Why Do People Hate Snoop Dogg?
Snoop Dogg is considered a rap legend by many, but he also has his fair share of haters. Some criticize his music and lyrical content, while others take issue with his career choices and public persona. Despite his popularity and fame, Snoop Dogg has proven to be a polarizing figure in pop culture.
What are the main reasons people dislike Snoop Dogg?
Snoop Dogg has faced backlash over the years for a variety of reasons, including:
His explicit lyrics and imagery
As a gangsta rap pioneer, Snoop’s lyrics frequently reference guns, violence, misogyny, drug use, and more. Songs like “Gin and Juice” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” epitomize the explicit nature of his early music which many find offensive. Critics argue his lyrical content promotes negative stereotypes.
Perpetuating criminal lifestyle
Snoop is an admitted former Crip gang member and drug dealer. While he now considers himself a retired gangster, he continues to use gang references and imagery in his music. Detractors believe he irresponsibly glorifies guns, gangs, and crime.
Worked with rappers with controversial pasts
Snoop has collaborated extensively with other rappers who have faced backlash themselves. This includes artists like Tupac Shakur, 6ix9ine, Chris Brown, and others. Working so closely with controversial figures also attracts criticism by association from their detractors as well.
Over-saturation and changing musical styles
As a rapper with a three decade career, some argue Snoop Dogg’s omnipresence causes fatigue. The evolution of his sound from gritty gangsta rap to pop and reggae fusions has also alienated some longtime fans who preferred his earlier style.
Stint as a pimp and other work decisions
Snoop’s foray into pornography and decision to dub himself “Snoop Scorsese” and “DJ Snoopadelic” during his time as a pimp in the early 2000s damaged his reputation in some circles. Others disapproved of his choices to participate in fare like his E! reality show with his family.
What controversies has Snoop Dogg been involved in?
In addition to the lyrical content and imagery in his songs themselves, Snoop has made headlines for a number of controversies over the course of his lengthy career:
Murder trial in the 1990s
In 1993, Snoop was charged with first-degree murder for the shooting of a rival gang member. He was famously acquitted in 1996, but his involvement in the incident gave detractors ammo to criticize his morals and character.
Multiple drug and gun arrests
Snoop racked up an arrest record early on for violations like gun possession and drug charges. He served time behind bars. While he overcame his run-ins with the law, they solidified a negative perception among some.
Trump assassination video & other celebrity feuds
In 2017, Snoop faced backlash for a music video that depicted a clown dressed as Donald Trump being shot. He has also feuded publicly with Iggy Azalea and other celebs on social media, sparking criticism.
Sexual assault allegations and lawsuit
In February 2022, Snoop was sued by a former backup dancer who accused him of sexual assault and battery in 2013. While Snoop denied the allegations, the lawsuit renewed scrutiny around the #MeToo movement.
Homophobic lyrics and anti-LGBTQ accusations
LGBTQ groups have called out Snoop for using anti-gay slurs and derogatory lyrics targeting gay men. He apologized in 2018, but groups like GLAAD have criticized his lyrics as recently as 2022.
Table 1 summarizes the major controversies surrounding Snoop Dogg over his career:
| Year | Controversy |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Charged with murder of a rival gang member |
| 1990s | Multiple drug possession & gun arrests |
| 2017 | Donald Trump assassination video sparks outrage |
| 2022 | Sued for alleged 2013 sexual assault |
| 2010s | Use of homophobic slurs in songs |
Is Snoop Dogg problematic?
There are good-faith arguments on both sides regarding whether Snoop Dogg is ultimately a “problematic” celebrity. Supporters point to his charisma, business savvy, and philanthropic efforts as indications of good character. But critics contend recurring issues show insufficient personal growth:
Arguments He’s Problematic:
- Patterns of misogyny, homophobia, criminality spanning decades
- Never fully Owned Up to past – bloods associations, Trump video, etc.
- Partners frequently with other controversial public figures
- Sets concerning example for youth audience
Arguments He’s Not Problematic:
- Grew up in violent environments facing systemic issues
- Has apologized and worked with advocacy groups before
- Lyrics/persona often exaggerated; he is performer
- Major philanthropic efforts for youth and beyond
There are good cases that Snoop Dogg has made mistakes but also taken some positive steps. Reasonable people can disagree on whether his music and career as a whole are socially conscience or harmful.
How do fans defend Snoop Dogg against critics?
Snoop Dogg retains a devoted fanbase despite his critics. When facing accusations about his music or controversies, fans are often quick to come to his defense:
Emphasize his musical talents
Fans argue Snoop is one of the most gifted rappers ever with an inimitable flow and style. No matter what his critics say, fans contend his chops on the mic are unmatched.
