Snoop Dogg Ethnicity: African-American, Native American & European Background Explained

Quick answer: Snoop Dogg is primarily African-American with significant Native American heritage (23%) and some European ancestry (6%), according to DNA test results revealed on Lopez Tonight. He was born in Long Beach, California, on October 20, 1971.

What Is Snoop Dogg's Ethnicity?

Snoop Dogg's ethnicity is predominantly African-American, with substantial Native American heritage and minor European ancestry. Born as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, Snoop's genetic makeup reflects an uniquely American heritage story. According to DNA test results displayed on the show Lopez Tonight in 2010, his ancestry breaks down as 71% Sub-Saharan African, 23% Native American, and 6% European. This significant Native American component is particularly notable and connects him to Indigenous American heritage alongside his primarily African-American roots.

Growing up in Long Beach, California, during the 1970s and 1980s, Snoop was raised in a traditional African-American household. His mother, Beverly Tate, was a strong presence in his life, introducing him to church music and old-school R&B. His father, Vernell Varnado, a Vietnam War veteran, singer, and mail carrier, left the family when Snoop was just three months old. Despite the absence, Snoop was given his name after his stepfather, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr, capturing a blended family narrative common in African-American communities.

Father's Side

Snoop's father, Vernell Varnado, carried a surname with French origins. The name Varnado in Mississippi originates from a French immigrant named Vernadeau, demonstrating early European-African American heritage in the family tree. Snoop's paternal grandfather was William Varnado, born in Mississippi, who was the son of Cornelius Varnado and Annie/Anna Patterson. Both grandparents were born in Mississippi and carried deep roots in the American South.

Cornelius Varnado was the son of Robert Varnado and Tempie, continuing the Varnado family legacy in Mississippi. Annie Patterson was the daughter of George Patterson and Martha A. Smith, adding the Patterson family ancestry to Snoop's paternal line.

Mother's Side

Snoop's mother, Beverly Tate, brought her family's heritage through the Tate and Martin family lines. His maternal grandfather was Jeremiah Tate, born in McComb, Pike, Mississippi, who was the son of John Tate and Maud/Maude Christophers/Christopher. John Tate was born in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana — one of the few family members born outside of Mississippi — and was himself the son of Dave Tate and Letha A.

His maternal grandmother was Dorothy Dean Martin, born in McComb, Pike, Mississippi, who was the daughter of George Martin and Annie Brown. George Martin's parents were Gabriel Martin and Rose Gallagher/Galliton. This maternal line represents generations of African-American families with deep roots in Mississippi and Louisiana, regions central to African-American history and culture.

Grandparents: A Complete Picture

Paternal Grandfather: William Varnado (b. Mississippi) – African-American, French-origin surname Paternal Grandmother: Minnie Felder (b. Mississippi) – African-American Maternal Grandfather: Jeremiah Tate (b. Mississippi) – African-American Maternal Grandmother: Dorothy Dean Martin (b. Mississippi) – African-American

DNA & Genetic Ancestry

According to DNA test results revealed on the television show Lopez Tonight in 2010, Snoop Dogg's genetic ancestry is:

• 71% Sub-Saharan African — The dominant ancestral component, reflecting his strong African heritage
• 23% Native American — A significant portion indicating Indigenous American ancestry through his family tree
• 6% European — A minor but present component, likely reflecting historical mixing in American ancestry

This DNA breakdown provides scientific confirmation of Snoop's mixed heritage, particularly highlighting the notable Native American component that has become part of his documented genetic profile.

Spouse's Ethnicity & Children

Snoop Dogg married Shante Taylor (now Broadus) on June 14, 1997. The two met in high school, where they were childhood sweethearts. In interviews, Snoop has described the early days of their relationship, sharing that he had to "go over there and meet her mother "and "date her for, like, four months before I was able to kiss her."He also wrote her love letters during their courtship.

Snoop and Shante have four children together (and Snoop has additional children from previous relationships). Their long-lasting marriage — nearly 30 years as of 2026 — has been central to Snoop's life narrative. Speaking about his wife, Snoop has said: "She understands me. She's a great mother, a tremendous grandmother, an excellent wife and a great friend. She knows how to push all of my buttons to make me act crazy or to make me act cool, and I love it."All of Snoop's children carry forward his African-American, Native American, and European heritage, continuing the family legacy of American cultural diversity.

Family Connections in Music & Entertainment

Snoop Dogg is a first cousin of professional wrestler and actress Sasha Banks. Through his mother Allean Varnado, he is also a first cousin of hip-hop producer Daz Dillinger. Additionally, Snoop is related to musicians and actors Brandy Norwood and Ray J, who are siblings. These family connections throughout music and entertainment reflect the broader cultural networks of the African-American music industry.

Snoop Dogg in Their Own Words

On the importance of his mother's influence in his life, Snoop has reflected deeply on his upbringing. His mother, a member of the Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church choir, was one of his "prime musical influences "growing up and introduced him to old-school R&B music. Snoop began singing and playing piano at church as a very young child, setting the foundation for his legendary music career.

Regarding his identity and nicknames, Snoop received his childhood nickname "Snoopy "from his parents due to his love for and likeness to the cartoon character Snoopy from Peanuts. He was called Calvin at home, but the nickname stuck and eventually evolved into the legendary stage name that would define one of hip-hop's greatest artists.

Is Snoop Dogg Alive?

Yes, Snoop Dogg is alive as of 2026. He continues to be active in music, entertainment, and various business ventures. In recent years, he has been inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame and remains a prominent figure in popular culture.

Visual Family Tree

Sources

Ethnicity & Family Background

• EthniCelebs: Snoop Dogg
• Wikipedia: Snoop Dogg

Biography & DNA Results

• BlackPast.org: Calvin Cordozar "Snoop Lion/Snoop Doggy Dogg "Broadus
• Britannica: Snoop Dogg Biography

Family & Marriage

• NBC Insider: Everything to Know About Snoop Dogg's Wife and Four Kids
• Essence: Snoop Dogg Marks Shante Broadus' 50th With Three Rings
• Today.com: Snoop Dogg Gives Sweet Reasons Why Wife Shante Broadus Is His'Best Friend'

Music Career