Snoop Dogg
In 1993, Snoop Dogg released his debut album Doggystyle, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 and became one of hip-hop's most iconic records. Produced by Dr. Dre, it made the laid-back Long Beach rapper an instant superstar.
Long Beach Origins
Calvin Broadus grew up in Long Beach, California, singing in church before turning to rap. His distinctive laid-back drawl caught the ear of producer Dr. Dre.
Instant Star
After featuring on The Chronic, his 1993 debut Doggystyle entered the charts at No. 1. He became one of the defining voices of West Coast G-funk.
Cultural Icon
Over decades he reinvented himself as an actor, entrepreneur and broadcaster. By 2022 he owned Death Row Records, and in 2024 he charmed audiences as an Olympics correspondent.
Career Timeline
- 1971Born Calvin Broadus Jr. in Long Beach, California
- 1992Featured on Dr. Dre's The Chronic
- 1993Doggystyle debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200
- 1996Acquitted in a high-profile murder trial
- 1998Joins Master P's No Limit Records
- 2004"Drop It Like It's Hot" hits No. 1
- 2012Briefly adopts the name Snoop Lion
- 2018Releases gospel album Bible of Love
- 2018Receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 2022Performs at the Super Bowl halftime show
- 2022Acquires Death Row Records
- 2024Serves as NBC correspondent at Paris Olympics
Biggest Hits
- His mother nicknamed him 'Snoopy' as a child because of his love for the Peanuts cartoon character.
- In 2022 he purchased Death Row Records, the label that first made him a star.
Portrait: Glenn Francis (Toglenn), www.PacificProDigital.com · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons