Snoop Dogg may be an icon on stage, but his cherished role as a grandfather reveals his softer side, one defined by joy, loss, and an unwavering love for family.Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., has built a career far beyond music, positioning himself as a dedicated family man. Married to Shante Broadus since 1997, Snoop is a father to four children: Corde, 30; Cordell, 27; Cori, 25; and Julian, 26, from a previous relationship.Speaking to “People,” Snoop emphasized, “I got kids, and I always play my music for them. I like to hear what they like. They think I’m old, but I think I’m young.”
Reflecting on his journey as a father, he added, “Ninety percent of rappers grew up without fathers, but you see ninety percent of those rappers becoming fathers to their kids. We don’t ever get commended for that. We become real men when we get to this level we’re at right now.”
Cordell, Snoop Dogg, Cori, and Corde Broadus on July 16, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Cordell Broadus, Snoop Dogg, Cori Broadus, and Corde Broadus on July 16, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Corde, Snoop Dogg, Shante, and Cordell Broadus on April 18, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
When asked about his role as a grandfather, Snoop indicated he planned to take a lenient approach, describing himself as a “gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa.”
While talking about his first experience with grandparenting, he shared, “It’s just a spark of joy just to look in his eyes and to be able to hold him. I thank my oldest son for making me a grandfather.”
Rapper Snoop Dogg, Shante, and Corde Calvin Broadus on July 19, 2010, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The “Boss’ Life” rapper’s extended family remains central to his life. In January 2024, he spoke about his grandkids on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” explaining how each grandchild calls him “Papa Snoop,” a name that originated from a nickname his eldest grandson gave him as a young child.
Snoop Dogg talking about his grandkids, as seen in a video dated January 26, 2024 | Source: YouTube/JenniferHudsonShowSnoop said, “[My grandkids are] different ages, ranges, [and] sizes and I love them all the same way. Actually, my oldest [grandson’s] birthday is today so I’m on my way to his birthday party when I leave here.”
He recalled how his oldest grandchild initially called him “Papa Noop” due to difficulty pronouncing “Snoop” before eventually learning to say his name correctly. Following the expansion of Snoop’s family, he experienced the tragic loss of one grandchild, a loss that left an indelible mark on him and his family.