NEW YORK — Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg has announced that he will be giving up smoking, asking for privacy as he makes this decision, though he did not specify what that might entail.
“After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” Snoop wrote in a message shared on Instagram and X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday. “Please respect my privacy at this time.”
Snoop, known for his association with marijuana, did not provide any additional details in his brief announcement, which came the week after a new marijuana-adjacent product was introduced bearing his name. Representatives for the 52-year-old Snoop, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment Friday.
Many fans speculated on the potential reasons behind Snoop’s decision, with some wondering if he would switch to another form of THC or announce a new business or marketing venture in the future. Others praised the announcement and suggested that Snoop may have chosen to stop smoking for his own personal health.
Marketing and branding experts note that it’s not uncommon to see this kind of response when celebrities make unexpected announcements, especially if it contradicts something fans have associated them with for a long time.
“You feel a certain way about this particular person who’s iconic in your life for various reasons,” said Americus Reed II, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. “And so you’re going to create a narrative in your own mind about what the particular reasons might be for this pivot.”
Reed predicts fans will likely hear more from Snoop on this announcement in the near future, whether to clear the air of speculation or build on this announcement for potential future ventures, particularly in the growing cannabis space.
Snoop Dogg has been candid about his love for marijuana in the past and has launched several business ventures in the pot industry over the years, including his own cannabis brand, Leafs by Snoop, and ventures with Martha Stewart.
Just last week, BIC EZ Reach Lighters announced a limited edition, bag-lighter combo from Snoop and Stewart called “Best Buds Bags.”
