Snoop Dogg Opens Up About His Transition From Gangsta Rapper To Beloved Superstar

In a new cover story feature in People, Snoop Dogg shares his personal journey from edgy gangsta rapper to becoming “America’s most lovable person.” During the Summer Olympics in Paris, the 52-year-old entertainment icon was everywhere, providing insightful coverage of the games while winning over the hearts of viewers. Snoop has become so likable that you could forget he was a Crips gang member and served jail time for drug possession. “You think about all the things that I went through and where I’m at,” Snoop says. “It’s a lesson: to let the world see growth, how somebody can go from being hated, banned from countries, thrown in jail [for] weed, to now America’s most lovable person. But it’s the same person.” Snoop Dogg will surely win over even more fans when he serves as a coach on The Voice – alongside fellow coaches Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Gwen Stefani – with the new season starting on September 23. (People)