Words by Jacque Kennedy //

Take a seat, a sip of Cali Gold, and get ready to learn a thing or two from the Doggfather.

“I’m feeling hella good. I’m doin thangs that you never would. Evolve while I elevate, take flight, levitate,” there’s a surprisingly insightful undertone to some of Snoop Dogg’s rhymes – be confident, and comfortable with yourself, above all else.  

The same goes beyond his music, too. As well as being a successful rapper and entrepreneur, we can all learn a lot from the many twists and turns of the 51-year-old’s life so far. 

From gangsta rap’s golden era to unexpected forays into reggae, popping up on the big screen, embracing unlikely friendships (he’s BFFs with Martha Stewart) and even his latest venture into the world of wine with 19 Crimes Cali Gold, Snoop’s journey has been a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and living life with unmistakable style. 

“The easiest thing you can do is just do you,” Snoop Dogg told The New York Times back in 2021. “I felt like doing me would be the easiest path to me remaining relevant in the industry. It’s originality and uniqueness. I just try to do me.” 

Just do you. That’s the million dollar advice. It’s simple enough in theory, but tough to master unless, of course, you’re one of the coolest guys in hip-hop. Snoop has proved time and time again it’s worth doing what you want, regardless of what the world thinks.  

After years of success with best-selling albums like Doggystyle (1993) and No Limit Top Dogg (1999), Snoop surprised the music world in 2012 with a rebrand from hip-hop into reggae. Goodbye Snoop Dogg, hello Snoop Lion. This pivot not only birthed the chill, groovy album Reincarnated (2013) but also taught us all that self-reinvention is a powerful tool for personal growth. 

Reinvention is a key theme in Snoop’s life. He’s never afraid to try new things. Over the years, he’s tried his hand at everything from businesses, to commercials, to movies, to cook books, to his own brand of weed. 

His biggest advice? “It’s got to be fun,” Snoop said. “And it’s going to make funds. So long as the word “fun” is involved, it’s cool.” 

Perhaps the most profound lesson from Snoop Dogg’s journey is the importance of authenticity and collaboration. Through every reinvention, musical evolution, and entrepreneurial endeavour, Snoop has remained unapologetically himself and had a knack for finding the right people to share his creative vision. 

“I’m not really somebody that likes taking information from people,” he once stated. “I’m more about: We trading game, chopping it up, bettering each other, giving information on how my business is going, how your business is working, how I see it from the outside looking in.” 

Although there are moments of controversy and hardship in Snoop’s life, one thing you can learn from his journey is to always make room for compassion. 

For years, the notorious beef between East Coast vs. West Coast rappers cast a dark shadow over the hip-hop community. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Snoop Dogg emerged as a peacemaker, playing a pivotal role in diffusing animosity between rival coasts. His commitment to reconciliation serves as a poignant reminder that compassion transcends conflicts. 

While Snoop Dogg’s music journey has been a symphony of hits, his entrepreneurial side-quests are a rich text in living your life with style. His businesses include Casa Verde Capital, a venture capital firm, cannabis brand Leafs by Snoop and cereal company Broadus Foods. Then there’s his foray into the alcohol business. Enter Cali Gold, the latest drop in Snoop’s collaboration with 19 Crimes – a sparkling wine that has all the swagger and charm of the man himself. 

Cali Gold is the latest in a string of successful wine drops, including the Cali Red and Cali Rosé. If there’s one thing we can all learn from these wines – and Snoop himself – it’s to embrace creativity, enjoy the time you’ve got, and do it all with style. So raise a glass, and be like Snoop. 

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The new 19 Crimes Snoop Cali Gold Sparkling is available now at Dan Murphy, BWS, Liquor Land, First Choice and some independent liquor stores.