Snoop Dogg will take the stage at the Los Angeles Coliseum this May — not for a concert, but to address the graduating Class of 2025 from the USC Marshall School of Business.
Though he’s never held a traditional business degree, Snoop—born Calvin Broadus Jr.—has built a multi-faceted empire spanning music, media, tech, cannabis, and youth empowerment. His journey from Long Beach to global stardom is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and staying true to oneself.
“I am deeply honored to join USC Marshall’s commencement in celebrating the remarkable achievements of these graduates,” he said in a statement. “Commencement is not just a milestone—it’s a launching point. It’s about stepping into your purpose, applying what you’ve learned, and making an impact that matters.”
Snoop’s life is a testament to that message. Rising to fame in the 1990s alongside producer Dr. Dre, he introduced the world to the West Coast rap sound with The Chronic and has since released 21 studio albums and earned 20 Grammy nominations. But music was just the beginning.
In recent years, Snoop has become a cultural fixture beyond hip-hop—co-hosting NBC’s Olympic coverage, teaming up with Martha Stewart, coaching on The Voice, and even acquiring the iconic Death Row Records to turn it into a multimedia powerhouse.
USC Marshall praised his entrepreneurial spirit, noting that he “has continually redefined what it means to be an entrepreneur through authenticity, innovation, and strategic brand building.” And while some might see Snoop’s presence as unconventional, his career reflects the very values business schools strive to instill: creativity, grit, and vision.
The “What’s My Name” artist has frequently visited the USC campus to attend sporting events. Just last year, Snoop Dogg surprised students by speaking to a class at USC Marshall.
Students at the university are thrilled about the rapper and entrepreneur’s involvement with their school and graduating class.
“Snoop Dogg giving our commencement speech is the most iconic thing ever,” shared Joshua Bustein, a senior finance major at USC Marshall, in an interview with KTLA. “I have a minor in music industry, and I want to combine business and music in my career, just like him. I hope he also does a performance in addition to his speech.”
Snoop Dogg’s accomplishments in business were recognized by the school last December when he received the USC Lloyd Greif Center Entrepreneur of the Year award.
“Snoop Dogg is one of my favorite rappers, and I couldn’t believe it when I heard he was going to be our speaker,” said Chris Castillo, a senior business major at USC Marshall, to KTLA. “I study entrepreneurship and marketing, so to have someone as successful as him giving our speech is perfect.”
The USC Marshall commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 17, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Whether you’re a fan of his music or simply inspired by his hustle, there’s no denying this truth: when you walk in with your purpose and stay true to who God made you be, amazing things can happen.