Snoop Dogg may be an icon on stage, but his cherished role as a grandfather reveals his softer side, one defined by joy, loss, and an unwavering love for family.
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., has built a career far beyond music, positioning himself as a dedicated family man. Married to Shante Broadus since 1997, Snoop is a father to four children: Corde, 30; Cordell, 27; Cori, 25; and Julian, 26, from a previous relationship.
Over the years, Snoop’s family has grown, and he is now a proud grandfather, with each grandchild holding a unique place in his life. He remains especially devoted to honoring the memory of one grandchild who passed away.
Snoop Dogg as a Family Man & a Grandfather
In 2007, Snoop shared insights into his family values while promoting his reality show, “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood,” aiming to highlight the often-unseen side of hip-hop artists as family men.
Speaking to “People,” Snoop emphasized, “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.”
Reflecting on his journey as a father, he added, “Ninety percent of rappers grew up without fathers, but you see ninety percent of those rappers becoming fathers to their kids. We don’t ever get commended for that. We become real men when we get to this level we’re at right now.”
The coach for Season 26 of “The Voice” has continued to be actively involved with his family as it has grown. In a 2015 interview with “Today,” he expressed humility about his parenting, rating himself as “about a 7-plus” as a father, with areas he wanted to improve.
“My relationship with my kids is more important than anything. It’s a friendship relationship … it’s based on me being a father, a mentor and a friend,” he said.
When asked about his role as a grandfather, Snoop indicated he planned to take a lenient approach, describing himself as a “gullible, get-away-with-everything kind of grandpa.”
While talking about his first experience with grandparenting, he shared, “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.”
The “Boss’ Life” rapper’s extended family remains central to his life. In January 2024, he spoke about his grandkids on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” explaining how each grandchild calls him “Papa Snoop,” a name that originated from a nickname his eldest grandson gave him as a young child.
Snoop said, “[My grandkids are] different ages, ranges, [and] sizes and I love them all the same way. Actually, my oldest [grandson’s] birthday is today so I’m on my way to his birthday party when I leave here.”
He recalled how his oldest grandchild initially called him “Papa Noop” due to difficulty pronouncing “Snoop” before eventually learning to say his name correctly. Following the expansion of Snoop’s family, he experienced the tragic loss of one grandchild, a loss that left an indelible mark on him and his family.
How Did Snoop Dogg’s Little Grandson Pass Away?
In September 2019, Snoop’s grandson, Kai Love, passed away at just 10 days old. Snoop shared a heartfelt message on social media, reposting a text focused on trusting God in difficult times.
The post, which included a virtual heart reaction reflecting Snoop’s enduring faith amid his family’s deep sorrow, received an outpouring of support, with netizens leaving empathetic comments.
One user wrote, “Soooo sorry for the loss of your grandbaby… Children are such a precious gift from God, but sometimes he takes them back… sweet precious little Kai RIP… God bless and comfort all who love him…❤️🙏🏻” Another added, “Sorry for your [loss.] God Bless🙏🏽🙏🏽.” A third user expressed, “Prayers for you and family.”
Kai’s parents, Snoop’s son Corde Broadus, and his wife, Soraya Love, were heartbroken by the loss of their son. On what would have been Kai’s fourth birthday, Soraya shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing the depth of her grief and newfound purpose.
“Happy heavenly birthday to my 1st son Kai Love who passed away 9-15-2019,” she wrote, continuing to explain the pain of losing a child due to a congenital heart defect. Soraya added, “…I know God used this painful time in our families life, knowing I will use that to help those in need of that knowledge of GOD and SELF [sic].”
Soraya’s post also described how her son’s passing motivated her to lead a purposeful life dedicated to wellness, spirituality, and community support.
She explained, “The pain of losing a child you created in YOUR body is very traumatic feeling that never goes away…since that moment God has guided my steps and shown me a deeper soul purpose for my kids and those around me.”
She added, “To get close to God, improve your heart health through lifestyle choices, relationship standards, family dynamic, generational curse breaking; food choices, self-love, serving those in need of help mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally [sic].”
Kai’s legacy inspired Corde and Soraya to establish the “Kai Heart Foundation,” an organization focused on spreading love and healing through community support.
Soraya shared in a March 2024 post, “we would love to partner with any Organizations that help heal -educate -assist humans with LOVE 🙏🏽this is our soul purpose and want to keep giving back to community in any way we can ♥️[sic].”
