Snoop Dogg is undoubtedly one of the most iconic rappers of our time. With his distinctive flow, laid-back persona, and undeniable charisma, he has captured the hearts of millions of fans across the globe. However, there’s one question that often arises when people talk about this rap legend: was he ever in the military?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Snoop Dogg’s military service (or lack thereof) and explore the stories and rumors surrounding his military background. Along the way, we’ll delve into the military experiences of other rappers such as Ice-T and Ice Cube, and investigate what musicians have served in the military in general.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about the fascinating intersection of hip-hop and the military, grab a seat and read on. We guarantee you’ll uncover some intriguing facts and maybe even dispel a few myths along the way.
Ice-T’s Military Career
Ice-T is not only a famous rap artist and actor; he is also a former military serviceman. Before becoming a star, Tracy Lauren Marrow, his birth name, joined the Army in 1977 at the age of 19. As expected, Ice-T’s military photo has garnered attention over the years, especially with his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Here are some interesting facts about Ice-T’s military career:
Enlisting in the Army
- Ice-T’s military career began after he dropped out of high school in 1975.
- He joined the Army in 1977 to help support his daughter and was stationed in Hawaii.
- Ice-T said that his time in the military helped him gain discipline.
Military Photo
- Ice-T’s military photo features him sporting a buzz cut and wearing his Army uniform.
- The photo has been widely circulated and is often used in comparison to his current appearance.
- Some people are surprised to learn that the rapper and actor once served in the military, making the photo even more fascinating.
Leaving the Military
- Ice-T was honorably discharged from the Army in 1983.
- He moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, and the rest, as they say, is history.
- Ice-T’s military experience has influenced his music, particularly with his songs about poverty, drugs, and street life.
Final Thoughts
Ice-T’s military career showcases that even those who achieve great success in the entertainment industry had humble beginnings. His experience in the Army helped him develop discipline and a work ethic that translated well into his music and acting career.
Ice-T’s military photo is a fascinating piece of trivia that highlights his early years. It shows how much he has changed over time while also reminding us of his past. Despite his current success, he still attributes his military training to his success in the entertainment industry.
Overall, Ice-T’s military career is an interesting topic that sheds light on the various paths that lead to success.
Was Snoop Dogg a Marine?
Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is a well-known rapper, actor, and producer. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, but did he serve in the military, specifically as a Marine?
Contrary to popular belief, Snoop Dogg was never a Marine. However, he did express interest in joining the Marine Corps as a teenager. In an interview with Howard Stern in 2005, Snoop stated that he tried to enlist in the Marines after high school but failed the entrance exam.
Although he never served in the military, Snoop Dogg has shown support for the armed forces throughout his career. He has performed at several military bases and even filmed a music video for his song “Let’s Get Blown” on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. Snoop has also made appearances overseas to entertain troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Although he never served as a Marine, Snoop Dogg has played a military role on screen. In the 1994 film “Murder Was the Case,” he played the character of Brown, a gang member who joins the military to escape the pressures of gang life. Snoop has also appeared in other films and TV shows that involve the military, including “Training Day” and “Starsky & Hutch.”
In summary, Snoop Dogg was never a Marine, but he has expressed interest in joining the military in the past. He has taken steps to support the armed forces throughout his career and has played military roles on screen.
“Ice Cube’s Military Service: From Infantry to Hip-Hop Icon”
Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson, is widely recognized as a West Coast hip-hop legend and beloved actor. However, before becoming a cultural icon, he served in the United States Army Reserves.
Early Military Days
In 1987, while still part of the group N.W.A., Ice Cube joined the Army Reserves. Initially trained as an administration clerk, he later qualified as a personnel specialist. His tenure with the Army lasted two years.
Basic Training
Before being dispatched to military service, Ice Cube completed basic infantry training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. This is the same place where Richard Pryor had served in the Army.
Deployments
Unlike fellow rapper Tupac Shakur, who served in the Marines, Ice Cube didn’t deploy overseas. Instead, he spent his service at Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York, where he also continued his music career with the group Da Lench Mob.
Military-Inspired Lyrics
Ice Cube has attributes some of his most prominent music and movie works to his Military Days. He credited the Army Reserves for helping him develop a better understanding of the world and sharpening the critical thinking and communication skills he exhibits to date.
Training with Grenades
During his military training, Ice Cube became proficient in using grenades. He joked about his experience in the single “The Wrong Nigga to Fuck Wit,” from his second solo album, Death Certificate.
In conclusion
Many rappers, like Ice-T and Chuck D, besides Ice Cube, have in the past pursued military careers before pursuing music careers. Ice Cube’s time in the Army Reserves was brief compared to his other endeavors, but it played a role in shaping who he is today, from sharpening his lyrical skills to developing his creative thinking and communication skills, which have made him a superstar.
What Rapper Was in the Military?
When it comes to rappers who have served in the military, there are a few names that come to mind. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Ice-T
Before he was a rapper, Ice-T served in the United States Army for four years. During his time in the military, he was deployed to Hawaii and then to California, where he served as a squad leader.
Mr. Cheeks
Mr. Cheeks, who was a member of the group Lost Boyz, served in the United States Navy for four years. He joined the military after he dropped out of college and said that the experience helped him to grow up and become more responsible.
MC Hammer
Before he became a household name for hits like “U Can’t Touch This,” MC Hammer served in the United States Navy for three years. He was assigned to work as a storekeeper and was stationed in San Francisco.
Shaggy
Shaggy, whose real name is Orville Burrell, served in the United States Marine Corps before he became a Grammy-winning musician. He joined the military when he was 18 years old and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Snoop Dogg
While Snoop Dogg did not serve in the military himself, he has been a vocal advocate for veterans’ issues. He has performed for troops overseas and has used his platform to raise awareness about the challenges that many veterans face when they return home.
