Snoop Dogg Reminisces Over 1993 ‘VIBE’ Cover, Talks Grubhub Campaign
As VIBE continues to celebrate 30 years of being the soul of American culture, many covers from the onset of the publication’s creation are hitting that same milestone, as well.
While speaking in an email thread about his recent partnership with the food delivery company Grubhub, Snoop Dogg reminisced about his 1993 “Hot Dogg” cover — which was originally written by VIBE alum, Kevin Powell.
The September issue met a 21-year-old West Coast representer as he was, “walking a fine line between ghetto life and life as a rap star.” Now at 51, Snoop, né Calvin Broadus, is basking in his superstardom as a CEO, coveted music artist, entrepreneur, actor, author and most importantly — husband, father and grandfather.
“I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since I was on the first issue of VIBE, that was a special moment for Hip-Hop and the culture,” Snoop shared. “At the time, there wasn’t a lot of media that focused on celebrating what we were creating, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of history.”
“I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years of VIBE has to offer,” he added.
At the time of Snoop’s rise to stardom, he was not only facing the challenges of staying true to his “gangster rap” sound, but was also surrounded by what was happening in society. Rodney King, the need for law and order, and the South Central rebellion were just a few events that were shaping the way music was being told through the lens of artists like N.W.A., 2Pac, and more.
“I didn’t want to be no R&B rapper and no motherf**kin’ crossover rapper,” he told Powell then. “I don’t want to be wearing no flat-tops and all that other R&B-a** sh*t. That ain’t me. I want my shit to be 100% gangsta sh*t.”
Since then, Snoop’s music has gone through the wringer of sounds. He’s created records ranging from R&B to Soul to Gospel — for which he’s even earned the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for his song “Blessing Me Again,” with Rance Allen.
Outside of music, the “Dogg Father” has expanded his brand to the fashion, pet and food industries. As founder of Broadus Foods, the CEO has offered a line of breakfast foods including cereal, pancake mix, oatmeal, grits and syrup. More recently, he teamed up with Grubhub to create a jingle for their new TV campaign, “Did Somebody Say.”
In the TV commercial, Snoop promotes how he can get his food delivered anywhere, from a jet plane, to a boat.
“Music is a part of my heart and soul, and my love for food delivery goes right along with it ‘cuz when you’re as busy as me, you gotta stay fueled with good food,’’ said Snoop Dogg in a press release. “Whether it’s chicken wings to the crib or a hot tub soak with a pizza slice on the side, when you hear ‘Did Somebody Say,’ you know Grubhub delivers what you want, when you want.”
Speaking to a real-life memorable moment ordering from the food delivery service, Snoop recalled trying calamari for the first time and not knowing that it was actually octopus.
“One time I ordered a meal on Grubhub and didn’t realize it had calamari in it,” he said. “I didn’t even know what calamari was then. It tasted dope but then someone said, ‘Hey Snoop, you know that’s octopus?’ I spit that sh*t out so fast, I don’t care how good it tasted!”
Revisit Snoop’s 1993 VIBE cover here and take a look at his Grubhub commercial below.
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