Snoop Dogg Opens Up About Tupac’s Role in His Life—And the Baby Boy Who Witnessed It All

In a heartfelt interview with People magazine in September 2024, Snoop Dogg reflected on the profound influence his late friend Tupac Shakur had—not just on his career—but on his journey into fatherhood. At 52, Snoop shared how Tupac played an unexpected yet crucial role in helping him navigate the early years of raising his first son, Corde Broadus, during a formative period marked by rising fame and personal growth.

Snoop’s debut album Doggystyle dropped in November 1993, catapulting him to stardom. Less than a year later, in August 1994, his son Corde was born—ushering in a new chapter of balancing fatherhood with the pressures of a booming music career. It was during this time, especially while working on his sophomore album Tha Doggfather (1996), that Tupac stepped in as a mentor beyond the studio.

Describing Tupac as “like a better dad” than himself, Snoop recounted how he would bring young Corde along to long studio sessions. Tupac took on a hands-on role, making sure the baby was cared for—reminding Snoop to feed him and even bringing food like McDonald’s to the studio. This wasn’t just kindness; Snoop framed it as Tupac “training” him to be a better father. The bond extended beyond mere responsibility: Tupac “loved [Corde] like his nephew,” Snoop said, underscoring the familial closeness they shared.

The mentorship had a lasting impact on Snoop’s approach to parenting. Inspired by Tupac and other father figures, Snoop encouraged both Corde and his second son, Cordell (born 1997), to play football—a sport that taught discipline and teamwork. Snoop eventually became a football coach himself, illustrating how the lessons learned from Tupac influenced not only his music but his priorities as a father.

This rare glimpse into the personal side of two hip-hop legends reveals how friendship, family, and mentorship intertwined amidst the glare of fame. Tupac’s legacy for Snoop Dogg wasn’t just artistic—it was deeply personal, shaping the man and father behind the iconic persona