A little bit of context
Snoop Dogg and the Funko Gold Figure
Snoop Dogg, also known as “Snoopy” 1, is a name synonymous with hip-hop. From his early days with Death Row Records to his recent Super Bowl performance, Snoop has become a global icon 2. This blog post will delve into Snoop’s history, his ventures into film and television, and his impact on the music industry. We’ll also explore Funko, the company behind the Gold Snoop Dogg vinyl figure, and where you can get your hands on this collectible.
Funko: The Company Behind the Collectibles
Funko, founded in 1998, has become a leading creator of pop culture collectibles. The company offers a wide range of products, including vinyl figures, plush toys, apparel, and board games. Funko’s mission is to connect fans with their favorite fandoms through unique and affordable collectibles 3.
Over the past few years, strategic acquisitions have become an important part of Funko’s expansion. The company notes that its Loungefly business has seen 12x growth since acquiring the maker of fashion apparel and accessories in 2017 4. When Funko acquires a company, it can immediately connect it with more than 1,100 licenses, and then they drop it…source to achieve this by expanding its product lines, growing its direct-to-consumer platform, and tapping into new international markets 4.
Some of Funko’s future plans include:
- Introducing new product lines: Funko is constantly innovating, with plans to release new lines like Pop! Candy, Bitty Pop!, and Bitty Soda 4.
- Expanding into new categories: Funko is exploring new categories, such as puzzles and confectionery, to reach a wider audience 4.
- Growing its direct-to-consumer platform: Funko is enhancing its online presence and offering more exclusive products through its website 4.
- Reaching new international markets: Funko is expanding its global reach by participating in international events like Brazil Comic Con 4.
- Expanding its digital offerings: Funko is increasing its digital offerings in the NFT space 4.
- Launching the “Fun on the Run Tour”: Funko will hit the road with a “Fun on the Run Tour” to connect with families in 25 cities 4.
- Launching the “Pop! Yourself” program: This program will allow fans to create a custom figure of themselves or a loved one 4.
- Opening a new flagship store on the East Coast: Funko is considering opening a new flagship store, potentially in Orlando, to cater to East Coast collectors 5.
Snoop Dogg: A Hip-Hop Icon
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, Snoop Dogg’s journey to fame began in the church. He sang in the choir and played piano at Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church, showcasing his musical talents from a young age 6. His mother nicknamed him “Snoopy” because she thought he looked like the cartoon character from Peanuts 1.
Snoop’s teenage years were marked by trouble with the law and his association with the Rollin’ 20 Crips gang 6. He was arrested several times for drug possession and spent time in prison 8. Despite these challenges, Snoop found solace in music, recording homemade tapes with his friends Warren G and Nate Dogg, forming the group 213 9. These early experiences shaped his music and persona, giving him a unique perspective and authenticity that resonated with audiences.
Snoop’s big break came when one of his tapes reached Dr. Dre. Impressed by his unique style, Dre invited Snoop to audition, leading to his feature on Dre’s solo debut, “Deep Cover,” and his landmark album, The Chronic 2. Snoop’s drawled lyrics and laid-back flow quickly captivated audiences, and his contributions to hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” solidified his place in hip-hop history 2.
In 1993, Snoop released his debut solo album, Doggystyle, which became an instant classic. The album was released by Death Row Records and Interscope Records 6 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling almost a million copies in its first week 10. With hit singles like “What’s My Name?” and “Gin and Juice,” Doggystyle showcased Snoop’s storytelling abilities and cemented his status as a rap superstar 10.
Snoop continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, experimenting with different sounds and collaborating with various artists. He left Death Row Records and signed with No Limit Records, releasing albums like Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told and No Limit Top Dogg 10. He later joined Priority/Capitol/EMI Records and Geffen Records, further expanding his musical repertoire 10.
Snoop Dogg in Video Games
Snoop Dogg’s influence extends beyond music and film. He has also made appearances in several video games, lending his voice and likeness to these interactive experiences. Some of his notable video game appearances include:
- True Crime: Streets of LA: Snoop Dogg appeared as himself in this 2003 action-adventure game, where players could interact with him and even have him as a partner in missions.
- Def Jam: Fight for NY: Snoop Dogg was a playable character in this 2004 fighting game, where he showcased his fighting skills alongside other hip-hop artists.
These appearances in video games further solidified Snoop Dogg’s presence in popular culture and allowed him to connect with fans in a new and interactive way.
Beyond Music: Film, TV, and Business Ventures
Snoop Dogg’s talent extends beyond music. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing his acting skills and comedic timing.
Film and Television
Some of his notable film roles include:
- Huggy Bear in Starsky & Hutch 11
- Blue in Training Day 12
- Appearances in Scary Movie 5 13
- The Beach Bum 11
- Day Shift 14
- The Underdoggs 14
Snoop has also made his mark on television, hosting shows like:
- Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood 15
- Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party 15
His unlikely friendship with Martha Stewart has led to various collaborations, including cooking shows, commercials, and even a wine brand 16. Their cooking show, Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party, even earned them an Emmy nomination 2, highlighting the success of their unique partnership.
Business Ventures
Snoop’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to invest in various businesses, including:
- Technology ventures: He was an early investor in Reddit and Robinhood 16.
