Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is a well-known American rapper, songwriter, actor, and media personality. Throughout his career, he has been associated with several controversies and legal issues. Below are some of the notable controversial aspects of Snoop Dogg’s life:
Murder Trial: In 1993, Snoop Dogg (real name Calvin Broadus) and his bodyguard McKinley Lee were charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Philip Woldemariam. The incident occurred during a confrontation, and Snoop Dogg claimed self-defense. He argued that the victim had a history of gang affiliation and that they felt threatened during the encounter. Snoop Dogg was eventually acquitted of all charges in the case, which was a significant moment in his early career.
Gang Affiliation: Snoop Dogg has been associated with the Rollin’ 20 Crips gang from Long Beach, California, and has frequently referenced his gang ties in his music and public persona. This affiliation has been a subject of controversy and criticism, as it raised concerns about the glamorization of gang culture in hip-hop. Some of his lyrics and album artwork have also featured gang-related imagery and themes.
Drugs and Legal Issues: Snoop Dogg has had multiple run-ins with the law related to drugs. He has been arrested for possession of marijuana on several occasions throughout his career. Marijuana use and advocacy for its legalization have been central themes in his public persona. In 2012, Snoop Dogg faced legal consequences related to his drug use when he was caught with marijuana in Norway. As a result, he was banned from entering Norway for two years.
Violent Lyrics and Content: Snoop Dogg’s music has often contained explicit and controversial lyrics, including references to violence, drug use, and explicit language. One of his most controversial albums in this regard is “Doggystyle,” which was released in 1993. The album faced criticism and censorship for its explicit content, and some tracks even generated legal challenges.
Feuds with Other Artists: Snoop Dogg has been involved in public feuds with various other artists, including his long-standing rivalry with fellow rapper, the late Tupac Shakur. The feud began when Snoop Dogg, who was associated with Death Row Records at the time, refused to take sides in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry that was escalating in the 1990s. This led to tension between him and Tupac, who was aligned with the West Coast faction. While the feud was intense, it eventually simmered down before Tupac’s tragic death in 1996.
He has also had public disputes with other hip-hop figures, such as Dr. Dre and former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight. Snoop Dogg was initially signed to Dr. Dre’s record label, Death Row Records. However, he later had disagreements with Dr. Dre and the label’s CEO, Suge Knight. This led to his departure from Death Row Records and strained relationships within the hip-hop community.
Arrests and Incidents: In 2006, Snoop Dogg was involved in a brawl at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. The incident resulted in his arrest, and he was charged with various offenses, including felony possession of a deadly weapon. He later pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to community service and probation.
In 2015, Snoop Dogg was detained at an airport in Sweden after authorities suspected he was carrying drugs. He had performed at a music festival in the country and was stopped by customs officials. Ultimately, no drugs were found, and he was released, but the incident garnered media attention and raised questions about racial profiling.
Controversial Music Videos: Some of Snoop Dogg’s music videos, including “Lodi Dodi” and “Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Pt. 2),” have faced criticism for their explicit content and depictions of drug use and violence. The music video for “Lodi Dodi,” which is a cover of the classic Slick Rick song, has been criticized for its explicit content. In the video, Snoop Dogg and his friends engage in various activities that depict a party atmosphere, including drinking, smoking marijuana, and suggestive behavior. The video’s content was considered explicit and controversial at the time of its release, and it contributed to the ongoing debates about the portrayal of drugs and violence in hip-hop music.
The music video for “Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Pt. 2)” also faced criticism for its explicit content and portrayal of violence. It featured scenes of gang-related activities and was considered controversial due to its graphic nature.
Trump Mock Assassination Video: In 2017, Snoop Dogg released a music video for the song “Lavender,” which featured a controversial scene. In the video, Snoop Dogg pointed a toy gun at a clown character resembling then-President Donald Trump and pulled the trigger, causing a “Bang” flag to pop out. The video drew criticism and backlash from some individuals and political figures for its portrayal of violence towards a sitting president, even though it was intended as a satirical commentary on political and social issues.