Key Takeaways:
- There are several rappers who have served in the military, including Ice-T, Mr. Cheeks, MC Hammer, Shaggy, and Snoop Dogg (in his own way).
- Serving in the military can be a formative experience that helps individuals to grow and mature.
- Many rappers who have served in the military have gone on to achieve success in the music industry.
Rappers who served in the Marines
While Snoop Dogg might be one of the most well-known rappers with military ties, there are actually a few other notable hip-hop artists who served in the Marine Corps. Here are some rappers who also have Marine Corps experience:
1. Shaggy
Yes, that Shaggy. “It wasn’t me” is now a Marine Corps veteran. He enlisted in the Corps in 1988 and served as a field artillery cannon crewman. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and served during Operation Desert Storm.
2. MC Hammer
MC Hammer rose to fame in the late 80s with his hit song “U Can’t Touch This.” But before he became a superstar, he served as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, where he worked as a supply clerk.
3. J. Cole
Jermaine Cole, better known as J. Cole, didn’t serve in combat like Snoop Dogg, but he did spend two years in the U.S. Army. He joined in 2010 and served as a communications specialist.
4. Ice-T
Ice-T is another rapper who served in the military before becoming famous. He enlisted in the Army in 1977 and spent four years on active duty. He was stationed in Hawaii and served as a squad leader in the 25th Infantry Division.
5. Juvenile
Juvenile, best known for his hit song “Back That Azz Up,” enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1994. He served for three years and was honorably discharged in 1997.
These rappers might not be as famous for their military service as Snoop Dogg, but their time in the Marine Corps is still an interesting part of their stories.
Musicians Who Served Their Country
Snoop Dogg’s time in the military may come as a surprise to some, but he is not the only musician who served his country. Here’s a list of other musicians who also took the time to serve their nation:
1. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is known for his contributions to the music industry, but he also served in the military. He was drafted in 1958 and served in the United States Army until 1960.
2. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash is a country music legend, but before he became famous, he served in the Air Force. He joined in 1950 and served for four years.
3. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s music inspired a generation, but before his music took off, he served as a paratrooper in the United States Army. He joined in 1961 and served for one year.
4. Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson’s music career was put on hold when he joined the United States Army in 1960. He served as a helicopter pilot and was awarded the Air Medal.
5. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is one of the most iconic musicians in country music history, but before his fame, he served in the Air Force. He joined in 1950 and served for nine months before he was medically discharged.
6. Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris may not be known for his music, but he is a martial artist and actor. Before his acting career took off, he served in the United States Air Force as a military policeman.
7. Ice-T
Ice-T is a rapper and actor, but before his success, he served in the United States Army. He joined in 1979 and served for four years.
These musicians all made significant contributions to the music industry and to their country. It’s truly fascinating to learn about their past and the sacrifices they made for their country.
In conclusion, musicians who served their country deserve recognition for their bravery and dedication. Their service to their country shows that they not only have talent but also a strong sense of duty and honor.
Who was the Rapper that Was a Marine?
You may be surprised to know that Snoop Dogg was not the only rapper who served in the military. In fact, there are several rappers who have served in different branches of the military, including the Marine Corps.
Here’s a quick rundown of the rapper who was a Marine:
Shaggy
Shaggy, the Jamaican-American reggae fusion artist, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 to 1992 as a Field Artillery Cannon Crewman. During his time in the military, he was stationed in North Carolina and served in Operation Desert Storm.
Here are some interesting facts about Shaggy’s time in the Marine Corps:
- He earned his nickname “Shaggy” during his military service because of his hairstyle at the time.
- He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal during Operation Desert Storm.
- Shaggy’s military experience inspired his hit song “Boombastic.”
It’s always interesting to learn about the lesser-known facts of our favorite artists. Knowing that Shaggy, in addition to Snoop Dogg, served in the military is a testament to the diversity of experiences and backgrounds that make up the music industry.
In the next subsection, we’ll dive deeper into Snoop Dogg’s military service and how it shaped him as an artist.
Full-time Rappers in the Army
While Snoop Dogg’s brief stint in the military may have surprised many, there are actually several talented rappers who are full-time members of the armed forces. Here are some of the notable names:
1. MC Hammer
Believe it or not, the ’90s rap star MC Hammer was once a member of the United States Navy. He joined in 1981 and served for three years before pursuing a career in music. Despite his military background, Hammer has been known to be critical of some aspects of military culture, particularly around race and diversity.
2. Shaggy
Grammy-winning rapper Shaggy actually served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988 to 1991. While in the military, he honed his musical skills, performing on base and even recording a demo tape. He went on to pursue a career in reggae and hip-hop, ultimately achieving worldwide fame with hits like “Mr. Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me.”
3. Ice-T
Ice-T is perhaps best known for his pioneering work in gangsta rap in the ’80s and ’90s. But he also had a brief career in the military, serving in the Army for four years in the late ’70s. Ice-T has spoken before about the impact of his military experience on his music, saying that it taught him to “call things as I see them.”
4. Montel Williams
Talk show host and motivational speaker Montel Williams served in both the Marine Corps and the Navy Reserve. He enlisted in the Marines in 1974 and served for two years before joining the Navy Reserve, where he ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Williams has been an outspoken advocate for military personnel and veterans throughout his career.
5. Mystikal
New Orleans rapper Mystikal actually served in the Army for a brief period in the mid-’90s. He has credited his time in the military with giving him discipline and helping him develop his work ethic as an artist.
These rappers may be better known for their music careers, but their military service is an important part of their stories. Their experiences in the armed forces undoubtedly shaped them as individuals and artists, and serve as a reminder of the impact that military service can have on a person’s life.