At the beginning of January, the American television channel NBC announced that rapper Snoop Dogg would be one of two consultants covering the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This surprising choice has sparked debate in the media and on social networks.
After fulfilling a similar role three years ago for the Tokyo Olympics on the Peacock streaming network alongside actor Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg is at it again. The rapper has just been hired by NBC, the American television network, as a special correspondent, working in tandem with sports specialist Mike Tirico. Snoop Dogg will “give his take on what’s happening in Paris, visit the city’s landmarks, attend competitions and meet athletes, their friends and families”, NBC said in a press release.
While the channel could have chosen a more traditional sports journalist or a more polished celebrity, it is banking on originality to reach a new audience who might have turned to other media to follow the Olympic events. NBC is also using Snoop Dogg’s humour and distinctive personality to make the Games more fun and dynamic. This breath of fresh air should also benefit from his aura on social networks. It’s easy to imagine the rapper’s jokes invading these networks with sequences that could generate millions of views, giving the audiovisual group an all-important profile.
A choice that entertains social networks
Despite the benefits of this appointment in terms of media impact, NBC has come up against some criticism. On X, several internet users have poked fun at the contrast between Gérald Darmanin’s policy against drug use and Snoop Dogg’s attraction to cannabis.
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Although last November the performer of ‘Still D.R.E.’, ‘Young, Wild and Free’ and ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ announced his decision to stop ‘smoking’, which could be interpreted as stopping drug use, the announcement was really just a publicity stunt for a portable smokeless brazier.
Indeed, it’s hard to imagine Snoop Dogg without a joint, as he’s been known to promote ‘weed’ for years. In 2015, the rapper even launched his own cannabis brand Leafs by Snoop, before launching the Death Row Cannabis range and Do It Fluid, cannabis-infused drinks, in 2023.
Some tweeters are already imagining the singer’s humorous outings, reinforced by his ‘cool’ attitude. But for decades, Snoop Dogg has also been the subject of much controversy, from sexist and hateful comments to accusations of complicity in murder and rape. It’s a controversial reputation that is being debated in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games, and is at odds with the values promoted by the global competition.
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However, the sporting legitimacy of the rapper, who is a huge sports fan, is hard to question.
“I grew up watching the Olympics and I can’t wait to see the incredible athletes show what they can do in Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication and the pursuit of excellence. We’re going to have some incredible competitions and, of course, I’m going to bring that Snoop style to the table. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned” said the artist, who continues to diversify his activities outside music.
It’s not unusual to see celebrities taking part in the Olympic Games. In France, the legendary flame will be carried by comedian and actor Jamel Debbouze, astronaut Thomas Pesquet, chef Thierry Marx and Miss France 2024 Eve Gilles.
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Featured photo : © Screenshot Youtube : Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams – Let’s Get Blown
