billboard digital | november 3, 2025 | 11:08 am pst | updated 3:47 pm pst

long beach, california — calvin cordozar broadus jr., the world-renowned rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural icon better known as snoop dogg, was pronounced dead early monday morning after suffering sudden cardiac arrest at his home in the hills above long beach. he was 54.

the los angeles county sheriff’s department confirmed the tragedy at 6:42 am pst, stating that paramedics responded to a 911 call from the residence after snoop collapsed during a late-night recording session for an unreleased track with dr. dre. despite immediate cpr by his security team and advanced life support by first responders, the hip-hop legend could not be revived.

final hours: a typical snoop night

according to sources close to the family who spoke exclusively to billboard, snoop had been in high spirits following the global launch of missionary — his long-awaited collaborative album with dr. dre — just 48 hours earlier. the project, released via death row records on october 31, 2025, debuted at #1 on the billboard 200 with 412,000 first-week units.

“he was buzzing,” said longtime engineer fredwreck nasseri, who was in the studio until 2:17 am. “snoop laid down a verse, lit a blunt, poured a gin & juice, and said, ‘one more take, then i’m out. gotta walk tha doggs at sunrise.’”

security footage reviewed by investigators shows snoop walking to his home gym at 3:11 am — a routine he maintained for decades despite his laid-back image. he was wearing his lakers jersey #17, airpods max, and carrying a bottle of still water (a switch from his usual indoggo gin after a recent health check).

at 3:29 am, he collapsed mid-stride near the free weights. his apple watch triggered an automatic sos alert at 3:31 am, but the gate was locked, delaying paramedics by 11 critical minutes.

medical findings: a silent killer

the los angeles county coroner’s office released preliminary results monday afternoon:

• cause of death: sudden cardiac arrest (sca) due to undiagnosed coronary artery disease
• time of death: 3:47 am pst
• contributing factors:
• hypertension (controlled with medication)
• chronic sleep deprivation (averaged 4.2 hours/night over past year)
• elevated caffeine intake (12–14 espressos daily)
• history of cannabis use (non-contributory per toxicology)
• no drugs, alcohol, or foul play

dr. michael kim, cardiologist at cedars-sinai, explained:

“snoop had plaque buildup in three arteries — common in high-stress performers over 50. the combination of late nights, travel, and adrenaline from the album drop likely triggered a fatal arrhythmia. this wasn’t weed. this was life on overdrive.”

snoop had passed a stress test in july 2025, but skipped a follow-up in september due to tour commitments in europe and asia.

family statement: “he went out like a g”

at 10:15 am, snoop’s wife shante broadus and children — corde, cordell, cori, and julian — released a joint statement via death row records:

“our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle left this earth doing what he loved — making music, lifting spirits, and walking in peace. he taught us to stay high on life, not just the smoke. we ask for privacy as we lay tha doggfather to rest in long beach. #forever17.”

dr. dre, visibly shaken, posted a single instagram story:

“my brother. my partner. my dogg. missionary was our last ride. i love you, calvin.”

(viewed by 87 million before being archived)

hip-hop in shock

within minutes, #snoopdogg and #ripdoggfather dominated global trends:

• ice cube: “long beach just lost its king. rest easy, nephew.”
• : “you showed me how to float above the noise. forever grateful.”
• swift: “a legend who made everyone smile. sending love to his family.”
• “snoop turnedrap into global joy.  and i are praying for the family.”

reported a 1,200% surge in snoop streams within two hours. “gin & juice” re-entered the billboard hot 100 at #3.

the empire he leaves behind

at the time of his death, snoop s net worth was estimated at $320 million, including:

all operations have been suspended indefinitely out of respect.

a history of defying death

snoop survived:

• 1993 drive-by shooting (acquitted in murder trial)
• 2006 airport arrest (weapons charge)
• 2014 “ dead” twitter hoax
• 2023 “quit smoke” marketing stunt

yet, as warren g told billboard:

“he always said, ‘when it’s my time,  go out smooth — no drama, just fade t god took him at his word.”

funeral plans: a long beach send-off

a public memorial is scheduled for  8, 2025 at long beach poly high school football field — where snoop played in the 1980s. fans are encouraged to  and bring unopened bottles of ripple (his favorite childhood drink).

a private burial will follow at forest lawn memorial park, beside his mother (d. 2021).

what now?

the heart association has launched the #snoopcheck challenge:

get a heart screening if you’re over 45, work late nights, or live with chronic stress.

“snoop saved lives by smoking. now let him save yours by checking.”

meanwhile, dr.  has vowed to complete missionary deluxe with unreleased snoop verses:

“every bar he laid down will be heard. that’s the  final word.”

last words from the 

in his final interview — with complex, published  30 — snoop said:

ain’t scared of  been dead a few times — in the streets, in the courts, in the game. but every time, i came back smoother. when it’s real, just be chillin’ with , and biggie,  gin in heaven’s studio.”

today, millions believe he’s doing just that.

billboard has reached out to death row records, dr.  team, and the family for further comment. this story will be updated.

if you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, call 911 immediately.