When you think about Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus Jr., his legendary West Coast flow and iconic swagger immediately come to mind. But there’s another side to this hip-hop icon that reveals just as much about the man behind the microphone – his devoted family life.
At the heart of Snoop’s world sits a tight-knit family unit that has weathered decades of fame and fortune. His immediate family includes his longtime wife Shante Broadus, four children who’ve each carved their own unique paths, and parents who instilled the foundational values that continue to guide him today. Behind every legendary track and business venture, there’s a family man who prioritizes Sunday dinners, grandchildren’s birthday parties, and the kind of unconditional love that keeps even superstars grounded.
When you think about Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus Jr., family serves as the foundation of his personal and professional life, shaping his legacy beyond music. Behind the legendary West Coast flow lies a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose 27-year marriage to high school sweetheart Shante Broadus has weathered separation and reconciliation, emerging as one of hip-hop’s most enduring partnerships. His four children—Cordé (30), Cordell (28), Cori (25), and Julian (26)—have each forged distinct paths while his transformation into “Papa Snoop” with eight grandchildren reveals an even softer dimension of the hip-hop icon.
The Broadus family story demonstrates remarkable resilience: from Shante’s evolution into his trusted business manager and the driving force behind Boss Lady Entertainment, to Cordell’s courageous transition from UCLA football to creative arts, and Cori’s powerful lupus advocacy following her 2024 stroke and recent premature motherhood. With foundational influences from his late mother Beverly Tate—a church choir director who provided his musical and moral compass until her 2021 passing—and father Vernell Varnado, a Purple Heart Vietnam veteran who reconnected to become a musical collaborator, Snoop’s parenting philosophy emphasizes supporting each child’s authentic choices while maintaining strong family values that have successfully balanced public fame with genuine relationships for over three decades.
Snoop Dogg’s Wife: Shante Broadus – High School Sweethearts to Lifelong Partners
Behind every great artist stands a remarkable partner, and for Snoop Dogg, that person has been Shante Broadus for over three decades. Their love story reads like something out of a movie – two teenagers from Long Beach who met in the hallways of Long Beach Polytechnic High School, never imagining that their young romance would evolve into one of hip-hop’s most enduring marriages.
Their Love Story and Marriage Journey
When Snoop and Shante tied the knot in 1997, hip-hop was experiencing its golden era, and Snoop was already establishing himself as a household name. Their wedding marked the official beginning of what would become a 27-year marriage filled with both incredible triumphs and honest challenges.
However, their journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. In 2004, the couple went through a highly publicized separation that had fans wondering if their fairy tale romance had reached its end. But rather than letting pride or public pressure dictate their decisions, Snoop and Shante chose to do the hard work of reconciliation. They attended counseling, redefined their relationship dynamics, and ultimately emerged stronger than before.
What’s particularly noteworthy about their reunion is how they’ve both spoken openly about the lessons learned during that difficult period. Snoop has credited that time apart with helping him understand the irreplaceable value of his wife and family.
Shante’s Role in His Success
While Snoop’s talent undoubtedly drives his success, Shante’s influence on his career decisions and personal growth cannot be understated. She’s been far more than just a supportive spouse – she’s been a trusted advisor, business partner, and the voice of reason during crucial moments in his career evolution.
Before becoming Mrs. Broadus, Shante was pursuing her own educational and professional goals. Her grounded perspective and business acumen have played vital roles in helping Snoop navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Their joint ventures include various business interests, and she’s been instrumental in helping him transition from controversial rapper to beloved cultural icon.
Meet Snoop Dogg’s Four Children: Individual Stories and Achievements
One of the most captivating aspects of Snoop’s family life is watching how each of his four children has developed their own distinct personality, career path, and relationship with their famous father. The Broadus children represent a fascinating study in how celebrity offspring can navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with having a globally recognized parent.
Cordé Broadus (30) – The Eldest Son
As the firstborn, Cordé has had the longest relationship with fame and has watched his father’s career evolve from its earliest days. Born in 1994, he’s now carved out his own identity as an entrepreneur and family man, making significant strides in various business ventures while maintaining close ties to his Long Beach roots.
Perhaps most significantly, Cordé has made Snoop a grandfather, adding a new dimension to the family dynamic that has brought immense joy to the entire clan. The experience of becoming “Papa Snoop” has been transformative for the hip-hop legend. Cordé’s entrepreneurial spirit mirrors his father’s business acumen, though he’s chosen to pursue ventures that reflect his own interests and values.
Cordell Broadus (28) – From Football to Creative Arts
Cordell’s journey represents one of the most compelling examples of following your passion despite external expectations. Initially recruited to play football at UCLA, he made the difficult decision to step away from athletics to pursue modeling, acting, and other creative endeavors – a choice that required considerable courage and family support.
This transition period became a powerful demonstration of Snoop’s parenting philosophy: supporting his children’s authentic choices rather than imposing his own vision for their lives. Cordell’s move into modeling and entertainment has proven successful, with various film projects and creative collaborations that showcase his artistic talents.
Cori Broadus (25) – Health Advocate and Entrepreneur
As the only daughter in the family, Cori holds a special place in Snoop’s heart, though she’s proven she can more than hold her own in any situation. Her journey has been marked by resilience, advocacy, and entrepreneurial success, particularly in her work raising awareness about lupus, a condition she was diagnosed with as a child.
Cori’s openness about her health challenges has inspired countless others facing similar struggles. She’s used her platform to educate people about autoimmune diseases while pursuing her own interests in music and fashion. Her recent journey into motherhood has added another layer to the family dynamic, with Snoop embracing his role as a grandfather once again.
