Snoop Dogg

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... More >

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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 released his most recent album Ego Trippin' in 2008 ("Neva Have 2 Worry", "Life of da Party"), which he plans to follow up with a 2009 album tentatively titled Malice In Wonderland. Apart from his legacy as a rapper, Snoop Dogg has also appeared in a number of movies and television shows, among them comedies like Old School (2003), Soul Plane (2004), and Starsky & Hutch (2004). Snoop's most recent project is a reality show on E! called Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, which takes a satirical look at his day-to-day life as both a rapper and a father.

Despite his superstar status, Snoop Dogg seems incapable of avoiding trouble. He has received countless arrests for possession of marijuana, in both the United States and abroad. In fact, Snoop Dogg is currently prohibited from entering both the United Kingdom and Austrailia, with both governments citing his prior mischievous criminal convictions as the reason for his apparent persona non grata status.

From Discogs:

born: October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, Los Angeles, USA

From Lastfm:

Snoop Dogg has changed his name to Snoop Lion. Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, California, United States), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is a Grammy award nominated rapper, producer and actor. Snoop is best known as a famous MC in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of producer Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. He made his rap debut in 1992 on Dre's debut album The Chronic, and then released his debut album, Doggystyle, to much critical and public acclaim.

Read more about Snoop Dogg on Last.fm.

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From Wikipedia:

Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. (born October 20, 1971) is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, well known by his stage names Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Dogg, and Snoop Lion. He has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. His music career began in 1992 when he was discovered by Dr. Dre. He collaborated on Dre's solo debut The Chronic, and on the theme song to the film Deep Cover. Snoop's debut album, Doggystyle, was released in 1993 under Death Row Records, debuting at #1 on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. Selling almost a million copies in the first week of its release, Doggystyle became certified 4× platinum in 1994 and spawned several hit singles, including "What's My Name" and "Gin & Juice". In 1994, Snoop released a soundtrack on Death Row Records for the short film Murder Was The Case, starring himself. His second album Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted at No.1 on both charts with "Snoop's Upside Ya Head" as the lead single. The album was certified double platinum in 1997.

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