A wise soul once said, “When I’m no longer rapping, I want to open up an ice cream parlor and call myself Scoop Dogg.” This wise soul is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., better known as Snoop Dogg, and on Oct. 20, the world celebrated his 50th birthday. 

    One of the most renowned figures of gangsta rap during the 1990s, rapper, songwriter, media personality, actor, and businessman Snoop is considered by many the epitome of West Coast hip-hop culture. 

     “Snoop Dogg definitely deserves the hype. He’s one of the best-known rappers for a reason–he changed the rap game entirely,” junior Carlos Gomez said. 

     The rap legend has come a long way since being discovered by rapper/producer Dr. Dre in the early 1990s. He earned millions of record sales from albums such as “Doggystyle”, “Tha Doggfather” and “Reincarnated”.

     “Doggystyle” in particular set the world ablaze. The album is revered as a universal classic. Equipped with a laconic flow, Snoop’s rhyming style caught the attention of rap fans from coast to coast. Lyrically gifted, Snoop’s flow is unique and recognizable and pairs well with the charisma and creativity shown in his lyrics as well as his music videos. 

     Seemingly always down to offer verse, Snoop has worked with multiple hip hop and R&B artists over the past three decades. Snoop has worked with unexpected artists such as Gorillaz, EDM tosser David Guetta, and even Katy Perry. 

     “California Gurls” by Katy Perry is my favorite song on which Snoop Dogg is featured. His verse gives the song a different flow from Katy Perry’s that makes it super unique,” senior Carter Chapman said. 

     Snoop branched out into acting during the same period his rap career boomed and appeared in several films. He even starred in his own reality show, Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood, in 2007. His witty and relaxed attitude has made him a loved icon and an entertaining persona. 

     “My first impression of Snoop Dogg was that he was hilarious and very chill. He is the type of person you’d want to be friends with,” senior Jacob Budzik said. 

     Proving himself a jack of all trades, Snoop has also created music spanning a variety of genres, including R&B, soul, rock, reggae, and even gospel, engaging a wider audience. He dedicates himself to charity organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Shriners Hospital for Children and also founded the Snoop Youth Football League.

    Snoop has crafted a colorful public image that captivates fans with creative alter egos, the most notorious being “Snoop Lion,” “Snoopzilla,” and “Snoop Todd.” 

     “I think Snoop Dogg is popular because he is super funny. His humor definitely is what draws a crowd to him, and he just has a nice vibe to him that everyone wants to match,” Budzik said.

     Snoop’s influence has revolutionized the music industry and has shaped hip-hop culture. Being a widely known figure in the entertainment industry, Snoop holds a major impact on society even after his peak in the 1990s. 

     “Snoop Dogg has inspired a lot of young rappers on the west coast and influenced many to make music,” Chapman said. 

     Snoop has announced his next music project, “The Algorithm”. The new single features supergroup Mount Westmore, “Big Subwoofer”, and is Snoop’s first album for Def Jam Recordings since he was appointed as the label’s executive creative consultant back in June.

     “What is Snoop not involved in? He seems to be everywhere all the time and always pops up in the most random places,” Gomez said.