You’ve probably seen the headlines or heard Snoop Dogg casually toss the word around in interviews. "That’s my nephew," he says about Kendrick Lamar. It sounds official. It sounds like a family reunion waiting to happen. But in the world of West Coast hip-hop, words often carry a weight that isn't found in a DNA test.
So, let’s get the big question out of the way immediately. Is Kendrick Lamar Snoop Dogg's nephew?
No. Not by blood.
They aren't related in the way you’re related to your mom’s brother. There is no shared grandmother, no secret family lineage connecting Compton and Long Beach through a direct ancestral line. If you looked at their birth certificates, you wouldn’t find a single overlapping surname.
But if you ask Snoop? He’ll tell you Kendrick is family. Honestly, in rap culture—especially the California brand—that distinction is almost more important than a biological one.
The "Uncle" and "Nephew" Dynamic Explained
Snoop Dogg is basically the unofficial ambassador of the West Coast. He’s the "Uncle" to an entire generation. When he calls Kendrick his nephew, he’s using a term of endearment and respect. It’s a mentorship thing. It’s a "passing of the torch" thing.
Remember 2011?
There was this massive moment at a concert in West Hollywood. Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, The Game, and Kurupt were all on stage. They literally crowned Kendrick Lamar the "New King of the West Coast." It was a heavy, emotional moment. Snoop didn't just give him a shoutout; he gave him the keys to the kingdom. From that second on, the "Uncle Snoop" and "Nephew Kendrick" labels were locked in.
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It’s about lineage, sure, but the musical kind. Snoop came up under the wing of Dr. Dre. Kendrick also became a protégé of Dr. Dre. In a weird, industry-family-tree way, that makes them "related" through their connection to the Aftermath/Death Row legacy.
That Time Snoop Had to Apologize to His "Nephew"
If you want proof of how serious Snoop takes this "uncle" role, look at what happened during the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef in 2024. This is where things got a bit messy and very human.
Drake released a track called "Taylor Made Freestyle." If you recall, he used AI to mimic Snoop’s voice. Snoop, apparently not fully realizing what he was sharing (he later blamed it on being a bit too "elevated" on edibles), posted the track to his Instagram.
Kendrick wasn't thrilled. He even mentioned it later on his surprise 2024 album GNX, specifically on the track "Wacced Out Murals."
But look at how Snoop handled it. He didn't get defensive. He didn't start a Twitter war. He did exactly what a real uncle does: he picked up the phone.
Snoop later admitted in an interview with Bootleg Kev that he left Kendrick a message: "Nephew, it’s Uncle Snoop. I got the message. I apologize, I was messed up. My bad."
That right there? That’s not industry talk. That’s a man respecting a younger artist he genuinely views as his successor. He called him "nephew" even while apologizing.
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Who Is Actually in Snoop’s Family Tree?
Since we've established Kendrick isn't a blood relative, you might be wondering who actually is. Snoop’s real family tree is actually pretty star-studded, which is probably why people get so confused about Kendrick.
Snoop (born Calvin Broadus Jr.) has a list of cousins that sounds like a Hall of Fame ballot:
- Nate Dogg: The late, legendary king of hooks was Snoop’s actual cousin.
- Daz Dillinger: One half of Tha Dogg Pound. Also a cousin.
- Brandy and Ray J: Yep, the R&B icons are his first cousins.
- Mercedes Moné (Sasha Banks): The pro wrestler is also part of the Broadus/Varnado family circle.
When you have a family that talented, it’s easy for fans to assume every other West Coast legend is part of the clan. But Kendrick? He’s the "adopted" favorite who earned his spot at the table through bars and discipline rather than DNA.
Why This Rumor Won't Die
People love a good legacy story. The idea that the swagger of 90s Long Beach and the lyrical genius of 2010s Compton are linked by blood is a great narrative. It feels like a movie.
Also, Snoop uses the word "nephew" constantly. He uses it for Wiz Khalifa. He used it for Drake (before the beef got weird). He uses it as a placeholder for "younger artist I respect."
But with Kendrick, it feels different. There's a specific gravity to it. Snoop has gone on record saying Kendrick’s "Not Like Us" united the West Coast in a way he hadn't seen in decades. He credited Kendrick with bringing together different gangs for a "peace treaty" vibe during the "Pop Out" show.
To Snoop, a "nephew" is someone who carries the flag. Kendrick doesn't just carry it; he’s flying it higher than almost anyone else ever has.
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The Real Connection: Dr. Dre
If there is a "father" in this scenario, it’s Dr. Dre.
Dre discovered Snoop in the early 90s. He basically crafted the sound that made Snoop a household name. Fast forward twenty years, and Dre did the same for Kendrick with good kid, m.A.A.d city.
They are brothers in the Aftermath lineage. They are both students of the same school of perfectionism. When you see them perform together—like at the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show—you aren't seeing a biological uncle and nephew. You’re seeing three generations of West Coast excellence.
Dre is the architect, Snoop is the icon, and Kendrick is the philosopher.
Wrapping Up the Family Mystery
So, no. Kendrick Lamar is not Snoop Dogg’s nephew in a legal or biological sense.
He’s a kid from Compton who grew up idolizing the legends of the 90s and eventually became their peer. Snoop calling him "nephew" is the ultimate badge of honor. It means you’re "in." It means the OGs have seen your work, they’ve seen your heart, and they’ve decided you belong to the tribe.
Next Steps for Hip-Hop Fans:
If you want to see the "uncle/nephew" chemistry in action, go back and watch the footage from the 2011 Music Box concert where Snoop passes the torch. Then, listen to "Institutionalized" from To Pimp a Butterfly, where Snoop provides the guest vocals. It’s the best way to hear how their two distinct eras of West Coast rap actually blend together when the cameras aren't rolling.