In another post from December 2022, Soraya elaborated on the foundation’s mission, explaining, “Started Kai Heart Foundation in 2019 after my son Kai passed away at 10 days from heart defect…He inspired me to help other mothers, men, women; children in the world through acts of LOVE + healthy lifestyle [sic].”
She expressed gratitude for the guidance she felt from Kai and her faith and invited support from the community. “Today was magical love you all and if you want to donate for next event let me know 🙏🏽💜☀️ [sic].”
Following the immense joy and heartache surrounding the loss of baby Kai, Snoop has continued to cherish his growing family, each grandchild bringing unique joy and purpose into his life.
Zion Kalvin Broadus
Snoop first stepped into the role of grandfather with the arrival of his grandson, Zion Kalvin Broadus, in January 2015. Zion was born to Snoop’s son Corde Broadus, who also goes by Kalvin Love, with his then-girlfriend Jessica Kyzer.
Proudly sharing the news, Snoop posted a video with the caption, “Proud grandad. My son spank n grandson Zion !!🍼🙏🌟✨Jah bless.” Zion, now 9 years old, has since been a constant reminder of the family’s growth and Snoop’s commitment to his role as “Papa Snoop.”
Elleven Love Broadus
In August 2018, Snoop’s family expanded further with the birth of Elleven Love Broadus, the daughter of Corde and his wife Soraya Love.
Soraya celebrated Elleven’s fifth birthday in 2023 with a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “HAPPY 5th BORN DAY TO MY 1st BORN E11EVEN🤩☺️😍this old soul/young Queen taught me how to be a mom when I didn’t even know how to change a diaper [sic].”
Soraya reflected on how Elleven brought healing and love to her life, describing her as a “Leo strength, nurturing Mama Mina spirit.” Elleven’s arrival marked a new chapter for Snoop’s family, with her presence adding to the family’s legacy.
Cordoba Journey Broadus
Cordoba Journey Broadus was born in March 2019 to Snoop’s son Cordell Broadus and his wife Phia. Now 5, Cordoba has had her special public moments with Snoop, including an appearance at a Chanel fashion show in May 2023, where she accompanied her grandfather, highlighting the close-knit relationship she shares with him.
At the event, Cordoba donned a sleek black leather jacket and a white top featuring Chanel’s iconic logo, paired with pearl necklaces and white sunglasses, showcasing her budding fashion sense alongside her stylish granddad.
Sky Love Broadus
In February 2021, Snoop’s family grew again with the birth of Sky Love Broadus to Corde and Soraya. Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus, affectionately known as “Mama Tae” to her grandchildren, posted a video of the newborn with the caption, “I’m So Happy My 5th GrandBaby Boy Was Born Today 💙💙 [sic].”
Sky’s arrival brought further happiness, and Soraya later reflected on the impact Sky had on her, describing how he turned her “into a warrior in all aspects of life.”
Chateau Broadus
A month later, in March 2021, Chateau Broadus was born to Cordell and Phia. Like Sky, her arrival was celebrated by Shante, who posted, “I Was Down Earlier But She Just Took All Of That Away 😍😍 My 6th GrandBaby Girl #ChateauBroaudus 😍😍 [sic].” Chateau’s birth brought joy and light to the family, marking another cherished addition to Snoop’s legacy.
Symphony Sol
In May 2023, Snoop welcomed his youngest grandchild, Symphony Sol, whom he introduced on Instagram with the caption, “Newborn member of the Broadus clan @cbroadus 👏🏿🐾🔥💖 Symphony Sol😘.”
Shante, as proud as ever, posted her own tribute. “Alexa Play “Baby, Baby, Baby” By TLC This Mother’s Day We Recieved The Best Gift! 👶🏽 Mama Tae In Full Effect. New Baby! New Blessings [sic]!”
Cordell and Phia had previously announced Symphony’s upcoming arrival with a family photo shoot in December 2022.
Through every joy and sorrow, Snoop Dogg’s commitment to his family shines through. Each grandchild represents not just a new member of the Broadus family but also a legacy of love, resilience, and unity.
From his children to his growing number of grandchildren, Snoop’s dedication to family remains unwavering, grounding him and keeping him connected to his roots as “Papa Snoop.”
