Snoop Dogg’s Life Altered by Murder Case: A Three-Year Ordeal

Snoop Dogg, the renowned music legend, found himself entangled in a murder case that consumed his life for three long years during his early days as a rapper.

The experience left an indelible mark on him and transformed how he approached his music.

According to Snoop Dogg, his lyrics played a role in shaping his life.

Prior to the murder case that threatened to alter his destiny forever, he rapped about his personal experiences.

His songs often revolved around themes of death, crime, and loss, reflecting what he referred to as “life as a G.” However, the murder charges brought against him 30 years ago changed his perspective entirely.

Snoop Dogg's Troubled Three Years Amid Murder Charges

At the time of the crime in August 1993, Snoop Dogg was a rising star in the American rap scene.

Philip Woldemariam, a gang member, was tragically killed at a park, leading district attorneys to charge the celebrity with first and second degree murder.

Additionally, his bodyguard, McKinley Lee, faced charges of conspiracy to commit assault in connection to the case.

Prosecutors contended that Woldemariam was cold-bloodedly murdered, alleging that Snoop Dogg shot him in the back and buttocks during an altercation between rival factions at Woodbine Park.

Conversely, the defense argued that the gang member had reached for a weapon, prompting Lee to act in self-defense from inside a car alongside Snoop Dogg.

It was revealed during the trial that a firearm was indeed removed from Woldemariam.

Ultimately, the jury acquitted the 24-year-old star and his bodyguard.

However, they were unable to reach a verdict on lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter against both men, as well as a charge of conspiracy after the fact against Snoop Dogg.

The judge instructed them to continue deliberating, having already spent six days doing so.

Finally, when they returned with their decision, the not-guilty verdicts were read aloud.

Snoop Dogg's Life in Limbo for Nearly Three Years

According to the Los Angeles Times, Snoop Dogg's supporters, along with Lee, erupted with joy in the courtroom.

Snoop, head bowed, clasped his hands in prayer while his bodyguard expressed relief.

This emotional moment was televised for all to see.

Leaving the court with a smile on his face, Snoop held his two-year-old son, Corde, as he drove away in a Rolls-Royce, returning to his life.

“They made the right decision, you know what I'm saying?”

Snoop remarked.

“This has been an ordeal that has affected our lives for the past 2 1/2 years.

I was just trying to figure out if I was going to be here to raise my son.”

A Changed Approach to Writing About Death, Despite the Cost

Photo by J. Strauss/FilmMagic

The case had a profound and lasting impact on Snoop Dogg, who discussed it during an Instagram Live interview with Fatman Scoop in January 2021.

He explained how he shifted his focus in his lyrics and the subjects he addressed, recognizing that his words held more power than simply entertaining fans.

Snoop Dogg shared, “During that time, myself, Tupac, Biggie, [Ice] Cube… all of the rappers from that era, we were writing about what we were living.

Some of us were writing about life, and some of us were writing about death, but that's what we were experiencing.”

He went on to mention his second album, “Tha Doggfather,” which marked a turning point after he triumphed over the murder case.

He redirected his pen to write about life because he felt that he had been writing about death up until that point.

Snoop Dogg no longer wanted to glorify and glamorize death; instead, he aimed to focus on celebrating life.

However, this shift came at a cost, as he lost fans and faced challenges in maintaining his success.

He admitted feeling remorse and acknowledged that his life had changed significantly.

“This was a real situation,” he emphasized.

You can watch the inspiring clip here.