Five Investments You didn’t Know Snoop Dogg Was Involved In

Snoop Dogg has been in the rap game for more than 20 years.  With the release of his debut album, Doggystyle, in 1993, Snoop instantly became one of the hottest artists in the industry.  His laid back sound set him apart from other artists, and by 1994 he earned a Grammy nomination. Over the years, Snoop has reinvented himself and his sound and has found a way to stay relevant in a business that isn’t conducive to longevity. However, aside from his career as an artist, Snoop is also a successful businessman.  He has made several investments to ensure that his financial situation remains prosperous even when he isn’t working in the studio.  From internet start-ups to sports, Snoop Dogg seems to know exactly where to put his money. Here are five investments you didn’t know Snoop Dogg was involved in.

1. Reddit

Founded in 2005, Reddit is a multi-purpose website that allows users to submit content in the form of images, links, etc.  Once the content is on the site, other users can vote up or down.  In 2014, Reddit announced that Snoop Dogg had purchased a stake in the company, making him a part owner.  However, even before investing in Reddit, Snoop was an avid user of the site under the user name, Here_Comes_The_King, where he hosted several Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions.  Although Snoop has not yet announced what he plans to do as part owner of Reddit, many believe that he will use the site to help promote brands.

2. Robinhood

Founded by two Stanford graduates, Robinhood is a mobile app that “aims to make trading stocks simple and free.”  According to one of the app’s founders: “Most stock brokerages out there have been around for 30 years, their interfaces are clumsy, and they’re targeting older professionals and active traders. They’re no place for first time investors and that’s one of the things we focus on. Making it accessible. Having it be mobile friendly.”  After it’s launch, the app quickly gained popularity among young consumers.  Seeing a great investment opportunity, Snoop Dogg along with a few other celebrities, decided to put some cash into the company. Robinhood’s founders say that Snoop has been very helpful with the business, and is excited to be on board.

3. Marijuana Start-up Companies

Throughout his career, Snoop Dogg has always been an advocate for marijuana.  In fact, his love for the plant has become a very recognizable part of his image.  With the legalization of marijuana, at least for medical purposes, spreading throughout the country, Snoop has decided to get ahead of the game.  Recently, reports announced that Snoop Dogg is raising money to invest $25 million in “marijuana related start-ups.” Among this ideas is an Uber-like car service for delivering weed to customers.  Although this concept may seem a little premature, Snoop is known for being an early adopter.  If his ideas take off, he could stand to make much more money than he’s looking to invest.

4. Youth Football League

Sure, Snoop Dogg may not look like much of a football player, but he is an avid football fan. Over the years, he has invested in several football related ventures including a Chicago youth football league, Snoop’s Youth Football League (SYFL), and a women’s arena football team called the Los Angeles Riderettes.  Snoop’s money has provided many athletes with a chance to show their skills off to an audience, and even provided some with a chance to take their game to the next level.  In February 2015, sources reported that 20 players from Snoop’s Youth Football League made commitments to play football at division one schools.  Among those players, was Snoop’s son Cordell Broadus, who signed on to play wide receiver with UCLA.  Although Snoop’s return on these investments may not be monetary, he is certainly getting his money’s worth with the success stories of the players involved.

5. Philz Coffee

California-based coffee company, Philz Coffee, was founded by Phil Jaber in 2003.  According to the company’s website, its mission is simply to “better people’s day.” In 2015, Snoop Dogg came aboard to invest in the company, providing money to help Philz Coffee expand nationwide.  According to Nick Adler, vice president of the Cashmere Agency which helps Snoop with his investments: “Snoop has a special affinity for organic ingredients. He loved the Philz business but also loved the way they respect the coffee beans.” Outside of being an investor, Snoop is also a customer who enjoys the company’s product.  His favorite blend is Tesora, which is the first blend created by Philz Coffee.

(Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for BET)