Chances are you have heard of Snoop Dogg at some point over the last few decades. The famous rapper, recent Olympic commentator, and current coach on NBC’s The Voice is known for his musical talent and creative flare. His career, which began in the early 1990s with the release of his debut album has seen him evolve from a rising star in the hip-hop scene to a multi-talented entertainer with a global fan base.
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known as Snoop Dogg, was born in Long Beach, California, in 1971. However, his family’s roots run deep in Mississippi. His father, Vernell Vernado, hails from Magnolia, MS, and his mother, Beverly Tate, was born in McComb.
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Snoop Dogg’s father, Vernell Varnado, A.K.A. “Papa Snoop,” is a Vietnam war veteran who worked as a postal carrier for 25 years before relocating from Detroit in the 1980s to chart a brief career in gospel music. A musician just like his son, Vernado even made a brief cameo on Snoop’s debut studio album.
Snoop Dogg’s mother, the late Beverly Tate, was a beloved figure in his life. She served as a church choir director for several decades before becoming an ordained evangelist. Her influence on Snoop’s life and career is immeasurable. Tate was also a talented writer, penning two books under the name Beverly Broadus Green—Real Love and Real Love II: The Story of an Extraordinary Woman. Tate passed away in October 2021 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.
Snoop Dogg’s parents’ combined influence on his life and career is immeasurable.
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Fans can thank Beverly Tate, Snoop Dogg’s late mother, for his beloved stage name, which transformed him from Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. to the D-O-double-G. His childhood nickname ‘Snoopy’—inspired by his love for the Peanuts character—later became ‘Snoop Doggy Dogg’ as the rapper’s career began to take off. This transformation of his name not only reflected his playful and laid-back personality but also marked a significant shift in his personal identity, symbolizing his rise to fame and influence in the music industry.
According to Snoop in several interviews, that’s the only name his mother ever called him, Snoopy. So that became his name amongst his friends, at school, and even when he attended church.
In years past, Snoop Dogg visited friends and family in southwest Mississippi and delighted crowds by performing at Hal & Mal’s in Jackson.
Archie Manning and his sons consider Snoop a friend. Manning met Snoop years ago when both participated in a celebrity flag football game at the Super Bowl. Snoop appeared on Manning’s ESPN Monday Night Football broadcast and even did a commercial with Eli Manning. Their friendship goes beyond these public appearances. Snoop often jokingly refers to Manning as “Daddy Dog,” affectionately joking that he wants to be Manning’s fourth son and showing his admiration and respect for the football legend.
Snoop Dogg may have been born in California, but he was raised by two Mississippians who helped foster and support his artistic ambitions.
