In a Moment That Stunned Everyone, Snoop Dogg Broke His Silence at His Grandson’s Memorial

On a somber day in September 2019, the Broadus family gathered to mourn the tragic loss of Snoop Dogg’s grandson, Kai Love, who passed away at just 10 days old. The music icon, known for his laid-back demeanor and commanding presence in the hip-hop world, stood before family, friends, and loved ones at the memorial service. In a moment that left everyone in attendance speechless, Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., broke his characteristic silence with a trembling voice, delivering words that no one expected. His speech, raw with emotion and steeped in vulnerability, revealed a side of the rapper rarely seen by the public—a grieving grandfather whose heart was heavy with loss but resolute in faith.

A Family Man Behind the Fame

Snoop Dogg, a global icon with a career spanning over three decades, has built a legacy not only through his music but also as a devoted family man. Married to his high school sweetheart, Shante Broadus, since 1997, Snoop is a father to four children—Corde, Cordell, Cori, and Julian—and a grandfather to eight grandchildren. His role as “Papa Snoop,” a nickname coined by his eldest grandson Zion, is one he cherishes deeply. In interviews, such as his 2024 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Snoop spoke fondly of his grandchildren, noting how each one holds a unique place in his heart. “My grandkids are different ages, ranges, and sizes, and I love them all the same way,” he said, his voice brimming with pride.

Yet, beneath this joy lies a profound sorrow. In September 2019, Snoop’s son, Corde Broadus, and his partner, Soraya Love, faced an unimaginable tragedy when their newborn son, Kai Love, passed away due to a congenital heart defect. The loss sent shockwaves through the Broadus family, and Snoop, typically reserved about personal matters, chose to address the grief head-on at Kai’s memorial.

The Memorial: A Moment of Raw Emotion

The memorial service for Kai Love was a private affair, attended by close family and friends. Held in Los Angeles, the event was marked by an atmosphere of quiet reverence, with loved ones grappling to make sense of the brief life that had touched them so deeply. Corde Broadus, Kai’s father, had already shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “My son Kai brought so much love and positivity into this world. His energy will live on and these 10 days of love will always be special to us.” The post included a video of Kai’s older sister, Elleven, gently kissing her baby brother, a poignant image that captured the family’s love and loss.

As the service progressed, all eyes turned to Snoop Dogg. Known for his stoic public persona, many expected him to remain silent or offer a brief, composed remark. Instead, Snoop stood up, his tall frame visibly shaken, and began to speak. His voice, usually smooth and melodic, trembled with the weight of grief. “If you’re facing something you don’t understand, choose to trust God,” he began, echoing a message he had shared on Instagram shortly after Kai’s passing. But what followed was unexpected—a deeply personal reflection on life, love, and the fragility of existence.

Words That Resonated

Snoop’s speech was not a polished oration but a raw outpouring of emotion. He spoke of Kai’s brief life as a gift, a fleeting moment that reminded the family to cherish every second with those they love. “Kai was here for 10 days, but those 10 days taught us more than years could,” he said, his voice cracking. He described holding Kai in his arms, feeling the “energy” that his son Corde had spoken of, and how that energy would guide the family forward. “He was an angel, sent to show us how to love harder, how to hold tighter,” Snoop continued, his words met with tearful nods from those in attendance.

What stunned the room was Snoop’s vulnerability. The rapper, often seen as untouchable in the public eye, laid bare his pain. He spoke of his own grandfather, whom he called “Papa,” and how Kai’s life reminded him of the lessons his grandfather imparted about family and resilience. “That’s why I’m Papa Snoop now,” he said, a bittersweet smile breaking through. “Because I want to be for my grandkids what my papa was for me.”

Snoop also addressed the broader impact of Kai’s loss, urging those present to use their grief as a catalyst for positive change. He spoke of the Kai Heart Foundation, established by Corde and Soraya to honor their son’s memory by supporting families facing similar tragedies. “Kai’s light ain’t gone,” Snoop declared. “We’re gonna carry it through this foundation, through our love, through our community.” This call to action, rooted in faith and purpose, left the room in a mix of sorrow and inspiration.

The Public’s Response

While Snoop did not share the full text of his speech publicly, snippets reported by outlets like People and CNN painted a picture of a man transformed by grief. Fans on social media platforms like X expressed their condolences, with posts reflecting the shock and sadness of Kai’s passing. One user wrote, “I’m literally crying on the toilet, I wasn’t prepared to wake up to the news of Snoop Dogg’s grandson passing after 10 days.” Another added, “Snoop Dogg’s grandson passed away at only 10 days old. I’m so sorry to hear that.” The outpouring of support underscored the public’s empathy for Snoop’s loss and admiration for his strength.

Soraya Love, Kai’s mother, later took to YouTube and Instagram to clarify misinformation about Kai’s death, emphasizing that he had a congenital heart defect and passed peacefully in the hospital. “Don’t believe the blogs, believe the source of who was really there,” she urged, dispelling rumors and focusing on Kai’s legacy of love.

A Legacy of Love and Healing

Snoop’s speech at the memorial was a turning point, not only for the family but also for his public image. Known for his cool, unflappable persona, Snoop revealed a depth of emotion that resonated with fans and critics alike. His words inspired the Broadus family to channel their grief into meaningful action through the Kai Heart Foundation, which focuses on wellness, spirituality, and community support. In a March 2024 post, Soraya shared, “We would love to partner with any organizations that help heal, educate, and assist humans with LOVE,” highlighting the foundation’s mission.

Since Kai’s passing, Snoop has continued to embrace his role as Papa Snoop, celebrating the lives of his other grandchildren—Zion, Elleven, Cordoba, Sky, Chateau, Symphony Sol, and a newborn granddaughter born prematurely to his daughter Cori in February 2025. At the TIME100 Gala in April 2025, Snoop shared a positive update about his youngest granddaughter, saying, “She just brought home my granddaughter,” referring to the baby’s release from the NICU. These moments of joy, juxtaposed with the loss of Kai, reflect the duality of Snoop’s life as a grandfather—filled with love but forever marked by loss.

Conclusion

Snoop Dogg’s unexpected speech at his grandson Kai Love’s memorial was a moment of profound vulnerability and strength. His trembling voice carried words that spoke to the heart of grief, faith, and the enduring power of family. By sharing his pain and hope, Snoop not only honored Kai’s memory but also inspired those around him to live with greater purpose. As Papa Snoop, he continues to navigate the highs and lows of grandfatherhood, proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love can light the way forward.