Note his professional reinventions
As he explored new genres from pop to reggae, supporters say his ability to evolve as an artist and businessperson in film, branding deals, etc. display his talent.
Highlight his activism and charity
From youth football leagues to disasters and beyond, Snoop’s philanthropic resume is full. Fans frequently celebrate his community leadership and charity as contrary evidence against critic allegations.
Blame conservative media + culture wars
Some fans believe criticisms of Snoop Dogg emerge from bad faith attacks to score political points. They see controversies as deliberately misconstruing his lyrics and persona.
Contextualize him as relatable “anti-hero”
For supporters, Snoop’s imperfect past growing up in poverty makes him real and relatable. Just like beloved fictional characters like Tony Soprano, fans see Snoop as a complex anti-hero.
Table 2 shows common counterarguments Snoop Dogg fans use to defend him against backlash:
| Criticism | Fan Defense |
|---|---|
| Sexist/homophobic lyrics | He’s evolved past lyrics from decades ago |
| Glorifies guns/gangs | It’s exaggerated entertainment persona |
| Hangs with criminals | He overcame tough childhood to succeed |
| Trump video went too far | Bold political statement protected by 1st Amendment |
| Sexual assault accusation | Allegations were never proven/dismissed |
Do attempts to cancel Snoop succeed?
Snoop has proven largely “uncancelable” even facing waves of criticism throughout his career. Some key reasons cancel efforts fail:
Built-up goodwill from cultural impact
Snoop’s outsized influence on 90s rap and iconic songs like “Gin and Juice” solidified legacy. For fans, positives outweigh perceived negatives.
avoids public meltdowns
Unlike figures derailed by scandals like Kanye West, Snoop generally avoids inflammatory public comments, preserving goodwill.
Swift apology strategy
When controversies hit, Snoop uses apologies and charm offensives to disarm rather than fuel critics. See: 2018 GLAAD spat.
Too entrenched in pop culture
From instantly recognizable voice to meme ubiquity, Snoop has become too intertwined in the mainstream public consciousness to substantially cancel.
Table 3 analyzes factors that allow Snoop to evade cancellation campaigns:
| Factor | Details | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Iconic musical legacy | Helped define 90s rap; pioneering “gangsta” subgenre | Solid fanbase nostalgia makes “cancellation” impossible |
| Likable personality | Charm, media savvy; avoids inflammatory gaffes | Disarms critics, makes him hard to fully vilify |
| Swift apology strategy | Issues apologies to key demographics; promotes reform | Makes amends with critics like LGBTQ groups |
| Ubiquity in culture | Meme celebrity status makes him feel like public friend | Too familiar to “cancel”; Teflon to scandals |
Conclusion
In the court of public opinion, the case for and against Snoop Dogg often balances on a knife’s edge. While no celebrity with such a long history in the limelight emerges truly unscathed, Snoop proves more adept than most at evading cancellation.
For critics, Snoop too frequently trades in misogyny and questionable associations. But fans emphasize his activism, business savvy, and ascent from poverty as underscoring his essential character beyond media controversies.
As Snoop cruises into his 50s, the inextricable haze of weed smoke shrouding his public persona serves as both a shield against and accelerant to criticism he continues to court. But like the Intro to “Doggystyle” promised nearly 30 years ago, through it all, Snoop Dogg appears determined to remain America’s Most Blunted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs about why people hate on Snoop Dogg:
Why do some dislike Snoop Dogg’s explicit lyrics?
As a gangsta rap pioneer, Snoop’s vulgar lyrics around violence, sexism, and more rub many detractors the wrong way. They argue he promotes negative stereotypes.
What criminal charges has Snoop Dogg faced before?
Early in his career, Snoop was even charged with first-degree murder in 1993. Though acquitted, his legal issues and Bloods associations fuel critics labeling him a bad influence.
What political controversies has Snoop been involved in recently?
Snoop faced backlash for depicting Trump’s assassination in a 2017 music video. He also was criticized for a homophobic slur tweet directed at a gay TV anchor in 2022.
How has Snoop Dogg hurt or empowered minority groups?
Detractors believe Snoop’s imagery harms groups through damaging stereotypes. But his philanthropic support for disadvantaged youth and ascent out of violence-prone environments inspire admirers.
Why do fans forgive Snoop Dogg despite the criticism against him?
Supporters emphasize Snoop’s iconic rap skills, business savvy evolution, large-scale charity work, childhood circumstances, and general likeability as reasons to defend him against cancel campaigns.
