Biography

Born in Long Beach, California, in October 20, 1971 Snoop (Real Name: Cordozar Broadus) lived with his mother and two brothers and received his nickname from the popular Peanuts character Snoopy the dog. Going through some difficult times during his teen years, Dogg often found himself on the opposite side of the law and getting arrested.

Not long after his high school graduation, he was arrested for possession of cocaine, beginning a period of three years where he was often imprisoned. He found escape from a life of crime through music. Snoop Dogg began recording homemade tapes with his friend Warren G, who happened to be the step-brother of N.W.A.'s Dr. Dre's. Warren G gave a tape to Dre, who was considerably impressed with Snoop's style and began collaborating with the rapper.

As a backup rapper to Dr. Dre, the two made their debut solo album, The Chronic, which received praise from music lovers and fans.

After many delays, Doggystyle was finally released on Death Row in November of 1993, and it became the first debut album to enter the charts at number one. Despite reviews that claimed the album was a carbon copy of The Chronic, the Top 10 singles "What's My Name?" and "Gin & Juice" kept Doggystyle at the top of the charts during early 1994, as did the considerable controversy over Snoops arrest and his lyrics, which were accused of being exceeding violent and sexist.

The release of the album was tainted due to his connection with the well-publicized drive-by-shooting death of Phillip Woldermarian. Following his performance at the MTV music awards, he turned himself into the authorities. In 1995 he spent time preparing for the case and going to court, and was finally cleared of all charges in 1996.

Following the case, he went back to work on his music. His next album, The Doggfather, was released in 1996, but it received mixed reviews. The outcome led Dogg to change his image and music to a calmer lyrical aesthetic.

By 1995 he began his acting career by participating in a documentary about the culture of hip-hop, The Show. Dogg returned to acting after releasing his third album, Da Game Is To Be Sold Not Told, appearing in the features Half Baked (1998); Ride (1998); The Wizard of Oz (1998) playing the Scarecrow; and Whiteboys (1999).

In 2001 he continued to work hard to establish himself as an actor with juicy roles in Baby Boy, Training Day, and Bones, and landed the biggest role of his career to date in Starsky & Hutch (2004), playing the key role of Huggy Bear.

Furthering his entrepreneurial status, Snoop is partnering with leading modern fashion performance brand Pony, to create a shoe collection called “The One and Only.” This particular line of shoes will marry Snoop’s signature West Coast flavor with the classic Pony design. The collection will be unveiled this November and will be available in exclusive stores globally for
the Fall/Winter 2005 collection.

Snoop is venturing into a project that is close to his heart. He is heading up the “Snooper Bowl” football tournament in which he coaches his son’s team. The Inaugural “Snooper Bowl” is an upcoming charity football event being put on by Snoop, the Super Bowl Host Committee, The Firm, and Jacksonville-based Axcess Sports & Entertainment. All proceeds from the “Snooper
Bowl” will go to Snoop’s Save A Life Foundation, which works with innercity youth and children’s hospitals.

Snoop was last seen on the big screen starring in MGM’s comedy hit SOUL PLANE. He heads up an all-star comedy cast in this story of the first ever ride of the black owned NWA Airlines. Snoop plays none other than ‘Captain Mack,’ a cool, smooth-talking pilot that, once he takes flight, discovers he has a fear of heights. The film had audiences laughing hysterically
and is currently available on DVD.

Dogg has been married to Shanty Taylor since 1997 and they have three children together.