For nearly thirty years, Snoop Dogg and his high school sweetheart have nurtured a family with deep roots. Despite welcoming a child with another woman early in their marriage, their bond has endured through various challenges.
Snoop Dogg’s influence in music is legendary, but the commitment he’s shown to his family is equally compelling. Since the early days, he’s had his wife, Shante Broadus, by his side. Their story began back in high school, long before fame entered the picture.
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus watch the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Miami Heat on December 25, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
The couple’s early connection blossomed into a lifelong commitment. Over the years, they’ve navigated the challenges of fame and family. Despite the pressures that came their way, they built a unique family and held onto their bond through thick and thin.
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus on their wedding on June 14, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
From High School Romance to a Lasting Partnership
Snoop Dogg and Shante have shared a remarkable journey since their high school days in Long Beach, California. The two met as teenagers at Long Beach Polytechnic High School in the 1980s, and their friendship quickly grew into a lasting romance.
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus pictured at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on January 7, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
By 1997, they were ready to take the next step and married, as Snoop’s career soared to new heights. Reflecting on their bond, Snoop has often described Shante as his anchor through the challenges of his career.
Shante Broadus and Snoop Dogg attend the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
“She understands me,” he said, calling her “a great mother, a tremendous grandmother, an excellent wife, and a great friend.” Shante’s role in their relationship has been essential, helping him navigate both the demands of his career and their family’s evolving dynamics.
Weathering Challenges and Renewing Their Commitment
Despite their strong bond, Snoop and Shante faced a rough patch in their marriage that led to a brief separation in 2004. However, their time apart ultimately brought clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus attend BET’s Rip the Runway 2008 on February 21, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
In January 2008, they reaffirmed their commitment to each other by renewing their vows, an event documented in Snoop’s reality show, “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood.” Reflecting on his early struggles, Snoop shared, “In relationships like this, it’s a rocky road in the beginning because success is new to both.”
Shante Broadus and Snoop Dogg attend the “BMF” premiere on September 23, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The rapper admitted that early on, he tried to protect Shante by keeping certain aspects of his life separate, only later realizing that her support could have been an asset. Their renewed commitment marked a turning point, strengthening their relationship as they continued to build their family together.
Shante Broadus and Snoop Dogg at the premiere of “Dear Mama” on April 18, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
A Dedicated Father with a Unique Approach
Fatherhood has been one of Snoop’s most cherished roles, and he approaches it with a balance of mentorship and friendship. With four children—three with Shante and one from a previous relationship—Snoop has built strong connections with each of them.
When asked to rate himself as a dad, he gave himself a “7-plus,” acknowledging that there’s always room for growth. “My relationship with my kids is more important than anything,” he shared, emphasizing the foundation of friendship he’s established with them.
This approach to parenting has fostered closeness, allowing each of his children to flourish in their own pursuits. From his eldest son’s career in music to his youngest daughter’s ventures, Snoop has encouraged his kids to pursue their passions.
Corde Broadus: The Eldest and Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Snoop’s first son, Corde Broadus, was born in August 1994, around three years before Snoop and Shante married. Corde has embraced a career path much like his father’s, pursuing music and performing under the stage name Kalvin Love.
Corde Broadus at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on September 12, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
As Snoop’s eldest child, Corde has also been the first to make him a grandfather. He welcomed his son, Zion, with then-girlfriend Jessica Kyzer in 2012, marking a new generation in the Broadus family.
Corde Broadus attends the “Mac & Devin Go to High School” Blu-ray & DVD release party on June 11, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Corde and his longtime partner Soraya Love have also welcomed two other children: son Leo and daughter Elleven Love. Tragically, the couple experienced the loss of their son Kai in 2019, just ten days after his birth.
Corde Broadus seen at SoFi Stadium on July 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Cordell Broadus: From the Football Field to the Creative World
Corde’s younger brother, Cordell Broadus, was born on February 21, 1997. Initially, Cordell followed a different path from his father, building a promising football career. He played for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) team but made headlines in 2015 when he decided to step away from football to pursue his creative passions.
At the time, UCLA Coach Jim Mora noted that Cordell’s decision stemmed from his interest in film, especially through his company, Film School Productions. Since leaving football, Cordell has explored film, music, and entrepreneurship.
He launched his own record label, Real Queen Sound, and collaborated with his father on his first single, “Bron and Bronny.” Cordell’s career has continued to evolve, with roles that include co-founding and partnering in ventures like Dr. Bombay/Bosslady Foods and SHARESTIX.
His LinkedIn profile lists him as the head of innovation at Death Row Records, a position he’s held for almost three years. Much like his father, Cordell is forging his path in the entertainment and business industries, blending creativity and entrepreneurship.
Cori Broadus: A Journey Through Health Challenges and Self-Expression
Born on June 22, 1999, Cori Broadus is Snoop’s only daughter. From a young age, Cori faced significant health struggles, being diagnosed with lupus at just six years old. This diagnosis led to ongoing health complications and affected her mental well-being.
Cori has been open about the impact of her illness, sharing in a 2021 video that her condition and the resulting treatments caused weight gain, which led to bullying and a sense of isolation. Growing up, Cori struggled with self-image, especially as the only dark-skinned sibling in her family, which made her feel different.
She recounted in an interview that she “didn’t grow up with a lot of confidence” due to bullying. She shared that by age thirteen, she was battling depression and even contemplating suicide. Now, as an adult, she has channeled her experiences into music, performing under the moniker Choc, a nickname her father gave her as a child.
In addition to her music, Cori has embraced her entrepreneurial side, launching her beauty line, Choc Factory, which features products like lip gloss and body oils. Describing her business, she explained that her products are “filled with love and a touch of sweetness,” mirroring the name her father affectionately called her.
Julian Broadus: Embracing Creativity Outside the Spotlight
Snoop’s son Julian Broadus was born on June 18, 1998, from a relationship with Laurie Helmond, occurring shortly after Snoop and Shante were married. Unlike his siblings, Julian was raised largely outside of the public eye.
Julian has forged a path that reflects his interests in technology and creative direction. Currently, he serves as the creative director at wam.app and is the executive director of promotions for Voxel X Network, a company involved in the NFT and gaming space.
Julian often shares candid glimpses into his family relationships. “I don’t see eye to eye with either of my parents all the time but no matter what I got endless love for them,” he wrote. Though his life diverged from the music-centered path of his father and siblings, Julian’s career highlights his innovative spirit.
Snoop Dogg with his wife, two of his sons, and a friend at the premiere of “Dear Mama” held on April 18, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Through life’s challenges, Snoop and Shante nurtured a bond that has guided them and their children forward. Snoop’s commitment to family shows a side of him that goes beyond fame—one focused on loyalty, growth, and a journey that continues to evolve.
