Shot In The Dark(Official video)

Born: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.

Date of Birth: October 20, 1971

Place of Birth: Long Beach, California, U.S.

Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Media Personality, Actor

Known For: Iconic figure in West Coast hip-hop and G-funk

Calvin Broadus was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He was nicknamed "Snoopy" by his mother due to his love for the cartoon character. Despite singing and playing piano at his local Baptist church, his teenage years involved gang activity and he was in and out of jail. Upon his release, he focused on music, forming the group 213 with his cousins and a friend. One of their mixtapes made its way to producer Dr. Dre, who, impressed by Snoop's unique flow, signed him to Death Row Records.

Snoop Dogg's rise was meteoric. He gained widespread recognition for his features on Dr. Dre's 1992 album, The Chronic, including the hit single "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang." In 1993, he released his debut album, Doggystyle, which was a monumental success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It became the fastest-selling debut album of all time at that point, with hit singles like "Gin and Juice" and "What's My Name?".

After a series of legal issues and the decline of Death Row Records, Snoop Dogg left the label. He went on to release a vast and diverse discography, with over 19 studio albums. He has experimented with various genres, including reggae under the moniker Snoop Lion with his album Reincarnated (2013), and funk. His 2004 single, "Drop It Like It's Hot," became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records, coming full circle in his career.

Snoop Dogg's influence extends beyond music. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including starring roles in movies and a co-hosting gig on the Emmy-nominated cooking show Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party with Martha Stewart. He also made his debut as an NBC special correspondent for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As an entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg has built a diverse business empire. His ventures include a cannabis-focused investment firm, Casa Verde Capital, as well as his own brands of wine, gin, and a wide range of merchandise. He is also a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization.

Snoop is also known for his philanthropic work. In 2005, he founded the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL), a non-profit organization that provides inner-city children with the opportunity to play organized football. The league has helped thousands of children and has even produced several NFL players.