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Snoop Dogg
AMM INSPIRED

Snoop’s Journey: Gang Member → Class Clown → 30 Million Albums

by Jerry Gladstone

We learn them the hard way, and sometimes the easy way. But risen from his Long Beach roots to become one of the most suc-
the lessons life gives us are often more valuable than the easily cessful musicians in recent history. As an award-winning rapper,
attained success it offers. If viewed properly, each of these les- singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, he has already left
sons offer an amazing opportunity to learn and educate. We can a legacy of music around the world, to the tune of over thirty
implement the lessons learned from adversity and use them to million albums sold.
better ourselves and move forward in life.
Snoop has been associated with some of the top recording labels
Perhaps you wonder why I would include Snoop Dogg in a book – including Death Row Records, No Limit Records, Priority/
like this. Considering his upbringing and background, who bet- Capitol/EMI Records, and Geffen Records.
ter to send a message to inner city youth that they too can be
successful in life? The reality is that Snoop learned an enormous His father, a Vietnam veteran, singer, and mail carrier, left the
amount about life through dealing with some of life’s most dif- family when Snoop was only three months old. His mother gave
ficult situations. But it was learning those lessons in the manner him his now – famous nickname because she thought he looked
that he did that has given him the perspective that has changed like the Snoopy character in the Peanuts cartoons.
the way he views life.
Snoop’s talent was evident at an early age when he began singing
Most know the side of Snoop associated with his alleged gang and playing the piano at Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church. But
membership in the infamous Rollin’ 20 Crips on the east side of it wasn’t until he was in the sixth grade that he started rapping.
Long Beach, California, and from his numerous brushes with the
law. But the reality is that over the years, Snoop Dogg has grown According to Snoop, “People thought I was going to be a
to become a role model and mentor to those who face the same comedian – not a rapper. I was always the class clown.”
challenges he once did.
I had the chance to interview Snoop during a press conference
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., in 1971, Snoop Dogg has where he was promoting his youth football league. Snoop is a

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