Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg, was born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California. He began rapping in the late 1980s with friends Warren G and Nate Dogg as part of the group 213. Discovered by Dr. Dre in 1992, he featured on 'Deep Cover' and Dre's album The Chronic, signing with Death Row Records. Snoop Dogg's style draws from West Coast hip-hop, particularly G-funk and gangsta rap, characterized by his drawled delivery and lyrics on street life, drug use, and violence. His debut album Doggystyle (1993) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with hits 'Who Am I (What's My Name)?' and 'Gin and Juice.' Subsequent releases include Tha Doggfather (1996), Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), and The Last Meal (2000). He has sold over 23 million albums in the US. Snoop Dogg is known for live performances featuring his smooth flow, collaborations with artists like Dr. Dre and Tha Dogg Pound, and engaging stage presence rooted in his West Coast origins.