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Four different Snoop Dogg's stand against a dark background with twinkling stars cast in pallid turquoise, presumably at different points in time (or not, who are we to judge?). They show all of the different sides of Snoop Dogg -- rapper, shoe model, celebrity chef and just plain ol' celebrity. His multitudes are put on full display as rapper Snoop flaunts some rhymes for an audience that cannot be seen. A cartoon snail sits atop the Snoop at the far-left.
Illustration by Macy Sinreich, Columbia University

Snoop Dogg’s Side Quests

Why does Snoop Dogg’s ever-diversifying career always keep us on our toes, never certain of where he'll go next?
March 19, 2024
8 mins read

Snoop Dogg has embraced many different roles throughout his diverse career, some of which may sound surprising to certain people. What is it about Snoop Dogg that allows him to go on such different paths without every losing his core appeal?

Snoop Dogg’s impact on pop culture extends far beyond his initial breakthrough in rap music. While his collaboration with Dr. Dre on the iconic track Deep Cover catapulted him into the spotlight, he has since diversified his career in remarkable ways. Beyond music, Snoop Dogg’s ventures into voice acting, television advertising fashion,  and publishing demonstrate his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit, setting him apart from many of his peers in Hollywood. His willingness to explore various industries showcases not only his business acumen but also his ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.

In addition to his culinary ventures, Snoop Dogg’s personal brand also reflects his connection to his roots and his ability to resonate with everyday people. Despite his immense fame and success, he maintains a down-to-earth persona that endears him to fans worldwide. Whether he’s sharing humorous anecdotes, showcasing his love for hot sauce and ranch, or putting his own spin on classic recipes, Snoop Dogg’s authenticity shines through in every aspect of his endeavors. 

His most iconic dive into a new industry was when he published his cookbook, From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen . On Goodreads, this book has received many positive reviews, ranging between 4-5 stars on average. Praise for the book ranges from complimenting his “ hilarious commentary and stories” to appreciating  “Snoop’s true staples which are hot sauce and ranch,” instead of the complexity of “ Martha Stewart and her pantry full of 47 types of salt and 27 olive oils.” 

His cookbook appreciates the authenticity of everyday pantries and includes his own twist on classic recipe titles such as “Tha Thickness Gravy, Spaghetti de la Hood, and Mack and Cheese: it’s just like Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, it’s cheesy as a mofo.” Snoop Dog’s personal brand relates to his ability to appeal to an everyday audience; as a celebrity, this shows his fanbase that he is still humble and remembers where he comes from.

His cookbook not only celebrates his unique culinary style but also pays homage to the simplicity and relatability of everyday pantries, resonating with audiences on a personal level. Snoop’s ability to bridge the gap between celebrity status and everyday experiences further solidifies his place as a cultural icon who remains connected to his roots.

Another way Snoop Dog has been delving into other industries is his appearance in the Nickelodeon show Sanjay and Craig. In Season 2, Episode 17, Snoop Dog plays the character Street Dogg. He moves into Sanjay and Craig’s neighborhood to escape celebrity life. When Sanjay and Craig discover that the duo had broken up because he had misinterpreted Street Dog’s response to Remington Tufflips high five, Sanjay and Craig go on to reunite the duo and resolve their previous woes. The episode is full of quirky and loveable characters that Street Dogg fits into seamlessly. 

The episode also features a song called Our Block which the majority of the cast sings on that includes rap verses featuring Street Dogg. These lyrics capture the nature of the show. Lines such as This is Scratching Sparkle / Hector! / What? / Nothing rhymes with sparkle! and  They got games in the front / the back is where the wings are made / the cook has hooks / the girls are cute/ I’m talkin’ bout the Frycade!  Snoop Dogg agreeing to feature in Sanjay and Craig also shows his acting and musical ability can be implemented into various genres. Even though his music is aimed towards an older audience, his ability to write rap verses for a show rated TV-Y7 without sacrificing his demeanor and personality.

Snoop Dogg has also  expanded his repertoire by starring in commercials for brands like Corona and Grubhub. In his Corona ad, when  Andy Samberg seeks validation on his own rap skills, Snoop humorously critiques the performance by drawing out his comment. “No… it was incredible…ly bad.” 

Comments like these add Snoop Dogg’s signature charm and humor to the advertisement. Creating the selling point that even if your rap skills are not guaranteed to be good, the taste of Corona beer will. Meanwhile, in the Grubhub commercial, he infuses excitement into the experience of awaiting a food delivery with a catchy jingle.  Private jet in the night sky / My man hand glide by with my fried rice, righ’ and Even dippin’ in the sea / I see food / Seafood sees me. Through his appearances in commercials, Snoop Dogg showcases his versatility and comedic flair. His witty critiques in the Corona ad and infectious energy in the Grubhub commercial highlight his ability to captivate audiences and add a unique touch to advertising. Ultimately, Snoop Dogg’s involvement not only enhances brand recognition but also leaves a lasting impression, demonstrating his enduring influence across diverse marketing platforms.

Snoop Dogg has also created a line of sneakers in collaboration with Sketchers. Beyond his appearances in commercials, Snoop Dogg has further solidified his presence in the fashion industry through a collaboration with Sketchers, introducing a line of sneakers that boast a range of designs from neutrals to vibrant hues. With names like Boss Treatment, Boss Life, and OG, these sneakers reflect Snoop Dogg’s iconic style and resonate with fans who admire his distinctive aesthetic. This expansion into footwear not only reinforces Snoop Dogg’s status as a cultural icon but also underscores his ability to seamlessly blend his persona with various consumer markets, ensuring his continued relevance and impact in the realms of both music and fashion. Through these ventures, Snoop Dogg showcases his versatility and knack for entertainment beyond music. His involvement in commercials adds another dimension to his multifaceted career, solidifying his status as a pop culture icon.

From lending his voice to beloved characters in animated films to injecting humor and charisma into commercials for major brands/collaborations, Snoop Dogg continues to leave an indelible mark on popular culture. Snoop’s ability to navigate and succeed in diverse industries speaks to his enduring relevance and status as an iconic figure in entertainment.

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