Snoop Dogg Opens Up About What He’ll Avoid After Retirement—And It Says Everything About His Growth

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.—better known as Snoop Dogg—has lived many lives in one. From pioneering West Coast rap in the early ’90s to becoming a global cultural icon, philanthropist, and media personality, his story is one of transformation. Now, as he reflects on what life might look like after retirement, Snoop has hinted at what he’ll “stay away from”—and it says everything about the wisdom, growth, and priorities that have come to define him.

While he hasn’t listed specifics, Snoop’s evolving lifestyle choices—including his recent decision to step back from cannabis use and his conscious shift away from violent themes in music—suggest that retirement, for him, would mean avoiding anything that compromises his health, his family, or his ability to uplift others. It’s a vision of growth that reveals not just the man behind the music but the noble character that has carried him into global respectability.

From Gangsta Rap to Global Ambassador

Snoop Dogg’s adaptability has been one of his greatest strengths. Catapulted to fame with his debut on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic (1992) and his own groundbreaking Doggystyle (1993), Snoop was once synonymous with gangsta rap’s raw, often violent narratives. But his early career also came with controversy, including a highly publicized murder charge from which he was acquitted.

That turning point forced a reevaluation. “I had to start writing about life,” Snoop later explained in a 2021 interview with Fatman Scoop, describing his decision to move away from death and violence in his lyrics. From there, he expanded his artistry, collaborating with everyone from Pharrell Williams to Katy Perry, while branching into television, film, business, and even sports commentary. His ability to reinvent himself while staying authentic has kept him relevant for more than three decades.

Choosing Family Over Image

Perhaps the most striking sign of Snoop’s growth is his deepening commitment to family. In 2023, he shocked fans by announcing he was “giving up smoke,” a move seen as a major break from his image as rap’s most famous cannabis advocate. While the announcement later tied to a Solo Stove campaign, Snoop made clear that the decision came after conversations with his wife, Shante, and his growing family—which now includes four children and twelve grandchildren.

“Becoming a grandfather changes everything,” he told the Daily Mail in 2023, reflecting on his desire to prioritize health and longevity. For Snoop, this was less about abandoning a lifestyle and more about embracing a new stage of life. It was a rare glimpse of selflessness from a man whose career was once defined by defiance.

A Legacy of Uplifting Others

Beyond music, Snoop’s dedication to philanthropy and mentorship has solidified his role as more than just a superstar. Through the Snoop Youth Football League, he has helped hundreds of kids from inner-city Los Angeles access scholarships and opportunities, with some making it all the way to the NFL. His annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaways in Inglewood and support for programs like Snoop Special Stars, which serves children with special needs, highlight his commitment to giving back.

Snoop’s humility has been central to this work. He initially resisted publicizing some of his charitable programs, wary of being accused of self-promotion, but eventually embraced the visibility when he saw the joy it brought to families. As a mentor on The Voice, he has gone even further, gifting aspiring artists with “Death Row chains” as a symbolic promise of loyalty and opportunity.

What He’ll Leave Behind

So, what will Snoop Dogg “stay away from” when he retires? If his past choices are any indication, it’s the negativity, excess, and habits that no longer serve his health, his family, or his community. He has already walked away from glorifying violence in his lyrics. He has reconsidered his relationship with cannabis in light of family priorities. And he has consistently leaned into roles that amplify positivity, mentorship, and joy.

In many ways, Snoop’s growth is the story of hip-hop itself—born in turbulence, evolving with resilience, and maturing into a force for unity and empowerment. As one fan wrote on X in 2025: “Snoop staying away from anything that dims his light is exactly why he’ll always be our uncle.”

And perhaps that’s the heart of it: retirement won’t mean fading into silence for Snoop Dogg. It will mean living with purpose, staying true to his family, and continuing to inspire the world—just without the smoke.

Would you like me to shape the headline and lead paragraph to lean more toward personal transformation (family and lifestyle) or cultural evolution (how Snoop’s growth mirrors hip-hop’s journey)?