The Dark Legacy of Snoop Dogg: Why Rappers Fear the King of Long Beach (And No, It’s Not Just the Weed!)

For newer rap fans, Snoop Dogg might just be the cool uncle who smokes weed with Martha Stewart.

But for many in the hip-hop community, he represents something far more intimidating.

The reason? A history steeped in violence, crime, and a reputation that has left even the boldest rappers wary.

Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., grew up in a world where survival often meant embracing the streets.

His father abandoned the family when Snoop was just three months old, leaving his mother to raise him alone.

Despite his challenging upbringing, Snoop initially showed promise as a good kid, participating in church choir and excelling in football.

However, as he entered his teenage years, the allure of street life began to take hold.

He became involved with the Rolling 20s Crips and started selling drugs, a decision that would haunt him for years.

In a twist of fate, just a month after graduating high school, Snoop faced his first arrest for cocaine possession.

This marked the beginning of a turbulent period in his life, as he found himself in and out of jail over the next three years.

Yet, during this time, he discovered his passion for music.

While incarcerated, Snoop received encouragement from older inmates who recognized his talent, urging him to pursue a career in rap instead of a life of crime.

Upon his release, Snoop dove headfirst into music.

He formed a group with Nate Dogg and Warren G, dubbed 213, and began selling tapes from the trunk of his car.

It wasn’t long before Dr.Dre, fresh off his split from N.W.A., took notice of Snoop’s potential.

He featured Snoop on his groundbreaking album, “The Chronic,” which skyrocketed to success and catapulted Snoop into the limelight.

However, just as his career began to soar, Snoop found himself embroiled in a life-threatening situation.

While working on his debut album, “Doggystyle,” he was charged with first-degree murder.

The incident unfolded in August 1993 when Snoop and his entourage confronted a man named Philip Walter Marion, who had allegedly threatened Snoop with a gun.

In the ensuing chaos, Snoop’s bodyguard shot and killed Marion.

Rather than fleeing the scene, Snoop turned himself in, a decision that showcased his complexity—caught between the allure of fame and the harsh realities of street life.

As he awaited trial, the media painted him as a violent criminal, eager to sensationalize the story.

Snoop, however, expressed his desire for change, lamenting the violence surrounding him and the impact it had on his community.

Ultimately, both Snoop and his bodyguard were acquitted, but the experience profoundly affected him.

In a 2018 podcast interview, Snoop reflected on how beating the murder charge transformed his outlook on life.

He no longer wished to embrace the gangster lifestyle, yet escaping that identity proved challenging, especially with his association with Death Row Records and its infamous co-founder, Suge Knight.

Suge Knight, known for his ruthless tactics in the industry, was a figure that Snoop came to fear.

He described Suge as a “boogeyman” of sorts, someone whose reputation for violence loomed large over the rap game.

When Tupac Shakur joined Death Row, Snoop found himself in the midst of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, a conflict that would claim many lives, including Tupac’s own.

Despite his growing fame, Snoop chose not to align himself with the aggressive tactics of his peers.

This decision almost cost him his life.

After expressing support for both Tupac and rivals like Biggie Smalls, Snoop faced backlash from Suge and other members of Death Row.

During a tense flight back to Los Angeles, he prepared for a potential confrontation, fearing that his life was in danger.

Tragedy struck when Tupac was shot and killed in Las Vegas.

Snoop’s grief was palpable, and he found himself at a crossroads.

In the aftermath of Tupac’s death, Snoop publicly accused Suge of being involved in the murder, a bold move that further strained their relationship.

Following the release of his second album, Snoop distanced himself from Death Row, signaling a desire to redefine his career and legacy.

In the years that followed, Snoop Dogg transformed his image.

He became a philanthropist, raising millions for various charities and founding the Snoop Youth Football League to support at-risk youth.

His efforts to give back to the community demonstrated a commitment to change, but his past still loomed large.

In 2015, Snoop found himself defending his reputation against critics who claimed he was no longer connected to Long Beach.

In a fiery response, he proclaimed his ongoing ties to the community, asserting his status as the “king of Long Beach.”

His resilience and refusal to be intimidated by his past or by critics only solidified his legendary status in hip-hop.

Today, Snoop Dogg stands as one of the few OGs from the 90s still relevant in the industry.

He has successfully navigated the treacherous waters of fame while maintaining connections to the streets.

His journey from a troubled youth to a global superstar is a testament to his ability to adapt and evolve.

Yet, for many aspiring rappers, the fear of Snoop Dogg remains.

His past is a constant reminder of the consequences that come with a life of crime and violence.

Snoop’s journey is not just a story of success; it’s a cautionary tale that underscores the complexities of fame, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption in a world that often glorifies the very violence he sought to escape.