sports and entertainment broadcasts, and performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022. His career is notable for its longevity and adaptability: he moved from controversial gangsta-rap newcomer to mainstream entertainer without abandoning the vocal style and West Coast identity that first made him famous.