Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., better known as Snoop Dogg, has made a splash in Melbourne this week, showcasing his multifaceted talents both on and off the field. Known for his laid-back demeanor and iconic West Coast drawl, Snoop has been in town for the AFL Grand Final, where he is set to perform. On Tuesday, he impressed onlookers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) by scoring a couple of goals from the boundary line, and on Thursday, he entertained a room full of journalists with his charm and wit.
“This sport, man, I’m just kind of loving this sport,” Snoop said of Australian Rules Football, a game that has captured his interest alongside a hefty paycheck. Reports suggest his appearance fee is in the ballpark of $2 million, similar to what was paid to past performers like Robbie Williams and Katy Perry. “I always would watch it and never really understood – it reminded me of American football, rugby and a couple other things – but now I understand it I really want to know more about it, to see the grand finale.”
Snoop Dogg: A Sports Enthusiast Beyond Music
Despite his reputation for being laid-back, Snoop Dogg is no stranger to the world of sports. He served as a commentator at the Paris Olympics last year, earning an Emmy for his efforts. His passion for sports extends to the NFL, NBA, and ice hockey. Moreover, he is a certified American football coach and recently became a part-owner of Welsh soccer team Swansea City. Announcing the deal, he remarked, “This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me.”
The press conference at the MCG was packed with journalists eager to ask questions, ranging from Snoop’s preferences in his rider to the size of his entourage. However, MC Hamish McLachlan set the tone early on, stating, “There will be no questions today. If we allow one, then they’ll all just tumble out.” This directive left many questions unanswered, but the excitement in the room was palpable.
Local Talent and Snoop’s Musical Collaborations
Before Snoop took the stage, McLachlan introduced the local acts who will perform during the pre-game show. Vera Blue is set to deliver the national anthem a cappella, while Mike Brady will sing “Up There Cazaly,” marking his 26th or 27th grand final appearance in 46 years. Baker Boy, who will be performing for the second time at a grand final, is still deciding on his outfit, hinting at something to top his previous Gucci tracksuit.
Tash Sultana, who has been invited by Snoop to play guitar during his set, nearly stole the show. “Look, it’s not hard work, but it’s honest work,” Sultana said of the invitation. “You get Snoop Dogg give you a call up and say, ‘Hey, I love your stuff. Can I have some options for guitar’. Well, that’s what I do. So I said, ‘Sure thing, mate’.”
“We’ve been hanging out,” Sultana added, offering a glimpse into their collaboration and the unique opportunity to work with one of hip-hop’s biggest stars.
Snoop’s Melbourne Nightlife and AFL Grand Final Performance
While Snoop is primarily in Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final, he is making the most of his visit by performing a couple of DJ sets under his DJ Snoopadelic alias. These sets are scheduled for St Kilda’s Espy and the city venue Ms Collins on Thursday and Friday nights.
As for the grand final performance, Snoop promises a classic set. “I mean, classic Snoop Dogg,” he said, hinting at hits like “Gin and Juice,” “Young, Wild & Free,” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” He also expressed his appreciation for Australian culture, stating, “I love this culture, and I appreciate y’all for allowing me to perform. So I have some special guests that will be performing with me, to make it feel like it’s supposed to feel.”
Snoop Dogg has performed at the Super Bowl and the Olympics, and now he adds Australia’s biggest annual sporting event to his repertoire. Reflecting on these experiences, he shared, “These are dreams come true for me. I was a kid that dreamed of getting to meet athletes, and now I’m actually able to perform for the biggest sporting events in the world.”
As Melbourne prepares for the AFL Grand Final, Snoop Dogg’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling event. His performances, both on stage and as DJ Snoopadelic, promise to be memorable highlights of the weekend.
