Snoop Dogg’s Softer Side: Papa Snoop’s Heartfelt Journey at Home
While Snoop Dogg commands the stage with legendary flair, it’s at home where his true crown shines—as a devoted grandfather and family man. Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., this iconic rapper didn’t just build a music empire; he’s built a lasting family legacy. Married to Shante Broadus since 1997, Snoop is the proud father of four children: Corde (30), Cordell (27), Cori (25), and Julian (26), his son from a previous relationship.
Over the years, his family blossomed, and today, Snoop celebrates the joy of grandfatherhood, treasuring each grandchild with deep affection. Yet behind these joyful moments lies a tender sorrow, as he also honors the memory of a grandchild he tragically lost.
From Hands-On Dad to Proud Grandfather
Back in 2007, Snoop peeled back the curtain on fatherhood during the launch of his reality show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood. With a mission to shatter hip-hop stereotypes, he proudly showcased his role as a hands-on, loving dad.
In a heartfelt interview with People, Snoop shared, “I got kids, and I always play my music for them. They think I’m old, but I think I’m young.” Reflecting on his upbringing, he added, “Ninety percent of rappers grew up without fathers… but you see us becoming dads. We become real men when we reach this level.”
Despite his worldwide success, Snoop remained deeply grounded in family values. As his children grew up, so did his role—embracing grandfatherhood with open arms and a full heart.
A Candid Look at Fatherhood and Grandfatherhood
By 2015, Snoop gave himself an honest “7-plus” rating as a dad during an interview with Today, acknowledging there was always room to grow. “My relationship with my kids means more than anything,” he said. “It’s part friendship, part mentorship.”
That same year, Snoop revealed his grandparenting style: easygoing, fun, and full of laughter. “I’m a gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa,” he joked. Cradling his first grandchild, he felt a rush of pure joy. “I thank my oldest son for making me a grandfather,” he said warmly.
Papa Snoop and the Grandkids
In January 2024, Snoop appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to share more about his expanding family. Each grandchild affectionately calls him “Papa Snoop,” a sweet nickname his oldest grandson coined as a toddler.
“My grandkids are all different—different ages, different sizes—but I love them all the same,” he said with a smile. That very day, he was on his way to celebrate his grandson’s birthday, proof that family moments remain a top priority for Papa Snoop.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Baby Kai
Not every chapter in Snoop Dogg’s journey as a grandfather has been filled with joy. In September 2019, his grandson Kai Love passed away just 10 days after birth. In the wake of this profound loss, Snoop shared a deeply heartfelt message online, expressing his faith and trust in God during such a dark and painful time.
Fans quickly poured out their support. One wrote, “Soooo sorry for the loss of your grandbaby… Children are such a precious gift from God.” Another offered, “Prayers for you and your family.”
Kai’s parents, Corde Broadus and his wife Soraya Love, were devastated by the tragedy. On what would have been Kai’s fourth birthday, Soraya posted a touching tribute, revealing that Kai had died due to a congenital heart defect. She wrote, “I know God used this painful time to guide us into purpose.”
Finding Purpose Through Grief
From her grief, Soraya found a powerful mission to help others. She founded the Kai Heart Foundation, dedicated to supporting families with love, wellness, and education. “God has guided my steps,” she shared. “I’ve found a deeper soul purpose for my kids and our community.”
Her foundation focuses on improving heart health, strengthening family bonds, and breaking harmful generational cycles. In 2024, Soraya invited other organizations to join the cause and help expand the foundation’s impact.
In a 2022 post, she reflected, “We started the Kai Heart Foundation after Kai passed. He inspired me to help mothers, fathers, and children through acts of love and healthy living.”
Celebrating Life: Zion and Elleven
Snoop’s first grandchild, Zion Kalvin Broadus, was born in January 2015 to Corde and his then-girlfriend Jessica Kyzer. Proud Grandpa Snoop announced Zion’s arrival with a joyful video captioned, “Proud grandad… Jah bless.” Now 9 years old, Zion shines as a living symbol of family love and connection.
In August 2018, Corde and Soraya welcomed their daughter, Elleven Love Broadus. On Elleven’s fifth birthday, Soraya shared a heartfelt tribute: “This old soul/young Queen taught me how to be a mom when I didn’t even know how to change a diaper,” she wrote with love and gratitude.
A Legacy of Love
Through every joy and heartache, Snoop Dogg’s journey as a grandfather reveals the depth of his heart. Each grandchild—whether cradled in his arms or held forever in his spirit—strengthens his commitment to family and legacy. As “Papa Snoop,” he continues to cherish, nurture, and lead with unwavering love.