Profile in Courage: Snoop Dogg

Over the past 30 years, pop culture icons have come and gone. But, one fixture on MTV screens, Comedy Central roasts, and yes even cooking shows, has been Calvin Broadus Jr. (aka Snoop Dogg). The famed rapper got a rocky start in life by racking up criminal convictions and being accused of taking part in the gang violence that gripped America in the late 1980s and early 1990s. But, Broadus didn’t let his troubled past deter him from artistic breakthroughs and commercial success. Now, 28 years after his first studio album, Snoop Dogg remains beloved by his millions of fans and continues to strive to make the world a better place. Many may not be aware of his work outside of music, but his efforts in criminal justice reform initiatives have led to a renewed focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment, prompting policymakers to think critically about the failed status-quo. For inspiring generations of fans, and now making a difference in countless lives with criminal justice reform, Snoop Dogg is a Profile in Courage.

From an early age, it was clear that Snoop Dogg was a skilled rapper. According to Broadus, “When I rapped in the hallways at school I would draw such a big crowd that the principal would think there was a fight going on. It made me begin to realize that I had a gift. I could tell that my raps interested people and that made me interested in myself.” Unfortunately, though, the young musician had a difficult time staying on the right side of the law. At the age of 19, Snoop Dogg was convicted for drug possession. This would be one of many subsequent arrests, and this is when Broadus became well acquainted with the criminal justice system. In 1993, Broadus was arrested on the suspicion that he participated in a gangland shooting, though Broadus was later cleared of wrongdoing.

Despite this legal tumult, Snoop Dogg managed to make a name for himself in the music world. His collaboration with Dr. Dre in the early 1990s catapulted the young rapper to fame and was critical to the success of his first studio album Doggystyle (released in 1993). The album sold more than 800,000 copies the first week and was hailed by music critics as one of the most memorable and significant albums of the 1990s. Following the release of Doggystyle, hit songs such as “Gin and Juice” and “What’s My Name?” further cemented the Snoop Dogg’s image as a cutting-edge rapper. Even headed into the new millennium, songs such as “Drop It Like It’s Hot” proved that Broadus had staying power as a leading musician and artistic visionary.

Once artists make their first (hundred) million dollars, it’s commonplace for them to lower their profile and retreat to some of their many homes. But Snoop Dogg has maintained a constant public persona, debuting countless product lines from chic clothing to…edibles. In addition, Broadus’ long-held fascination with marijuana coupled with his numerous arrests has led to the artist getting involved in criminal justice reform. Broadus hasn’t been afraid to embrace reform efforts even when clemencies and policy changes are initiated by politicians he doesn’t much care for. Snoop Dogg’s latest partnership with billionaire businessman (and boogeyman of the left) Charles Koch speaks to his commitment to changing the criminal justice system for the better.

It was announced earlier this month that Koch, Snoop Dogg, and criminal justice reform crusader Weldon Angelos formed a new coalition dedicated to the rolling back of draconian drug prohibition policies. The famed rapper could have “played it safe” by only working with other celebrities and left-of-center politicians on the issue. But Snoop Dogg and Angelos rightly believe that reform can only become a reality with support from multiple political parties.

By forming this unlikely alliance to address criminal justice reform, there is an opportunity for taxpayers to save money. But, more importantly, criminal justice reform will help people by breaking the status quo of over incarceration.

It’ll be a long struggle for change, but Snoop Dogg and likeminded crusaders will not give up until the law becomes more just. And for fighting the good fight even when the going gets tough, Snoop Dogg is the OG of criminal justice reform and absolutely a Profile in Courage.