Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is more than just a celebrated figure in the world of music. His life and career also reflect his deep commitment to his family. Together with his wife, Shante Broadus, whom he has been married to since 1997, Snoop has raised four children: Corde (30), Cordell (27), Cori (25), and Julian (26) from a previous relationship.
As his family continues to grow, Snoop has also embraced his role as a grandfather. While every grandchild holds a special place in his heart, there is one grandchild in particular whose memory Snoop holds close. This loss has shaped not only his perspective on family but also how he views his own purpose in life.
A Peek into Snoop’s Family-Oriented Life
In 2007, Snoop Dogg opened up his life to the public with the reality TV show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood. The series showcased the hip-hop star’s role as a father, a side of his life that many didn’t get to see. Through the show, Snoop presented a new image of rappers—depicting them as loving, involved fathers. In several interviews, he reflected on the value of family and the joy he found in sharing his music with his children. Despite his fame, Snoop sees fatherhood as his most important role.
“I got kids, and I always play my music for them. I like to hear what they like. They think I’m old, but I think I’m young,” Snoop said, illustrating his willingness to connect with his children on their terms. He believes the journey to fatherhood is significant, especially for those like him, who grew up without fathers. Snoop has always been passionate about breaking the cycle and stepping up for his own children.
Snoop’s Grandfather Role: More Indulgent, More Loving
As Snoop transitioned into grandfatherhood, he took on a more indulgent and playful approach. He has humorously described himself as the “gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa.” Being a grandparent brought him immense joy, and he fondly recalls the first time he held his grandchild. “It’s just a spark of joy just to look in his eyes and to be able to hold him. I thank my oldest son for making me a grandfather,” Snoop shared.
Snoop has found a special bond with his grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Papa Snoop,” a nickname that came from a young child’s mispronunciation. This simple yet endearing moment exemplifies the warmth he shares with his family. In a recent interview, Snoop spoke about the unique relationship he holds with each of his grandchildren, regardless of their age or personality.
The Heartbreaking Loss of His Grandson, Kai Love
Despite the joy his family has brought him, Snoop also experienced profound sorrow with the loss of his grandson, Kai Love, in September 2019. Kai passed away at just 10 days old due to a congenital heart defect. Snoop shared the grief he felt through a heartfelt social media post, expressing his faith during such a difficult time. His words touched many, as condolences poured in from fans and supporters all over the world.
Kai’s parents, Corde Broadus and Soraya Love, were devastated by the loss of their son. Soraya, on what would have been Kai’s fourth birthday, wrote a moving tribute on Instagram, expressing the depth of her grief and how the experience shaped her purpose in life. Soraya also reflected on the challenge of losing a child to such a tragic condition and how it impacted her spiritual journey, leading her toward a new path of helping others.
Honoring Kai’s Legacy Through the Kai Heart Foundation
In the wake of their heart-wrenching loss, Corde and Soraya established the Kai Heart Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting heart health and supporting families who experience similar grief. Soraya described how the foundation was born from her pain but also as a way to turn that sorrow into something meaningful for others. The foundation provides help to families and encourages healthy lifestyles, as well as spiritual growth.
“The pain of losing a child you created in YOUR body is a very traumatic feeling that never goes away,” Soraya wrote. Her journey, fueled by the memory of her son, Kai, drives her to continue helping others. Through the Kai Heart Foundation, the legacy of Kai Love lives on, ensuring that his story brings healing and support to those in need.
This initiative not only honors Kai’s short life but also extends a message of hope, compassion, and positive change. The foundation’s mission reminds us that even in the face of profound grief, we can find a way to make a difference in the lives of others.
