Snoop Dogg

The Death Row star who helped define G-funk alongside Dr. Dre.

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, record executive, songwriter and actor. A key figure in West Coast hip-hop, he helped define G-funk and gangsta rap and is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Quick Facts

Born

October 20, 1971

Breakthrough

Deep Cover; The Chronic (1992)

Debut album

Doggystyle (1993)
No. 1
4x platinum

Also known as

Snoop Lion (2013)

Lore & Background

He rose to prominence in 1992 through his collaborations with Dr. Dre, first on the single "Deep Cover" and then on The Chronic, including "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang". His Dre-produced debut Doggystyle (1993) opened at number one on the Billboard 200 with 806,000 first-week copies, produced the hits "What's My Name?" and "Gin and Juice" and went quadruple platinum. His second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted at number one.

Reader's Guide

After leaving Death Row Records he signed with Master P's No Limit Records and continued with Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999) and Tha Last Meal (2000). "Drop It Like It's Hot" (featuring Pharrell), from R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004), was his first Billboard Hot 100 number one. He later recorded reggae as Snoop Lion (Reincarnated, 2013), the Pharrell-produced Bush (2015) and the gospel album Bible of Love (2018).