When we think of Snoop Dogg, we usually think of the "Gin and Juice" era, his Olympic commentary, or maybe his cooking shows with Martha Stewart. But behind the smoke and the public persona is a guy who is deeply, almost fiercely, devoted to his family. That’s why it hit so hard when the news broke that snoop dogg grandson passed away back in 2019. It wasn’t just a headline; it was a crushing moment for a family that usually projects nothing but "positive vibes only."
The details were sparse at first, which only fueled the internet's habit of speculating. Honestly, it's one of those stories that makes you stop scrolling and realize that even the biggest icons on the planet aren't immune to the kind of grief that leaves you breathless.
The Heartbreaking 10 Days of Kai Love
Kai Love was born on September 15, 2019. He was the son of Corde Broadus—Snoop’s eldest—and his partner Soraya. For a family that was already celebrating being a growing dynasty, Kai was the fifth "G-baby."
Then, just 10 days later, on September 25, he was gone.
It happened in the hospital. Specifically, he was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Corde shared the news on Instagram with a video that was both beautiful and gut-wrenching. It showed Kai’s sister, Elleven, giving him a kiss while he was still in the hospital.
You've probably seen the posts where Corde talked about how Kai died in his arms. That’s a heavy thing for any parent to carry, let alone share with millions of people. He mentioned that Kai had "graduated" and finished his work on earth in those ten short days.
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People kept asking: "What happened?" The family didn't release a specific medical cause of death. And frankly, they didn't have to. Sometimes, especially in the NICU, things just happen that are beyond anyone's control.
How the Broadus Family Processed the Loss
Snoop himself didn't go on a press tour to talk about it. He’s not really that kind of guy when things get real. Instead, he posted a video about trusting God even when you don't understand what's happening. It was subtle, but for Snoop, it was a massive acknowledgement of the pain.
Shante Broadus, Snoop’s wife, was a bit more vocal in her mourning. She shared a video of herself singing "The Love We Had Stays on My Mind" by The Dells. You could see the tears. It felt raw. It didn't feel like a "celebrity post"—it felt like a grandmother who was hurting.
A Legacy of "Love + Light"
One of the most striking things about this tragedy was the dry-erase board in the hospital room. It had a "Plan for the Day" section. The nurses or the family had written: "Love + Light."
That became a bit of a mantra for them.
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- Corde Broadus didn't spiral into bitterness. He talked about how Kai’s energy would continue to inspire those whose "light is dim."
- Soraya and Corde eventually launched the Kai Heart Foundation. They used their son's name to give back, doing toy drives and helping other families.
- The family leaned into their spiritual side. They chose to see those 10 days as a gift rather than a robbery.
It’s easy to look at a celebrity's life and assume everything is easy. But losing a child—or a grandchild—is a leveler. It doesn't matter how many Platinum records you have on the wall.
Why This Story Still Resonates
We see headlines every day about celebrities, but the day snoop dogg grandson passed away stuck because of how the family handled the aftermath. They didn't hide the grief, but they didn't let it consume their future either.
In the years since, the Broadus family has grown even more. Snoop is now a grandfather to seven, including Sky Love, who was born in 2021. If you watch Snoop today, you can see he cherishes those grandkids. He calls himself "Papa Noop."
It’s a reminder that grief doesn't just go away; it changes shape. It goes from a sharp, stabbing pain to a dull ache that eventually becomes a part of your foundation.
What We Can Learn From Their Grief
If you’re dealing with a loss or just trying to understand how people move forward after something this tragic, there are a few real-world takeaways from how the Broadus family navigated the storm.
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1. Acknowledge the pain publicly or privately, but acknowledge it.
Snoop chose a spiritual approach. Shante chose music. Corde chose transparency. There is no "right" way to grieve, but trying to pretend it didn't happen usually backfires.
2. Turn the "Why" into "What now?"
The Kai Heart Foundation is a perfect example of this. They couldn't change what happened to Kai, but they could change how his name was remembered.
3. Lean on the circle.
You’ll notice that during that time, the family stayed tight. They weren't leaking stories to the press or fighting. They retreated into their own "safe haven," as Snoop called his fans and family during a concert shortly after.
4. It's okay to move forward.
Corde specifically used the phrase "Moving Forward" in his posts. It’s not the same as moving on. Moving on implies forgetting. Moving forward means taking the memory with you.
Practical Steps for Coping with Infant Loss
If you or someone you know is going through something similar to what the Broadus family faced, it's vital to seek support that goes beyond social media.
- Reach out to specialized groups: Organizations like "Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support" provide resources specifically for NICU losses.
- Don't rush the process: The "10-day" window is incredibly short, but the impact is lifelong. Give yourself permission to feel everything.
- Create a memorial: Whether it's a foundation like the Broadus family or just planting a tree, having a physical place to put that love helps.
The story of Kai Love isn't just a sad footnote in a rapper's biography. It's a testament to a family's resilience. It shows that even in the darkest "Love + Light" moments, there is a way to find a path through the smoke.
To honor Kai’s memory and support others facing similar tragedies, consider looking into the Kai Heart Foundation or donating to your local children’s hospital NICU. These units are often underfunded and represent the front lines for families in their most vulnerable moments.