Bow wow wow yippy yo yippy yay, a Snoop Dogg biopic is in the house! Universal Pictures is getting its paws on the rights to develop a film based on the life and times of the legendary rapper as a part of the first project from Snoop’s new Death Row Pictures studio. Allen Hughes (Menace II Society, The Book of Eli, Dead Presidents) will direct from a script by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever writer Joe Robert Cole. The Doggfather himself will produce alongside Hughes and Sara Ramaker.
“I waited a long time to put this project together because I wanted to choose the right director, the perfect writer, and the greatest movie company I could partner with that could understand the legacy that I’m trying to portray on screen, and the memory I’m trying to leave behind,” said Snoop. “It was the perfect marriage. It was holy matrimony, not holy macaroni.”
Powered by the sound of Snoop’s iconic musical catalog, the Snoop Dogg biopic is one of several films in development at Universal focusing on enigmatic pop culture musicians, including projects about Madonna and Cher.
“Snoop Dogg’s life and legacy make him one of the most exciting and influential icons in popular culture,” said Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley. “We met with Snoop shortly after he acquired Death Row Records and had the opportunity to hear his story in his own words. We are humbled to be able to create the lasting document of this singular artist.”
Snoop Dogg is a man who wears many hats. He’s a rapper, actor, songwriter, record producer, DJ, media personality, business mogul, youth football coach, and Martha Stewart’s bestie, and he never met a marijuana plant he didn’t like. He’s been a powerful player in entertainment for nearly three decades, with artists crediting him as a titan among creative geniuses.
“Snoop Dogg is one of the most internationally beloved figures in hip-hop. There’s just something about his energy that brings people of all walks of life together. Snoop Dogg, not just the artist, but the man and his brand, has transcended generations with his connection and appeal to audiences. His story is so authentic and utterly inspiring, and to have the opportunity to tell his story allows me to go back to the hood 30 years after Menace II Society, and say more now than I could then,” said Hughes.
Who else is excited about Hughes’ Snoop Dogg biopic? I was there when Snoop Dogg came onto the scene with his debut album Doggystyle. The album was a revelation and marked the start of Snoop’s prolific career. I urge you to go if you ever have the chance to see him perform live. I’ve seen him twice, and both performances were a blast!