Snoop Dogg is showing nothing but love and support for NBA YoungBoy and Larry Hoover, following their controversial federal pardons from former President Donald Trump. In true Uncle Snoop fashion, the rap icon is standing firm in his belief that everyone deserves redemption — especially in a culture where young Black men often face a system stacked against them.
In a recent interview with TMZ Hip Hop, the Long Beach legend got candid in Beverly Hills, reflecting on hip hop’s complicated relationship with the justice system, the misunderstood nature of gangs, and why second chances are everything — both for individuals and communities.
“You Mess Up, But You Grow”: Snoop Speaks on Redemption
While some critics are still debating the impact of Trump’s high-profile pardons, Snoop is all about progress, not punishment. His message? Mistakes don’t have to define you — and hip hop should be a space for growth and transformation.
“Playas may mess up,” Snoop said, “but second chances are invaluable.”
He’s especially optimistic about NBA YoungBoy, who has faced multiple legal issues over the years but still commands one of the most loyal fan bases in hip hop. Snoop acknowledges the 24-year-old rapper’s influence, particularly on the youth, and sees parallels between his own rise to stardom and YB’s tumultuous but resilient journey.
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Both Snoop and NBA YoungBoy share the October 20 birthday, and that connection isn’t lost on the OG rapper. He recalled how fans once looked up to him the same way YoungBoy’s Gen-Z followers ride for him today.
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Despite their generational gap, Snoop says he understands NBA YoungBoy’s story because he lived it — brushes with the law, the struggle for legitimacy, and the constant pressure of the spotlight.
“We’ve both been misunderstood,” he said. “But I made it out. And so can he.”
Snoop Backs Larry Hoover’s Path to Redemption
One of the more polarizing topics Snoop addressed was the recent commutation of Larry Hoover’s federal sentence. Hoover, the notorious founder of the Gangster Disciples (GDs), has since transformed into a vocal anti-violence advocate.
While Trump’s pardon doesn’t impact Hoover’s state conviction, Snoop says he’s all in on efforts to help end gang violence in Chicago — and believes Hoover could play a major role in healing the streets.
“It’s about growth. You’ve got to recognize when someone’s evolved. Larry ain’t who he used to be — and that deserves respect,” Snoop said.
“There’s Value in These Organizations – If the Violence Stops”
Snoop didn’t shy away from discussing the controversial debate over gang culture in America. While critics often paint gangs as purely destructive, Snoop offered a more nuanced take: it’s not the affiliation, but the actions, that determine the harm.
“I’ve seen gang members become business owners. Fathers. Leaders. It’s possible,” he said.
He himself is living proof. From Crip affiliations to becoming a global mogul, Snoop’s journey shows that even the most unlikely stories can have a second chapter.
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Snoop also addressed criticism over his Crypto Ball performance, a political event where his appearance sparked backlash. On his recent album Iz It a Crime?, he responds directly to the haters with a clever line:
“Life’s a game of spades, better keep a Trump card.”
It’s classic Snoop — cheeky, sharp, and unapologetically bold. The rapper is clearly aware of the optics, but he’s unbothered. For him, using his platform to spark change and amplify redemption stories outweighs the noise.
Death Row and Beyond: How Snoop Is Paying It Forward
Behind the scenes, Snoop is making power moves with his newly revived Death Row Records, now home to fresh talent and bold vision. His longtime collaborator and label president, Michael “Harry-O” Harris, was also granted clemency by Trump — thanks in part to Snoop’s advocacy.
That, to Snoop, is what this all boils down to: using influence to uplift others, especially those once written off by society.
“Life’s better when you’re not behind bars,” he said, with a knowing smile.
The Bigger Picture: Hip Hop, Justice & Healing
As hip hop continues to wrestle with its identity in a time of legal battles and political clashes, voices like Snoop’s remind fans of the genre’s deeper roots — resistance, redemption, and resilience.
Whether it’s NBA YoungBoy fighting to stay on the right path or Larry Hoover seeking to use his voice for good, Snoop wants us to look beyond past mistakes and see the potential for real change.
What do YOU think? Should more rappers follow Snoop’s lead in advocating for second chances? Drop your thoughts below and stay locked in for more hip hop exclusives!
