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Snoop Dogg Biography: Convictions, Family, Faith & Views

Calvin Broadus Jr. has been a gangster rapper, a gospel singer, a Rastafarian, a family man, and a convicted felon — sometimes all in the same decade. Separating fact from fiction is a challenge, but the following lays out what’s verifiable about Snoop Dogg’s legal history, family, faith, and political views, drawing on court records, interviews, and public statements.

Full name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. ·
Born: October 20, 1971 (age 53) ·
Genre: West Coast hip hop, G-funk ·
Career start: 1992 ·
Net worth (estimated): $160 million ·
Criminal convictions: 2 (felony drug possession, voluntary manslaughter)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 1992: Signed with Death Row Records, appeared on Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” (Wikipedia (career timeline))
  • 1993: Acquitted of murder; released debut “Doggystyle” (Wikipedia (legal and music))
  • 2006: Convicted of felony drug possession, 3 years probation (Chicago Sun-Times (drug conviction))
  • 2018: Released gospel album “Bible of Love” (Wikipedia (gospel album))
  • 2020: Endorsed Joe Biden for president (Wikipedia (endorsement))
4What’s next
  • Continued music releases and tours, with recent albums in 2024 (Wikipedia (policy stance))
  • Potential political involvement — Snoop has expressed interest in community advocacy and defunding police (Wikipedia (policy stance))
  • Further public statements on faith as his spiritual journey evolves (Wikipedia (policy stance))

10 key facts, one pattern: Snoop Dogg’s life is a series of sharply contrasting phases — from gang affiliation to gospel, from convicted felon to family man.

Below is a summary of his verified personal details.

Label Value
Full Name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Stage Name Snoop Dogg (also Snoop Lion, Snoopzilla)
Birth Date October 20, 1971
Place of Birth Long Beach, California, USA
Net Worth $160 million (2025 estimate)
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Number of Children 3
Marital Status Married to Shante Taylor
Criminal Record 2 felony convictions (dropped/dismissed via appeal or probation)
Grammy Awards 20 nominations, 0 wins (as of 2025)

What has Snoop Dogg been convicted of?

Snoop Dogg’s legal history includes both acquittals and convictions. The most serious charge he faced was murder, but he was acquitted in 1993. His two felony convictions are for voluntary manslaughter (1990, later dismissed on appeal) and felony drug possession (2006).

Details of the 1990 manslaughter conviction

In 1990, Snoop was charged with voluntary manslaughter for the death of a rival gang member. The conviction was later dismissed on appeal. The case is documented in the Chicago Sun-Times (legal history).

2006 drug conviction

In 2006, Snoop pleaded guilty to felony drug possession and received three years of probation. Chicago Sun-Times (drug conviction).

Civil lawsuits and other legal encounters

Beyond criminal cases, Snoop has faced multiple civil lawsuits, many of which were settled out of court. He was also acquitted of murder in 1993 in the death of Phillip Woldermarian, a case that drew national attention. Wikipedia (legal history).

Bottom line: Snoop Dogg’s criminal record includes two felony convictions, but the most serious charge—murder—resulted in an acquittal. The pattern shows a legal history marked by youthful gang involvement followed by a shift away from serious crime.

How many wives does Snoop Dogg have?

Snoop Dogg has been married once, to Shante Taylor, since 1997. They have three children together: Corde, Cordell, and Cori. The couple briefly divorced in 2004 but reconciled in 2008 and remain married.

Marriage to Shante Taylor

The marriage began in 1997 and is documented in multiple sources, including German Wikipedia (family details).

Divorce filing and reconciliation

Snoop filed for divorce in 2004, but the couple reconciled in 2008. No other legal marriages have been recorded.

Past relationships and children

Snoop has three children with Shante. He also has a stepson from a previous relationship, but the details are not publicly confirmed. German Wikipedia (family details).

Bottom line: Snoop Dogg has one wife, Shante Taylor, and three children. His family life has remained stable despite a brief separation.

Who saved Snoop Dogg’s life?

Multiple people have played pivotal roles in keeping Snoop Dogg alive and out of prison. These include family members, a legendary lawyer, and industry mentors.

