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Rapper Snoop Dogg's Bio: Early Years, Music Career, Wife, Kids, Grandchildren

Aby Rivas
Nov 12, 2020
10:56 P.M.

Since he was discovered in 1992, Snoop Dogg has established himself as one of the most respected rappers. He is a doting husband and a proud father and grandfather.

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The ultra-smooth, soothing, and prominent voice of Snoop Dogg set him apart and established him as an iconic rapper in whose steps many modern rappers follow.

He rose to fame under the tutelage of Dr. Dre during the golden age of hip-hop in the early 1990s and has since gone on to sell millions of records while having a successful career in television and movies. Away from his career, the "Drop It Like It's Hot" crooner is a doting husband to Shante Broadus and a proud father of three kids and three grandkids.

Snoop Dogg performs onstage during the 'Concerts in Your Car's' drive-in concert at Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center on October 02, 2020 | Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg performs onstage during the 'Concerts in Your Car's' drive-in concert at Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center on October 02, 2020 | Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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EARLY BACKGROUND AND CAREER

Snoop Dogg was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. on October 20, 1971, to Vernall Varnado and Beverly Broadus (née Tate).

As a young boy, he was named Snoopy because of his love for the cartoon character "Peanuts". When Calvin was very young, he began singing, playing piano in his local church, and began rapping by the age of 6.

Snoop Dogg wasn't born into a silver spoon and had to sell groceries to survive. As a teenager, Snoopy usually had issues with the law and was arrested for drug possession a couple of times. Still, all thanks to music, it became his ultimate escape route from a criminal lifestyle.

Snoop Dogg at the Premiere of MGM's "The Addams Family" at Westfield Century City AMC on October 06, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg at the Premiere of MGM's "The Addams Family" at Westfield Century City AMC on October 06, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

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He began his music career in 1992 when Dr. Dre discovered him and featured on Dre's solo debut, "Deep Cover", and then his album "The Chronic," giving him the exposure he needed for his career.

In 1993, Snoop's debut album "Doggystyle" was released with hit tracks like "Who Am I (What's My Name)?" and "Gin and Juice," which made him famous for his unique rapping styles. The album bagged the number 1 spot on Billboard's hip-hop and Top 200 charts.

Over the years, other of his albums include "The Doggyfather," "Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told," "No Limit Top Dogg," "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta)" "The Hard Way," "Bush," "Bible of Love," and "I Wanna Thank Me."

Snoop Dogg at the "Queen & Slim" Premiere at AFI FEST 2019 presented by Audi at the TCL Chinese Theatre on November 14, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg at the "Queen & Slim" Premiere at AFI FEST 2019 presented by Audi at the TCL Chinese Theatre on November 14, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

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In his respected career, Snoop has also appeared in numerous movies such as "Training Day," "Starsky & Hutch," "Mac and Devin Go To High School," amongst others. He has also been a frequent guest on TV shows with his recent collaboration with Martha Stewart in "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party," making waves.

Snoop is also a respected businessman with a cannabis business named "Leafs by Snoop," which he launched in November 2015. As an exemplary artist, his music and constant trouble with the law have made him a continuing topic.

Snoop Dogg onstage at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Butler Park during the 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Butler Park on March 15, 2014 in Austin, Texas. | Photo by Jordan Naylor/Getty Images for SXSW

Snoop Dogg onstage at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Butler Park during the 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Butler Park on March 15, 2014 in Austin, Texas. | Photo by Jordan Naylor/Getty Images for SXSW

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HE HAS BEEN MARRIED TO SHANTE TAYLOR FOR 23 YEARS

After more than two decades of marriage, Snoop Dogg's love for his wife, Shante Taylor Broadus, only seems to burn brighter although it hasn't been without its upheavals.

Snoop Dogg has been married to his high school sweetheart Shante Broadus since 1997, and their union of 23 years has produced three children, Cordé (1994), Cordell (1997), and Cori (1999).

Like most celebrity marriages, Snoop and Shante have had their fair share of troubles. They separated in 2004 when Snoop filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. However, he didn't go through with it, confessing he was carried away by the glamor of showbiz.

Snoop Dogg, with his wife Shante Broadus, is honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard on November 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg, with his wife Shante Broadus, is honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard on November 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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The duo reconciled in 2008, renewing their vows in front of 200 guests, but that hasn't stopped their marriage from being in the news amid recent cheating allegations from YouTube personality Celina Powell.

Nevertheless, the pair have managed to make it work, defying all odds against them.

Snoop Dogg and wife Shante attend the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg and wife Shante attend the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

HIS KIDS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM

Snoop Dogg might have the reputation of being a tough guy, but when it comes to his family, the rapper has proven they are the apple of his eyes

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The 26-year-old Cordé Broadus is the oldest of Snoop's children and the father of two adorable kids.

Cordell Broadus, 23, is an ex-football player presently a model and a lover of fashion. He has also walked on the runway for Tommy Hilfiger. He is also a proud father to daughter Lulu.

Snoop Dogg and Shante Taylor with family attends Snoop Dogg's star ceremony on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on November 19, 2018 in Hollywood, California. | Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg and Shante Taylor with family attends Snoop Dogg's star ceremony on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on November 19, 2018 in Hollywood, California. | Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Cori Broadus, the youngest of the trio, is 21 and the only one of Snoop and Shante children with the urge to follow in her dad's footsteps. The teenager has already released three singles, two of which her dad appears. She is also an Instagram model for FashionNova

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Last but not least, Julian Cordell, the child he shares with Laurie Holmond out of wedlock, is a University of California student.

Snoop has proven how proud he is as a father, as he never fails to talk about them in public.

Cori Broadus, Snoop Dogg, and Shante Broadus at TBS' Drop the Mic and The Joker's Wild Premiere Party at Dream Hotel on October 11, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for TBS

Cori Broadus, Snoop Dogg, and Shante Broadus at TBS' Drop the Mic and The Joker's Wild Premiere Party at Dream Hotel on October 11, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for TBS

SNOOP IS A PROUD GRANDFATHER OF THREE

In 2015, Snoop became a grandfather when his son, Corde Broadus, welcomed his first son, Zion, with his then-girlfriend Jessica Kyzer.

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In August 2018, Corde welcomed his second child and the first with girlfriend Soraya Love, a baby girl named Eleven. The couple welcomed another child, Kai, in September 2019. However, he passed away as a result of a heart defect.

Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, wife Shante Taylor, and children Corde Broadus, Cordell Broadus, and Cori Broadus attend the 2013 BET Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on June 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, wife Shante Taylor, and children Corde Broadus, Cordell Broadus, and Cori Broadus attend the 2013 BET Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on June 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

In 2018, Corde's brother, Cordell, had his first daughter, Cordoba Journey, with his model girlfriend, Phia Barragan.

Snoop, a happy grandfather of three kids, once admitted he would be a "gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa."

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