Julian Broadus (26) – Building Family Bonds
Julian’s story adds an important dimension to the Broadus family narrative, demonstrating how love and commitment can create strong family bonds regardless of biological relationships. His integration into the family and the development of his relationship with Snoop showcases the inclusive, loving nature of the Broadus household.
The evolution of the father-son relationship between Julian and Snoop represents a beautiful example of how families can grow and strengthen over time. Julian’s educational pursuits and career interests have been met with the same level of support and encouragement that Snoop provides to all his children.
Snoop Dogg’s Parents: The Foundation of His Family Values
Understanding Snoop’s approach to family requires looking at the foundational influences that shaped his own childhood and early adult years. His parents, though they took different paths in his upbringing, each contributed essential elements to the value system that he now passes on to his own children and grandchildren.
Beverly Tate – Musical Foundation and Moral Guidance
Beverly Tate was far more than just Snoop’s mother – she was his first musical inspiration, moral compass, and unwavering source of support throughout his rise to fame. As a single mother raising her son in Long Beach, she demonstrated the kind of strength, determination, and unconditional love that would later influence Snoop’s own parenting style.
Beverly’s influence on Snoop’s musical development cannot be overstated. She sang in church choirs and exposed him to gospel music from an early age, providing the spiritual and musical foundation that would later influence even his most secular work. Her encouragement of his early musical interests demonstrated the kind of support that every artist needs during their formative years.
When Beverly passed away in 2021, the outpouring of love and respect from the entire hip-hop community demonstrated the profound impact she had on everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on in Snoop’s music and family values, and in the way he approaches relationships with the same grace and determination she modeled.
Vernell Varnado – Reconnecting and Musical Collaboration
Snoop’s relationship with his father, Vernell Varnado, represents a powerful story of forgiveness, second chances, and the healing power of shared interests. Vernell’s early absence from Snoop’s life created challenges, but their eventual reconnection has provided valuable lessons about redemption and the importance of persistent effort in building relationships.
As a Vietnam veteran with his own musical talents, Vernell brought a different perspective to Snoop’s life when they rebuilt their relationship. Their collaborations on various musical projects have demonstrated how shared passions can help bridge gaps created by time and circumstances. Vernell’s influence on Snoop’s approach to fatherhood has been profound, particularly in teaching him about the importance of being present and consistent in his children’s lives.
Family in the Spotlight: Balancing Fame with Privacy
Living life as one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment while maintaining authentic family relationships requires careful navigation and thoughtful boundaries. Snoop has mastered the art of sharing enough of his family life to connect with fans while protecting his loved ones from the more intrusive aspects of fame.
“Papa Snoop” and His Grandchildren
The transformation of Snoop into “Papa Snoop” represents one of the most heartwarming chapters in his personal evolution. His grandchildren have brought out a softer, more playful side of the hip-hop legend that fans absolutely love to witness. Whether he’s teaching them to fish, sharing quiet moments at home, or bringing them to special events, Snoop’s relationship with his grandchildren showcases the depth of his family commitment.
Becoming a grandfather has motivated him to think even more carefully about the example he sets and the world he’s helping to create for future generations. The social media moments featuring Papa Snoop and his grandchildren have become some of his most beloved content, demonstrating how authentic family connections resonate with audiences.
Family Collaborations and Public Appearances
The Broadus family’s approach to public exposure has been thoughtfully managed over the years, with projects like “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood” providing fans with insights into their family dynamic while maintaining control over their narrative. Musical projects featuring various family members have created opportunities for artistic collaboration while strengthening family bonds.
The children’s involvement in various business ventures, from official Snoop Dogg merchandise to independent entrepreneurial pursuits, demonstrates how the family has learned to leverage their platform while maintaining their individual identities.
Parenting Philosophy and Family Values
At the core of Snoop’s approach to family life lies a set of principles that prioritize authenticity, support, and unconditional love while maintaining clear expectations and boundaries. The fundamental values that guide the Broadus household emphasize the importance of education, hard work, respect for others, and staying connected to their roots.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Snoop’s parenting approach is his commitment to supporting each child’s individual interests and career choices, even when they differ from his own path or expectations. This philosophy of empowerment rather than control has allowed each of his children to develop their own sense of identity while maintaining strong family connections.
Creating normal experiences despite their extraordinary circumstances requires intentional effort and creative problem-solving. From family vacations to everyday activities, Snoop has worked to ensure his children experience life with as much normalcy as possible while acknowledging the unique opportunities their situation presents.
Quick Facts
Marriage: Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus have been married for 27 years (since 1997)
Children: Four children total – Cordé (30), Cordell (28), Julian (26), and Cori (25)
Grandchildren: Multiple grandchildren who call him “Papa Snoop”
Core Values: Education, respect, authenticity, hard work, and family loyalty
Recent Milestones: Cori’s recent motherhood journey and continued family business collaborations
The Broadus family story demonstrates that behind every legendary artist lies a network of relationships and values that shape not just their music, but their entire approach to life. And when you explore Snoop Dogg Shop, you’re connecting with the authentic story of a family that has stayed true to their values while navigating one of the most challenging industries in the world.
Fabiola Tanis is the founder and CEO of SnoopDoggShop.com, the premier online destination for authentic Snoop Dogg merchandise, apparel, footwear, wine, and collectibles. With over 12 years of experience in e-commerce and retail brand management, Fabiola has developed the expertise and vision necessary to create a trusted platform for fans seeking genuine products that celebrate Snoop Dogg’s enduring cultural impact.