Born Calvin Broadus in 1972 in California, he was nicknamed Snoop by his mother because of his appearance. Snoop Dogg, unsurprisingly an outcome of producer Dr. Dre, is considered to be the most unique voice and style in rap history. He first appeared on 'Deep Cover', a Dr. Dre single in 1992. Snoop was connected to Dr. Dre though his younger brother, Warren G., a friend from his upbringing. He first received Dre's attention when Warren G. gave him Snoop's demo tape. Dre was immediately attracted to the sound of Snoop's nasal monotone rap style.
Snoop's much-anticipated debut album, Doggystyle, was a hit not only for his lyrics but also for his enthralling videos. The gangster lifestyle snoop portrayed to the world was one that was cool, laidback, and a really good time. He made parities to gangsters in prison and original gangsters. These parities soon became his own reality when he was accused of murder, but he was later acquitted in 1993. Dr. Dre directed a short film, Murder Was The Case, alluding to Snoop's experience.
During the same year, his follow up, The Doggfather was released with the hit single, 'Snoop's Upside Your Head.' It also hit number one, but didn't have the same applause as his debut. He kept his head up and appeared on the soundtrack of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate and also collaborated with Tupac Shakur on the All Eyez On Me album.
In the late 90s, Snoop joined Master P's No Limit Records and released Da Game Is To Be Sold Not To Be Told. In 1999, he released Top Dogg and was once again collaborating with Dr.Dre. His hit single 'B Please' featured the now popular Xzibit. Snoop's last deal with Master P was Tha Last Meal in 2000. He no longer needed the backing of Dr.Dre or others because of his fame and popularity.
The next year, he signed with MCA and issued the compilation, Snoop Dog Presents Doggy Style Allstars: Welcome To The House, Vol. I. Shortly after, he recorded his own version of Girls Gone Wild, named Girls Gone Wild Doggy Style. In 2002, he released Paid Da Coast To Be Tha Boss and then in 2003, The Dogg: Best of the Works.
Snoop has had appearances in numerous movies, including Training Day, Baby's Boy, Bones, and Old Skool. Snoop continues to tour with his rap buddies, hitting up most big cities across the U.S. He has also made special appearances at music festivals, such as on April 20th of 2002 at the University of Texas at Austin for the 40 Acres Fest.
