Snoop Dogg Revels in His Role as “Papa Snoop,” His Grandkids’ Beloved Moniker

LOS ANGELES — When Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus isn’t topping charts or launching new ventures, he’s donning a costume and dancing for a very different audience: his eight grandchildren. In a January 2024 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the 52-year-old rap icon unveiled the nickname bestowed upon him by his grandchildren—“Papa Snoop”—and reflected on the profound joy that grandfatherhood has brought to his life.

From Hip-Hop Legend to Beloved Grandpa

Best known for hits like “Gin and Juice” and his acting roles in Training Day and Starsky & Hutch, Snoop Dogg has embraced his most cherished title yet: grandfather. Married for over thirty years to high school sweetheart Shante Broadus—known affectionately by the grandchildren as “Mama Tae”—Snoop is dad to four children: Corde (30), Cordell (27), Julian (26), and Cori (25). Over the years, his family has grown to include eight grandchildren: Zion, Elleven, Cordoba, Kai (who died ten days after birth in 2019), Sky, Chateau, Symphony Sol, and a baby girl on the way.

The Birth of “Papa Snoop”

The endearing name originated with Snoop’s eldest grandson, Zion, born in 2015 to Snoop’s son Corde. “He first called me ‘Papa Noop’ because he couldn’t pronounce ‘Snoop,’” Snoop recalled in an interview with People last June. As Zion mastered the name, it evolved into “Papa Snoop”—a title the rapper says means the world to him. “I had a papa,” Snoop reflected. “He was my best friend. For me to be that for my grandkids is showing that I actually did well.”

Crafting Unforgettable Memories

Snoop goes the extra mile to keep the spotlight on his grandchildren. At birthday parties he has appeared as Baby Shark, He-Man, and even an inflatable giraffe—never revealing his face until the party’s end. “I had to figure out a way to take Snoop Dogg out of the party,” he told The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, ensuring the day remains all about the kids. Whether tying shoes at the Paris Olympics or dancing in the studio with granddaughters Cordoba and Chateau, Snoop’s energy and playfulness underscore his devotion.

Triumph and Tragedy

Grandfatherhood hasn’t been without heartbreak. In September 2019, Snoop and Shante suffered the loss of baby Kai Love, who died ten days after birth. Addressing his grief on social media, Snoop wrote, “Trust God in difficult times,” and the family has honored Kai’s memory ever since. Despite the pain, Snoop’s love for his remaining grandchildren remains unwavering. “My grandkids are my everything because they all individually get a piece of my heart and they’re different,” he shared in an exclusive People clip.

A Legacy of Love and Guidance

For Snoop, being “Papa Snoop” is about more than fun and games—it’s a chance to impart wisdom and right past wrongs. “Having grandbabies is an even better experience because all the mistakes I made as a father, I get to make up as a grandfather,” he told Access Hollywood. He embraces the “spoiler” role, bending rules to create a safe, loving space—as he explained on TODAY in October 2024—because grandparents’ love, he believes, is their greatest gift.

A Family United

The Broadus clan’s pride in their patriarch was on full display in December 2023, when they all starred in SKIMS’ holiday campaign donned in matching flannel pajamas. And, for Snoop’s 53rd birthday in October 2024, his granddaughters serenaded him as “Papa Snoot” in a viral video that underscored the depth of their affection.

From chart-topping albums to dressing up as beloved children’s characters, Snoop Dogg’s journey as “Papa Snoop” reveals a softer, more personal side of the music legend—one defined by love, legacy, and the simple joy of family. As he continues to juggle global fame with family life, his greatest hit may well be the laughter of his grandchildren echoing through his home.