Snoop Dogg

Early Years

Snoop Dogg, orignially known as Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., was born in Long Beach, California in the early seventies. Despite attending and graduating from Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a school well-known for its students' academic and athletic prowess, Snoop made the news for his many misadventures. An admitted gang member, he was arrested and convicted of cocaine trafficking at an early age. Snoop was in and out of prison for the next few years.

Ironically, it was his affiliation with the Crips gang that pushed him into a rap career. The gang recognized Snoop's hip hop talent and urged him to pursue music.

Hip Hop Career

Snoop Dogg has many connections in the hip hop world, including his best friend, Warren G, stepbrother of Dr. Dre. Snoop was able to gain valuable experience and exposure by collaborating with Dr. Dre on several important projects. Dr. Dre's record company, Deathrow Records, released Dogg's Doggystyle in the early nineties to wide acclaim and Billboard success. Dogg soon became the poster child for gangsta rap, with critics holding up his lyrics as evidence of the violent, misogynistic nature of the industry. He went on to release:

• Tha Doggfather
• Tha Game Is Not to Be Sold Not To Be Told
• No Limit Top Dogg
• Tha Last Meal
• Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$
• R&G (Rythm & Gangsta)
• Tha Blue Carpet Treatment

In 1996, Dogg left Deathrow Records and shortened his name from Snoop Doggy Dogg to Snoop Dogg.

Snoop Dogg's Other Endeavors

In addition to his hip hop stylings, Dogg has also found success with several other ventures. In 2000, he tried his hand directing a porn movie. The end result was the top selling release of 2002. In 2005, Snoop took his production business a step further and founded his own company, Snoopadelic Films. This time around, he is focusing on rap-inspired productions.

Dogg has also spent time in front of the cameras, with several cameos and a role in 2004's Starsky & Hutch. He has also appeared in numerous ads and commercials, lending his name and face to products such as:

• St. Ides Malt Liquor
• Boost Mobile Cell Phones
• Orbit Gum
• Snoop Dogg Clothing
• Hip Hop Gaming League
• Chronic Candy
• Doggy Biscuitz Shoes
• Snoop Dog Boxing
• Snoop Dog Pet Accessories

Awards and Accolades

During his 15 year career, Snoop has amassed considerable praise as a hip hop artist. The following is just a sample of his many awards and accomplishments:

• New Artist of the Year (1994)
• Top R&B Artist (1994)
• Best Celebrity Clothing Line (2002)
• Best Movie Cameo: Training Day (2002)
• Best Hip-Hop Artist (2005)
• Los Angeles Chapter Recording Academy Honors (2006)
• Best Hip Hop Video: Drop It Like It's Hot (2006)

He has also been nominated for eight Grammy Awards.

Arrests and Controversy

As illustrious as his career has been, it has often been overshadowed by his many legal problems. Dogg was arrested in 1993 for the death of a fellow gang member. Although he was eventually acquitted, the legal battles followed him for several years.

Another notable controversy occurred in 2003, when Snoop appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live. A makeup artist for the show, Kylie Bell, alleged that Snoop and several others drugged and sexually assaulted her. The lawsuit was eventually dropped after Snoop countersued for extortion.

Dogg and his posse once again made headlines in early 2006, when they were arrested at Heathrow Airport. Snoop and crew were accused of "violent disorder and affray", which included allegedly vandalizing a duty-free shop. As a result, Snoop Dogg is banned from British Airlines and the UK for "the foreseeable future."

Snoop Dogg Trivia

• He was called "Snoopy" as a child because of his love of Charlie Brown.
• Singer Brandy is his cousin.
• He produced his first porn movie under the pseudonym Michael J. Corleone and his second under the more recognizable Snoop Scorsese.
• He is married with three kids.
• He is a Frank Sinatra fan.