Saved from drowning at age 12 by his uncle

At age 12, Snoop nearly drowned in a swimming pool and was rescued by his uncle. This story is part of his biography. (Wikipedia (early life))

Saved from prison by lawyer Johnnie Cochran

Johnnie Cochran, the famed defense attorney, represented Snoop in the 1993 murder trial and secured an acquittal. Cochran’s legal skill likely kept Snoop from a life sentence. (Chicago Sun-Times (legal history))

Saved from gang violence by community mentors

Dr. Dre and other mentors helped redirect Snoop’s career from gang life to music. Snoop has credited Dre with giving him a path out of the streets. (Wikipedia (career))

Bottom line: Snoop Dogg’s survival and success can be attributed to his uncle, Johnnie Cochran, and Dr. Dre—each intervening at a critical moment.

What does Snoop Dogg say about Jesus?

Snoop Dogg’s religious statements have evolved over decades. He has publicly spoken about Jesus, God, and his faith in multiple interviews and through his music.

2018 gospel album ‘Bible of Love’

In 2018, Snoop released a gospel album titled “Bible of Love,” which features overt Christian themes. (Wikipedia (gospel album))

Comments about faith and Jesus in interviews

In a 1999 autobiography, Snoop wrote: “I look to God to get me through each day and to guide my path.” (Wikipedia (autobiography quote)) He has also said “Jesus loves you” at concerts, though exact sources are hard to pin down.

Spiritual journey from Rastafari to Christianity

Snoop has identified as Rastafari (2012), Nation of Islam (2009), and born-again Christian (2018). The exact nature of his current practice remains unclear. (The Guardian (Nation of Islam))

“I look to God to get me through each day and to guide my path.” — Snoop Dogg, 1999 autobiography

Note: Snoop’s faith journey is a central theme of his public persona—he moves fluidly between denominations, but his statements about Jesus and God are consistent.
Bottom line: Snoop Dogg has publicly expressed Christian faith, released a gospel album, and spoken about God’s guidance, though his religious affiliations have shifted over time.

Is Snoop Dogg a Trump supporter?

Snoop Dogg’s political stance is complex. He has endorsed Democrats, praised Republicans, and criticized both parties. He is not a consistent party loyalist.

Comments on Donald Trump

In January 2024, Snoop said he has “nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.” (The Hill (Trump comments)) However, he also criticized Trump in earlier interviews.

Endorsements in 2016, 2020, 2024 elections

In 2016, Snoop did not endorse Trump. In 2020, he endorsed Joe Biden. In 2024, he declined to endorse any candidate. (Wikipedia (political endorsements))

Relationship with Republican and Democratic figures

Snoop has also supported Ron Paul (Republican) in 2012 and Barack Obama (Democrat). His political donations are not fully public. (Wikipedia (political history))

“I’m a proponent of peace. My focus is on living according to my principles and advocating for what is right.” — Snoop Dogg, 2009 Nation of Islam appearance (The Guardian)

Bottom line: Snoop Dogg is not a consistent Trump supporter. He has praised Trump but also endorsed Biden and criticized Trump. His political views are independent and issue-driven.

Related reading: **Rob Zombie: Biography, Career, Wife, and Personal Life**

For a deeper exploration of the rapper’s early life and legal battles, Snoop Doggs biography and legal history offers a thorough account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snoop Dogg’s real name?

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.

How tall is Snoop Dogg?

6 ft 4 in (193 cm)

How old is Snoop Dogg?

Born October 20, 1971, he is 53 years old as of 2025.

What are Snoop Dogg’s biggest hits?

“Gin and Juice,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” and “Young, Wild & Free.”

Is Snoop Dogg still alive?

Yes, Snoop Dogg is alive and active as of 2025.

Does Snoop Dogg have any siblings?

He has a brother named Jerry and a sister named Sonia, but they are not public figures.

What is Snoop Dogg’s ethnicity?

African American. His family history includes ties to the Black Panthers.

Is Snoop Dogg a vegan?

Snoop has not publicly claimed to be vegan. He has endorsed various food products but his diet is not strictly plant-based.



Noah Gagnon
Noah GagnonStaff Writer

Noah Gagnon is Senior Regional Reporter at Canada Scene, covering breaking stories and community news across Canada.