When you think of Snoop Dogg, the first things that come to mind might be his legendary music career, his smooth voice, or his charismatic stage presence. But there’s another side to the famous rapper that often goes unnoticed—a deeply devoted family man and a cherished grandfather. Behind the fame and the flashy lifestyle lies a man defined by love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his family.
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., Snoop Dogg has built an impressive career spanning decades, but his true pride lies in his family. Married to Shante Broadus since 1997, Snoop is a father to four children: Corde, 30; Cordell, 27; Cori, 25; and Julian, 26, from a previous relationship. Over the years, his family has grown, and he now proudly embraces the role of a grandfather, finding joy in each grandchild and cherishing every moment spent with them.
Embracing Fatherhood
In 2007, Snoop Dogg opened up about his family life while promoting his reality show, “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood.” The show aimed to shed light on the personal lives of hip-hop artists, revealing their roles as fathers and partners beyond the stage. Speaking to “People” magazine, Snoop emphasized his commitment to his children. “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,” he shared, highlighting the bond he shares with his kids through music.
Reflecting on his journey as a father, Snoop remarked, “Ninety percent of rappers grew up without fathers, but you see ninety percent of those rappers becoming fathers to their kids. We don’t ever get commended for that. We become real men when we get to this level we’re at right now.” These words underscore his belief in the importance of fatherhood and his dedication to being a positive role model for his children.
Balancing Fame and Family
Despite his busy career, Snoop has always made time for his family. In a 2015 interview with “Today,” he rated himself as “about a 7-plus” as a father, expressing a desire to continually improve. “My relationship with my kids is more important than anything. It’s a friendship relationship … it’s based on me being a father, a mentor, and a friend,” he explained. This humility and willingness to grow demonstrate his commitment to nurturing strong, meaningful relationships with his children.
The Joy of Grandparenting
Snoop’s transition into grandfatherhood brought a new dimension to his life. Describing himself as a “gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa,” he embraces the fun and freedom that comes with being a grandparent. “It’s just a spark of joy just to look in his eyes and to be able to hold him. I thank my oldest son for making me a grandfather,” Snoop shared, highlighting the profound happiness his grandchildren bring him.
In January 2024, during an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Snoop talked about his grandchildren with pride. Each grandchild affectionately calls him “Papa Snoop,” a nickname that originated from his eldest grandson’s early attempts to say “Snoop.” “My grandkids are different ages, ranges, and sizes, and I love them all the same way. Actually, my oldest grandson’s birthday is today, so I’m on my way to his birthday party when I leave here,” he mentioned, showcasing his active involvement in their lives.
Honoring a Lost Grandchild
While Snoop enjoys the joys of grandparenting, his family has also faced profound loss. In September 2019, Snoop’s grandson, Kai Love, tragically passed away at just 10 days old due to a congenital heart defect. The loss deeply affected the family, leading to heartfelt tributes and the establishment of the “Kai Heart Foundation.”
Snoop took to social media to share his grief and faith during this difficult time. He reposted a message about trusting God in tough times, accompanied by a virtual heart reaction that resonated with many. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with fans and followers sending messages of condolence and prayers. “Soooo sorry for the loss of your grandbaby… Children are such a precious gift from God, but sometimes he takes them back… sweet precious little Kai RIP… God bless and comfort all who love him…❤️🙏🏻,” one user wrote, while others echoed similar sentiments of sympathy and support.
Kai’s parents, Corde Broadus and his wife Soraya Love, were devastated by the loss. On what would have been Kai’s fourth birthday, Soraya shared a moving tribute on Instagram, expressing the deep pain of losing a child and how this tragedy has given her a renewed sense of purpose. “Happy heavenly birthday to my 1st son Kai Love who passed away 9-15-2019,” she wrote, detailing how Kai’s passing inspired her to help others through wellness, spirituality, and community support.
Building a Legacy of Love and Support
The creation of the Kai Heart Foundation stands as a testament to the family’s resilience and commitment to turning pain into purpose. The foundation focuses on spreading love and healing through community support, aiming to help other families facing similar tragedies. Soraya Love has been vocal about the foundation’s mission, emphasizing the importance of education, healthy lifestyles, and emotional support. “Started Kai Heart Foundation in 2019 after my son Kai passed away at 10 days from heart defect… He inspired me to help other mothers, men, women; children in the world through acts of LOVE + healthy lifestyle,” she explained in a December 2022 post.
Through the foundation, the Broadus family honors Kai’s memory by providing resources and support to those in need, fostering a community built on love, compassion, and healing. “We would love to partner with any organizations that help heal, educate, and assist humans with LOVE,” Soraya shared in a March 2024 post, highlighting their dedication to making a positive impact.
Celebrating New Generations
Despite the heartbreak, Snoop continues to find joy in his expanding family. Each grandchild brings unique happiness and purpose into his life, reinforcing his role as a loving and engaged grandfather.
Zion Kalvin Broadus
Zion, born in January 2015 to Snoop’s son Corde Broadus (also known as Kalvin Love) and his then-girlfriend Jessica Kyzer, was Snoop’s first grandchild. Snoop shared his pride in a video, captioning it, “Proud grandad. My son spank n grandson Zion !!🍼🙏🌟✨Jah bless.” Now nine years old, Zion is a constant reminder of the family’s growth and Snoop’s dedication to his role as “Papa Snoop.”
Elleven Love Broadus
In August 2018, Snoop welcomed Elleven Love Broadus into the family. Elleven, born to Corde and his wife Soraya Love, has brought immense joy to the Broadus family. Soraya celebrated Elleven’s fifth birthday in 2023 with a heartfelt Instagram post: “HAPPY 5th BORN DAY TO MY 1st BORN E11EVEN🤩☺️😍 this old soul/young Queen taught me how to be a mom when I didn’t even know how to change a diaper [sic].” Elleven’s presence has been a source of healing and love, with Soraya describing her as a “Leo strength, nurturing Mama Mina spirit.”
Cordoba Journey Broadus
Cordoba Journey Broadus, born in March 2019 to Snoop’s son Cordell Broadus and his wife Phia, is another beloved member of the family. At five years old, Cordoba has already made memorable appearances alongside her grandfather, including attending a Chanel fashion show in May 2023. Wearing a stylish black leather jacket and white top with Chanel’s logo, Cordoba showcased her budding fashion sense, reflecting the close bond she shares with Snoop.
Sky Love Broadus
Sky Love Broadus was born in February 2021 to Corde and Soraya. Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus, affectionately known as “Mama Tae” to her grandchildren, shared a joyful video of Sky’s birth with the caption, “I’m So Happy My 5th GrandBaby Boy Was Born Today 💙💙 [sic].” Sky’s arrival has brought additional happiness to the family, with Soraya later sharing how Sky turned her “into a warrior in all aspects of life.”