Rapper and marijuana icon Snoop Dogg announced on Thursday that he is quitting “smoke.”
The rapper, whose brand is closely related to cannabis, put out a statement on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.
“After much consideration & conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” he wrote. “Please respect my privacy at this time.”
While the statement did not specify what smoke he would be quitting, it is assumed that he’s referring to marijuana. The rapper did not clarify whether he will be dropping cannabis as a whole, as he did not specify on edibles.
This news provoked a variety of reactions on social media, from denial to praise.
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“I refuse to believe this,” one Instagram user commented. “Definitely a part of some marketing campaign that he’s a part of. Some new smoking device will have the slogan, ‘Give Up Smoke’ and he’ll be the spokesperson. Super Bowl commercial maybe.”
One voice on X thought the statement was delivered in a far too serious voice.
“Bro tweeting like there’s been a death in the family,” the user remarked.
Snoop famously said in 2019 that he has someone on his personal staff whose sole job was to roll blunts for him. The rapper said that the employee was paid between $40,000 and $50,000 each year.
A commenter on Instagram showed concern for the employee.
“The dude that rolled his blunts (is) unemployed for life,” the user said.
The rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, rose to fame in the 1990s as an artist on Death Row Records and as Dr. Dre’s right-hand man. During this time, Broadus contributed strong verses and hooks to Dr. Dre’s albums “The Chronic,” released in 1992, and “2001,” released in 1999.
Snoop’s critically acclaimed works include his 1993 debut album “Doggystyle” and 2004’s “R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece.” He performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021 alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.
It has not been confirmed why the icon is dropping the substance that is associated so heavily with his brand. For now, fans will have to play the waiting game.
