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Snoop Dogg is one of the most prominent rap artists to emerge from the West Coast rap scene in the early 1990’s, known as much for his recording and acting careers as his colorful off-stage antics. Born Cordozar Calvin Brodaus Jr. in 1972, there is some contention as to whether Snoop is from Long Beach, California (as is popularly claimed) or whether he was actually born in Southern Mississippi. Regardless, Snoop - who derives his rap handle Snoop Dogg from his childhood nickname, Snoopy - spent the vast majority of his childhood in Long beach, attending nearby Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Though a good student, he became involved with the notorious Crips street gang, spending the next three years of his life after graduation in and out of jail on drug charges.

While in jail Snoop became acquainted with various West Coast rap acts, notably gangster rap group N.W.A.. Upon his release from jail he formed the rap group 213 with his cousin Nate Dogg, who has since become a respected rapper in his own right. The group caught the attention of legendary rapper/producer Dr. Dre who took Snoop under his wing, allowing Snoop to spit some bars for Dre’s breakout 1992 release The Chronic. Snoop’s performance on The Chronic impressed Dre, who signed Snoop to his Death Row Records label and masterminded Snoop’s freshman release, Doggystyle, in 1993.

The suggestively-titled Doggystyle became a nationwide hit, adding to the rising popularity of the West Coast rap scene and launching Snoop’s career. Doggystyle has sold over 4.1 million copies to date, riding on the success of ubiquitous singles "Gin and Juice" and "Doggy Dogg World". After releasing one more album on Death Row (1996’s Tha Doggfather) Snoop left the label citing creative differences, forming his own label Doggystyle Records in late 1996. Since 1996, Snoop Dogg has released no fewer than seven solo albums, most notably 2002’s Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss and 2004’s R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): Tha Masterpiece, both of which feature prominent production by Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. Though he has produced many hits, a short sampling of Snoop Dogg’s greatest hits would include "Lay Low", "From tha Chuuuch to da Palace", "Beautiful", "Vato", and "Boss’s Life".

Snoop Dogg Photos


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