🏆Snoop Dogg Crowned Ultimate Icon at 2025 BET Awards, Celebrates Legendary Career

🏆Snoop Dogg Crowned Ultimate Icon at 2025 BET Awards, Celebrates Legendary Career

At the 2025 BET Awards held on June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg was honored with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award, a recognition celebrating his decades-long impact on music, entertainment, advocacy, and culture. This accolade places Snoop Dogg among an elite group of artists who have shaped the landscape of hip-hop and beyond, alongside fellow recipients Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin.

The award was presented by longtime collaborator and friend Dr. Dre, who praised Snoop as “one of the most prolific artists in hip-hop” and highlighted his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his roots. Dre humorously noted Snoop’s ubiquitous presence in media, joking, “Every time I turn on the TV, I see Snoop trying to sell something,” which drew laughter and applause from the audience.

Snoop Dogg’s acceptance speech was both heartfelt and inspiring. He paid tribute to his wife, Shante Broadus, whom he called his “everything” and credited for keeping him grounded throughout his career. He also acknowledged his family, longtime collaborators like Warren G and the late Nate Dogg, and his ten grandchildren, whom he described as his “greatest inspiration.” Snoop emphasized that being an icon is not about fame but about legacy — what you build, what you leave behind, and who you lift up along the way. He dedicated the award to “the homeboys that I lost,” the next generation of artists, and everyone still grinding and believing in their dreams.

The ceremony was a celebration of Snoop’s extraordinary career spanning over 30 years. Since bursting onto the scene in the early 1990s, Snoop Dogg has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, including classics like “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “The Next Episode.” Beyond music, he has become a cultural icon with ventures in television, film, and business, including his acquisition of Death Row Records in 2022.

Following his acceptance, Snoop Dogg delivered a show-stopping performance featuring a medley of his greatest hits. Joined by familiar faces such as Kurupt, Warren G, and Charlie Wilson, he performed fan favorites including “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Beautiful,” “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None),” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang.” The performance was a vibrant reminder of his enduring influence and ability to connect with audiences across generations.

Throughout the night, Snoop also paid tribute to his fellow Ultimate Icon Award recipients, showing respect and admiration for their contributions. He spoke warmly about Kirk Franklin’s music and its healing power, expressed support for Jamie Foxx’s resilience after his 2023 stroke, and shared a touching story about his long-standing friendship with Mariah Carey, recalling how her music was a source of comfort during difficult times.

The 2025 BET Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart, were marked by many memorable moments, but Snoop Dogg’s recognition as an Ultimate Icon stood out as a highlight. His speech and performance encapsulated the spirit of hip-hop’s evolution and the importance of legacy and community in the genre. Snoop’s words resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike, reinforcing his status not just as a rapper but as a mentor, advocate, and cultural ambassador.

In reflecting on his journey, Snoop Dogg emphasized the transformative power of hip-hop in his life: “Hip-hop gave me a voice, gave me a purpose, gave me a way out and a way in — into homes, hearts, cultures and countries I never thought I would even touch.” His message to aspiring artists was clear: “Be original. Be fearless. And above all, be you.” This philosophy has guided him through decades of success and challenges, making him a true icon of the music industry.

Snoop Dogg’s Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards is a testament to his enduring impact on music and culture. It celebrates not only his artistic achievements but also his role in uplifting others and shaping the future of hip-hop. As he continues to innovate and inspire, Snoop Dogg remains a towering figure whose legacy will influence generations to come.