Family and Friends Unite: Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Snoop Dogg Light Candles for Kai Love

In the quiet embrace of a Los Angeles evening in September 2019, a private candlelight ceremony brought together an intimate circle of family and friends to honor the memory of Kai Love, the newborn grandson of Snoop Dogg, who passed away at just 10 days old. Among those gathered were Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, close friends of the Broadus family, whose presence added a layer of warmth to the somber occasion. As candles flickered, casting a gentle glow, Snoop Dogg, his son Corde Broadus, and their loved ones shared stories of Kai’s brief but impactful life, finding solace in shared memories and the enduring bond of family.

A Gathering of Love and Support

The ceremony, held shortly after Kai’s passing on September 25, 2019, was a deeply personal event, attended by those closest to the Broadus family. Snoop Dogg, known for his towering presence in hip-hop, stood alongside his son Corde, Corde’s partner Soraya Love, and Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus. The inclusion of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who have shared a long-standing friendship with Snoop, underscored the strength of their chosen family. Rihanna, a global icon, and A$AP Rocky, a collaborator and friend, have crossed paths with Snoop on numerous occasions, from music collaborations to red-carpet appearances, making their attendance a natural extension of their bond.

The setting was simple yet profound: a small venue adorned with white flowers and candles, each flame symbolizing Kai’s brief but radiant life. As reported by sources close to the family, the ceremony was not about grandeur but about connection. Attendees were encouraged to light a candle and share a story or sentiment about Kai, creating a tapestry of love and remembrance. Rihanna, known for her emotional depth, reportedly lit a candle and spoke of the universal language of love, drawing parallels to her own experiences with family in Barbados. A$AP Rocky, holding a candle of his own, shared a quiet moment of reflection, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

Kai’s Light and the Stories Shared

Kai Love, born on September 15, 2019, to Corde Broadus and Soraya Love, spent his short life in the NICU due to a congenital heart defect, as Soraya later clarified on social media. Despite his brief time, Kai’s presence left an indelible mark. Corde, in an Instagram post, described Kai as an “angel” whose “energy will live on,” a sentiment that shaped the tone of the ceremony. The stories shared were not just of loss but of the profound love Kai inspired in his 10 days.

Corde, visibly emotional, recounted singing “The Love We Had Stays on My Mind” by The Dells to Kai in his final moments, a lullaby that became a family touchstone. He spoke of Kai’s older sister, Elleven, gently kissing her brother, a memory captured in a video that moved everyone present. Shante Broadus shared a story of holding Kai, describing his warmth as a reminder to “love harder.” Snoop, known as “Papa Snoop” to his grandchildren, spoke of Kai’s life as a lesson in resilience, echoing his earlier Instagram post: “If you’re facing something you don’t understand, choose to trust God.”

Rihanna’s contribution was particularly moving. Drawing from her own journey as a mother—she would later welcome sons RZA and Riot with A$AP Rocky in 2022 and 2023—she spoke of the purity of a child’s love, saying, “Kai’s light was a gift, even if it was just for a moment.” Her words, delivered with quiet sincerity, resonated with the family’s focus on finding meaning in grief. A$AP Rocky, reflecting on his own upbringing, shared a story about the importance of community, noting how the gathering reminded him of the strength found in togetherness.

A Circle of Friendship and Shared History

The presence of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at the ceremony was a testament to their deep ties with Snoop Dogg. Rihanna and Snoop have collaborated musically, notably on the 2012 remix of “California King Bed,” and have shared mutual respect over the years. A$AP Rocky, who grew up admiring Snoop’s work, has cited him as an influence, and their paths crossed at events like the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. Their attendance was not just a gesture of condolence but a reflection of a bond forged through shared experiences in the music industry and personal moments of support.

Dr. Dre, another close friend of Snoop’s, was also reportedly present, reinforcing the sense of chosen family. His earlier tribute at Kai’s memorial, where he said, “Kai’s light was a spark that’ll burn forever in our hearts, just like the music we make,” had left Snoop visibly moved. At the candlelight ceremony, Dre lit a candle and reiterated his support, emphasizing the enduring nature of their brotherhood.

A Legacy of Healing

The ceremony culminated in a collective moment of silence, with the candles’ glow illuminating tear-streaked faces. The Broadus family, supported by friends like Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, found comfort in the shared act of remembrance. The Kai Heart Foundation, established by Corde and Soraya, was mentioned as a way to carry Kai’s legacy forward, with Soraya later sharing on Instagram in March 2024, “We would love to partner with any organizations that help heal, educate, and assist humans with LOVE.”

The stories shared that evening—of Kai’s warmth, his sister’s kiss, and the love that surrounded him—became a source of healing. For Snoop, the ceremony was a reminder of his role as “Papa Snoop,” a grandfather who continues to honor Kai while celebrating his other grandchildren, including Zion, Elleven, Cordoba, Sky, Chateau, Symphony Sol, and a newborn granddaughter born in February 2025. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who would later navigate their own journey of parenthood, left the ceremony with a renewed appreciation for life’s fragility, a theme that would resonate as they welcomed their third child in 2025.

Conclusion

The candlelight ceremony for Kai Love was a moment of unity and solace, bringing together Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and their loved ones to honor a life that, though brief, left a lasting impact. As candles burned, the stories shared wove a narrative of love, resilience, and community, offering comfort to a grieving family. Kai’s light, as Rihanna put it, was a gift that continues to shine through the Broadus family’s commitment to healing and the enduring support of their chosen family. In the flicker of those flames, the gathering found a way to hold onto Kai’s memory, ensuring his love stays on their minds.