Snoop Dogg’s Softer Side: Papa Snoop at Home
Snoop Dogg may rule the stage, but at home, he shines as a loving grandfather. Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., the iconic rapper built more than a music empire—he built a family legacy. Married to Shante Broadus since 1997, Snoop is the proud father of four: Corde (30), Cordell (27), Cori (25), and Julian (26), his son from a previous relationship.
Over time, his family grew. Today, Snoop celebrates life as a grandfather, cherishing each grandchild deeply. Yet, behind the joy lies a quiet sorrow—he also honors the memory of a grandchild he tragically lost.
Snoop as a Devoted Dad and Proud Grandfather
In 2007, Snoop opened up about fatherhood while promoting his reality show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood. He aimed to challenge hip-hop stereotypes by showcasing his role as a hands-on dad.
In an interview with People, he 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 own childhood, 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.”
Even with his success, Snoop stayed grounded in his family values. As his children grew, so did his role—he stepped into the world of grandfathering with a warm heart and open arms.
Cordell, Snoop Dogg, Cori, and Corde Broadus on July 16, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
A Candid Look at Fatherhood
By 2015, Snoop rated himself a “7-plus” as a father in an interview with Today. He humbly admitted there was room for growth. “My relationship with my kids means more than anything,” he said. “It’s part friendship, part mentorship.”
That same year, he described his grandparenting style as relaxed and joyful. “I’m a gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa,” he laughed. Holding his first grandchild, he felt pure joy. “I thank my oldest son for making me a grandfather,” he said.
Papa Snoop and His Grandkids
In January 2024, Snoop appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and talked about his growing family. Each grandchild calls him “Papa Snoop,” a nickname his oldest grandson invented as a toddler.
“My grandkids are all different—different ages, sizes—but I love them the same,” he shared. That day, he was heading straight to his grandson’s birthday party after the show.
Rapper Snoop Dogg, Shante, and Corde Calvin Broadus on July 19, 2010, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The Heartbreaking Loss of Baby Kai
Sadly, not every chapter in Snoop’s grandfather journey has been joyful. In September 2019, his grandson Kai Love passed away just 10 days after birth. Snoop responded by sharing a heartfelt message online, expressing his trust in God during dark times.
Fans quickly rallied with 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 family.”
Kai’s parents, Corde Broadus and his wife Soraya Love, were devastated. On what would have been Kai’s fourth birthday, Soraya posted a tribute, revealing the cause of death—a congenital heart defect. She wrote, “I know God used this painful time to guide us into purpose.”
Finding Purpose Through Grief
Soraya channeled her grief into helping others. She launched the Kai Heart Foundation, aiming to support families through love, wellness, and education. “God has guided my steps,” she said. “I’ve found a deeper soul purpose for my kids and community.”
Her mission includes improving heart health, strengthening relationships, and breaking generational patterns. In 2024, she invited other organizations to partner with the foundation and expand their reach.
In a 2022 post, she explained, “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.”
Soraya Love with her kids, as seen in a post dated December 24, 2022 | Source: Instagram/sorayaspanish
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. Snoop proudly announced Zion’s birth with a video captioned, “Proud grandad… Jah bless.” Zion, now 9, remains a shining reminder of family love.
In August 2018, Corde and Soraya welcomed their daughter, Elleven Love Broadus. On Elleven’s fifth birthday, Soraya posted 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.
Legacy of Love
Through both joy and heartbreak, Snoop Dogg’s journey as a grandfather reveals his heart. Each grandchild—whether held in his arms or remembered in spirit—deepens his commitment to family and legacy. As “Papa Snoop,” he continues to cherish, nurture, and lead with love.