- Cannabis companies: He co-founded Casa Verde Capital, a cannabis-focused investment firm with an estimated portfolio value of $300 million 16.
- Consumer brands: He has partnered with brands like Corona and Dunkin’, appearing in their ad campaigns 16.
Snoop also owns the Death Row Records brand, acquiring it in 2022 17. This acquisition is significant not only for its nostalgic value but also for its strategic implications. Snoop Dogg, who launched his career with Death Row Records, now has the opportunity to shape the future of the label and its artists.
Funko Gold: Snoop Dogg Vinyl Figure
Funko, known for its pop culture collectibles, has immortalized Snoop Dogg in its Vinyl Gold line. This 5-inch premium vinyl figure captures Snoop’s iconic style, featuring him in his signature khakis and flannel from the “Who Am I (What’s My Name)” music video 18.
Variations
The Funko Gold Snoop Dogg figure comes in two variations:
- Common: This is the standard version of the figure, featuring Snoop in his classic outfit.
- Chase: This is a rarer variant, featuring Snoop with a dog head, adding a playful touch to the collectible 19.
The chase variant is randomly inserted throughout the production run, with a 1 in 6 chance of finding it 19. This adds an element of surprise and excitement for collectors.
Where to Buy
Descriptions
The figure is made of vinyl and comes in a window display box 20. It’s approximately 5 inches tall and is suitable for ages 3 and up 21. The packaging dimensions are 3 inches in height, 3.75 inches in width, and 8 inches in length 21.
Conclusion
Snoop Dogg’s influence on hip-hop and popular culture is undeniable. From his groundbreaking music to his ventures in film, television, and business, Snoop has become a global icon. The Funko Gold Snoop Dogg vinyl figure is a testament to his enduring legacy, capturing his iconic style and personality. As Funko continues to grow and innovate, we can expect to see even more unique and exciting collectibles that celebrate our favorite pop culture icons.
What are your thoughts on Snoop Dogg and Funko collectibles? Share your comments below or on social media!
Works cited
1. Snoop Dogg: Biography, West Coast Rapper, Actor, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.biography.com/musicians/snoop-dogg
2. Snoop Dogg | Biography, Songs, Movies, Real Name, Olympics, Albums, & Facts, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Snoop-Dogg
3. Funko Fusion Devs Give Deep Dive Into Its Development – Game Rant, accessed January 29, 2025, https://gamerant.com/funko-fusion-development-interview/
4. Funko Reveals Plans for Growth as the Company Targets $2 Billion in Annual Sales by 2026 – The Toy Book, accessed January 29, 2025, https://toybook.com/funko-reveals-plans-for-growth-as-the-company-targets-2-billion-in-annual-sales-by-2026/
5. My Funko Hopes for 2025 – YouTube, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07PkjTshzgw
6. en.wikipedia.org, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg
7. All About Snoop Dogg’s Parents, Beverly Tate and Vernell Varnado – People.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://people.com/all-about-snoop-dogg-parents-8716733
8. www.biography.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.biography.com/musicians/snoop-dogg#:~:text=The%20musically%20inclined%20youngster%20played,the%20Rollin’%2020%20Crips%20Gang.
9. Snoop Dogg – Biography and Facts – Famous African Americans, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.famousafricanamericans.org/snoop-dogg
10. Snoop Dogg – Biography – IMDb, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004879/bio/
11. Snoop Dogg filmography – Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg_filmography
12. Snoop Dogg – Contact Info, Agent, Manager | IMDbPro, accessed January 29, 2025, https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0004879/
13. Snoop Dogg — The Movie Database (TMDB), accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/19767-snoop-dogg
14. www.google.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.google.com/search?q=Snoop+Dogg+acting+roles
15. Snoop Dogg List of Movies and TV Shows – TV Guide, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/snoop-dogg/credits/3000169852/
16. Snoop Dogg’s Net Worth is 9 Figures. See Where He Invests, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.investopedia.com/snoop-dogg-s-investment-instincts-take-him-from-rap-to-riches-8734142
17. How To Invest Like Snoop Dogg – Investopedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.investopedia.com/invest-like-snoop-dogg-8738028
18. Snoop Dogg Funko Gold (5″ Figure) – Get On Down, accessed January 29, 2025, https://getondown.com/products/snoop-dogg-funko-gold-5-figure
19. Funko Gold Vinyl: Snoop Dogg, 5 Inch Premium Vinyl Figure with Chase (Styles May Vary), accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.amazon.sg/Funko-Vinyl-Gold-Snoop-Dogg/dp/B0BPTQTN9L
20. Snoop Dogg Gold 5-Inch Premium Vinyl Figure – BigBadToyStore, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/product/variationdetails/218925
21. Snoop Dogg 5-Inch Vinyl Gold Figure – Entertainment Earth, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.entertainmentearth.com/product/snoop-dogg-5inch-vinyl-gold-figure/fu69364
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🎤 Yo, life’s a twist, gotta let it go,
Every loss is a seed, watch it grow. 🌱
Bounce back strong, yeah, that’s the plan,
Sometimes a loss makes you who I am. 💪
🎶 Uh, step back, take the lesson,
Pain in disguise, it’s a blessing. 🙏
Rise from the fall, now I’m rappin’,
Sometimes a loss is the best thing happenin’. 🎤✨