Snoop Dogg Takes the Olympics by Storm with His Unique Flair
Snoop Dogg emerged from a sleek black SUV, accompanied by his entourage, as the crowd outside the NBC set in Paris chanted his name. Dressed in a custom-made USA sweatsuit themed around Noah Lyles, Snoop smoothly navigated through the excited fans and flashing cameras into the Musee de l’Homme. Inside, he was warmly greeted by his longtime friend Martha Stewart. After a quick chat and a toast with champagne, Snoop performed his signature “crip walk” onto the set to film a Sunday night segment.
In the Paris Games, grand entrances have become a hallmark of Snoop’s Olympic experience.
“When the lights are on, that’s when I shine the best,” Snoop told The Associated Press after returning from watching Lyles’ historic victory in the 100-meter sprint. He also filmed a primetime segment with Mike Tirico and Stewart, who made a surprise appearance.
“This opportunity was a chance to show the world what happens when you put the right person in the right environment,” Snoop said.
At 52, Snoop Dogg has become one of the standout figures at the Paris Games. His memorable moments include carrying the Olympic torch, captivating audiences as NBC’s prime-time correspondent, swimming with Michael Phelps, attending a U.S. women’s soccer game with Megan Rapinoe, dancing with Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, and cheering on Caeleb Dressel alongside the swimmer’s family. Snoop also boasts the Games’ most sought-after souvenir: a pin featuring him wearing a blue top and exhaling rings colored like the Olympic logo. He gifted one to tennis star Coco Gauff but remained tight-lipped about how others could obtain more, saying, “I have zero answers for that.”
Snoop has mastered the art of being himself on camera, even for a global audience. Initially, he thought NBC wanted a more “buttoned-up” commentary from him. However, network executives encouraged him to be his authentic self after witnessing his potential during the U.S. Olympic trials.
At the trials, Snoop conducted casual video interviews with Olympians such as basketball player A’ja Wilson, gymnast Sunisa Lee, skateboarder Jagger Eaton, and beach volleyball players Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng. He also met with Lyles and participated in a 200-meter race, clocking in at 34.44 seconds, alongside NBC analyst and former Trinidadian track star Ato Boldon and former U.S. national champion Wallace Spearmon.
“This is what I do. I do it every day,” said Snoop, who became a fan favorite during the Tokyo Games when he and Kevin Hart provided in-studio commentary for Peacock.
“That’s why it’s not hard for me. It’s not like an act. The bits we do are comfortable and natural. It’s me being me.”
Snoop’s presence in Paris is part of NBC’s strategy to boost ratings by incorporating pop culture into its coverage. The approach has proven successful, especially with star power from U.S. Olympians like Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Sha’Carri Richardson. During the first five days starting with the opening ceremony on July 26, NBC averaged 34 million daily viewers across its platforms, up from 19 million during the same period in Tokyo. On one Saturday, the network drew nearly 35 million viewers, doubling Tokyo’s second Saturday numbers.
Tirico credited Snoop with significantly enhancing NBC’s coverage. He praised the rapper’s hard work and creative talents, saying, “That license to color outside the lines is what makes the greats, great. He knows how to do that and keep the picture looking good.”
Snoop has come a long way since his breakthrough 30 years ago as part of the West Coast gangsta rap scene with Dr. Dre. His career, which has included acting roles in films like “Training Day” and “Starsky & Hutch” and starring in the reality show “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,” has been marred by several legal issues. Despite this, Snoop continues to defy expectations.
“But remember, I’m a rapper. No rapper has ever done what I’m doing,” said Snoop, who first showcased his commentary skills during the viral Jake Paul-Nate Robinson boxing match in 2020.
“It’s limitations to the field that I come from. Rappers aren’t supposed to do this. I tend to do the unthinkable.
