Snoop Dogg, one of the most iconic American rappers and TV personalities, is well-known around the world—but there’s much more to his life than his music career. Beneath his cool, laid-back exterior, Snoop has faced personal challenges, yet he remains focused on the joys of life and continues to celebrate those moments with his family.
Here’s a closer look at Snoop Dogg’s family life today:
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, Snoop Dogg married his high school sweetheart, Shante Broadus, in 1997. Together, they have three children: Corde, Cordell, and Cori. Snoop also has another son, Julian, from a previous relationship. As his children have grown, Snoop has taken on the role of a proud father—and a loving grandfather.
In 2007, Snoop appeared on the reality show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood, offering fans a glimpse into his life as a family man. At the time, he shared with Barbara Walters, “I got kids, and I always play my music for them. I like to hear what they like. They think I’m old, but I think I’m young.” Snoop has often spoken about his journey as a father, reflecting on how most rappers, including himself, grew up without fathers but are determined to break that cycle with their own children.
In a 2015 interview, Snoop rated himself as a “7-plus” as a father, and when it comes to his role as a grandparent, he joked, “I’m a gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa.” He has shared how much joy being a grandfather brings him: “It’s just a spark of joy just to look in his eyes and to be able to hold him.” Snoop’s grandchildren affectionately call him “Papa Snoop”—a name his eldest grandson coined by mispronouncing “Snoop” as “Papa Noop.”
However, Snoop’s family has also faced profound heartache. In September 2019, Snoop’s grandson, Kai Love, tragically passed away at just 10 days old. The loss left the family devastated, with Snoop sharing a message of faith and hope, encouraging others to “choose to trust God” in times of hardship. Kai’s parents, Snoop’s son Corde and his wife Soraya Love, were deeply affected by their son’s death. On what would have been Kai’s first birthday, Soraya shared a moving tribute on Instagram, reflecting on the pain of losing a child and how that loss led her to find purpose in wellness, spirituality, and community support. In honor of Kai’s memory, they founded the Kai Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to spreading love and healing through acts of kindness and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Snoop’s oldest grandchild, Zion Kalvin Broadus, was born in January 2015 to Snoop’s son Corde and his then-partner Jessica Kyzer. Snoop was overjoyed at becoming a grandfather, sharing his excitement on social media with a video and caption, “Proud grandad.” In 2018, Corde and his wife Soraya welcomed their daughter, Elleven Love Broadus, and celebrated her fifth birthday in 2023. Soraya posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking her daughter for teaching her how to be a mom, even when she didn’t know how to change a diaper.
Snoop Dogg’s family life may not be as public as his music career, but it’s clear that his role as a father and grandfather means everything to him. Despite facing some of life’s toughest moments, he continues to find joy in his family and uses his platform to spread love, wisdom, and gratitude.
