Snoop Dogg Shares the Five People Who Shaped His Life — and the One Who “Saved My Soul Without Even Trying”

Few artists have traveled a road as unpredictable and transformative as Snoop Dogg. From his early days on the streets of Long Beach to becoming one of music’s most enduring cultural icons, his story has been one of reinvention, resilience, and surprising wisdom. In a rare, deeply personal reflection, Snoop opened up about the five people who changed his life — and the one friend he says “saved my soul without even trying.”

1. Dr. Dre — The Mentor Who Gave Him a Microphone

When Dr. Dre discovered Snoop in the early 1990s, he didn’t just sign a new artist — he changed the sound of West Coast hip-hop. Dre’s work on Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang introduced Snoop’s unmistakable voice to the world and launched a career that would influence generations.

“Dre believed in me before the world did,” Snoop said. “He taught me discipline, patience, and most of all, how to dream bigger than the block I came from.”

2. Tupac Shakur — The Brother Who Made Him Brave

Snoop often calls Tupac his “spiritual twin.” Their collaboration on 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted was iconic, but their friendship went far beyond music.

“Pac made me fearless,” Snoop recalled. “He had this fire that couldn’t be contained. He told me, ‘If you’re gonna stand for something, stand loud.’ That changed me.”

Even now, Snoop says Tupac’s voice pushes him to speak his truth. “Every time I’m about to play it safe, I hear Pac in my head saying, ‘Nah, nephew — say what needs saying.’”

3. His Mother, Beverly Tate — The Woman Who Gave Him Grace

Before the fame, there was Mama Beverly — Snoop’s moral compass and spiritual foundation. When she passed away in 2021, he described it as losing his “greatest teacher.”

“She gave me love when I didn’t deserve it,” he said. “Every time I fell, she told me to get back up and walk with God.”

Her lessons in forgiveness and humility helped transform Snoop from rap’s “bad boy” into the thoughtful cultural figure he is today.

4. Martha Stewart — The Friend Who Taught Him Lightness

An unlikely pairing became an enduring friendship when Snoop teamed up with Martha Stewart on television. Their bond showed the power of joy and unexpected connection.

“Martha taught me you can be classy and crazy at the same time,” Snoop laughed. “She showed me that joy is powerful. You can hustle hard, but don’t forget to laugh hard too.”

5. Shante Broadus — The Anchor Who Stayed Through Every Storm

Snoop’s wife and high school sweetheart, Shante Broadus, has been by his side through decades of fame and challenges.

“She saw me before the world did,” he said. “And she stayed when the world tried to pull me apart.”

Their enduring love has been his grounding force. “Every time I got lost, she was my GPS back to myself,” he shared.

The One Who “Saved My Soul Without Even Trying” — Nate Dogg

Finally, with quiet emotion, Snoop spoke about his late friend and collaborator Nate Dogg — the man he says changed him most.

“When Nate passed, I realized how short this ride really is,” Snoop said softly. “He saved my soul without even trying — just by being real. No fake, no front, no ego. He was peace in a world that needed it.”

Their partnership created era-defining hits like The Next Episode, but Nate’s influence went far beyond the studio.

“He taught me that you don’t need to scream to be strong,” Snoop reflected. “Just sing your truth — and let that be your prayer.”

A Journey Shaped by Love, Loss, and Loyalty

Snoop Dogg stands today not just as a legendary rapper but as a man molded by the people who believed in him and stood beside him.

“I wouldn’t be here without the people who saw something in me — the mentors, the homies, the women, the angels,” he said. “They didn’t just change my life — they gave it meaning.”

And in one final, profound truth, Snoop summed up decades of lessons and love:

“Even the coolest cat needs saving sometimes, too.”

For an artist who has constantly evolved while staying true to himself, those words reveal the heart behind the legend — a reminder that strength often grows from the people who lift us when we need it most.