Henry, N. (1997). "A discussion of Snoop Doggy Dogg." S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.

OVERVIEW

A 16-year-old New Mexico boy and two of his friends were being held after confessing to the stabbing deaths of the boy’s 80-year-old grandparents in a dispute over beer.
— Feb. 5, 1994, Reuters North American Wire

What would motivate teenagers living in an Albuquerque suburb to commit such an hideous crime? Unfortunately, the answer may be as disturbing as the crime—these boys committed murder after drinking beer and listening to Snoop Doggy Dogg music. Snoop Doggy Dogg’s most popular songs, "Murder Was the Case" and "Serial Killa," were cited as the songs the youth listened to repeatedly, "working themselves into such a frenzy they began stabbing their beds." All three were charged with two counts of murder.

Snoop Doggy Dogg’s music is classified as "gangsta" music. The lyrics and the bass beat express the violence experienced on the streets of predominately poor urban communities. While this music is mostly performed by black artists, the producers are predominately white and the records are bought in enormous numbers by suburban youth. Although Snoop’s sound is popular because of its beat and rhythm, it is often offensive. A Time reporter describes Snoop’s lyrics as, "...unnecessarily graphic; at some points they’re downright obscene. Snoop unabashedly expresses his adolescent urges, talking freely of having casual sex, smoking pot and even gunning down enemies." Snoop, like other artists, may use music to communicate the experience of the environment or to promote it.

Snoop Doggy Dogg, born Calvin Broadus, sold 800,000 copies of his debut album in its first week. Since the November 23, 1993 release of this musical phenomenon, Snoop has climbed to the top of the charts. One year later, "Murder Was the Case" held a position at the top of the charts. By age 24, Snoop finds fame in more than the musical arena. Prior to the release of "Doggystyle," Snoop was arrested for the murder of Phillip Woldemariam. David Kenner, Snoop’s lawyer, claims that the shooting was in self-defense and that Woldemariam, a member of a Los Angeles gang, had repeatedly threatened Snoop’s life. In addition, although Snoop was in the car, his bodyguards allegedly fired the fatal shots. Even without this accusation, Broadus had a criminal record. He served time in jail in his late teens for possession of cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Snoop was out on bail on a concealed weapon charge. As of April 17, 1995, Kenner was seeking dismissal charges for his client; the Los Angeles police accidentally destroyed some evidence in the murder case.

His performing years have early roots in the church. Snoop Doggy Dogg grew up in Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir. Snoop describes both his mother and grandmother as very religious. Raised fatherless, Snoop is grateful that his mother was a strong disciplinarian. He feels that if more mothers were like his, there would be less violence in the world.

A native of Long Beach, California, Snoop is no stranger to violence and gangs. He has both implied and denied his involvements with Los Angeles gangs, particularly the Crips. However, this ambiguity is not reflected in the lyrics of his music, for it is both violent and graphic. Erica Brown, 16, a student at Snoop’s high school alma mater, has this to say about "The Dogg": "He’s not trying to be what he ain’t. If he said he wasn’t a gangster, he’d be lying." She appreciates his music and his honest expression of life. He represents someone from the "hood" who has made it and has not forgotten his roots.

While also degrading women, the lyrics of Snoop’s songs often glorify the life of a "gangbanger." In "Murder was the Case," Snoop is gravely wounded by a gun shot. His fear is relieved when he hears a supernatural voice offering to change his life. Snoop is concerned about what he will have to give up in exchange, but the voice promises to make his life, "better than you could imagine or even dream of." Snoop concedes and is given a second chance at life. However, before long, Snoop returns to his old ways and ends up in jail. His song includes spiritual overtones, yet he is not concerned with his final fate. His song speaks to real life—his life.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Consider the quote by the Time reporter. What does Snoop communicate about or to youth culture?
2. What values does Snoop Doggy Dogg’s music glorify?
3. What are the messages his music and life convey?
4. Is it acceptable for young people to listen to gangsta rap? Why or why not?
5. Will Snoop Doggy Dogg’s music take him out of the ghetto? If it does, where will it take him? What are the risks and opportunities for him?

IMPLICATIONS

Snoop has financially capitalized on the violence of the ghetto culture. His music not only speaks of personal experiences, but may serve as a vehicle to produce additional violence. The potential effects of his music cannot be ignored. Snoop told reporters that he considers himself a role model, but " ‘a kid gotta be a kid on his own. I can’t make the mother—go kill nobody. I can’t make him stop killin’ nobody.’ " Snoop believes that he has something to offer the world through his music; young people buy it, but what have they really bought?

Nicque Henry cCYS