On February 16, Rapper Snoop Dogg announced the death of his brother, in an Instagram post.
Bing Worthington, Jr., Snoop Dogg’s younger brother, died at the age of 44.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California confirmed the death occurred on Thursday, February 15 with Sergeant Frank Gonzalez stating that the cause of death is pending the results of a toxicology and autopsy report.
Snoop Dogg, 52, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., paid homage to his brother with a series of posts on social media including a heartfelt photo of Worthington, Jr. with their mother, Beverly Tate, who passed away in October 2021, stating, “until we meet again.”
Worthington, Jr. was a key figure behind the scenes in the music industry, significantly influencing his brother Snoop Dogg’s career. Starting as a tour manager, he rapidly ascended to the role of executive producer at Doggy Style Records, a label deeply associated with Snoop Dogg’s brand and legacy.
In a revealing 2016 interview with Vice, Worthington Jr. traced his journey from “the road guy” to a top-tier executive in the music industry. His entrepreneurial ventures under his brother’s brand were diverse, including his involvement with the Snoop Dogg Board Company and the culinary venture Snoop Doggs, showcasing his innovative spirit and versatility.
His collaboration with Quebec-based Urban Heat Legends, led by chief Miguel Lopez, was a testament to Worthington, Jr.’s vision of merging musical talents across borders. The partnership aimed to unite West Coast artists with their northern counterparts, fostering a unique cultural and musical exchange.
Following a recent family vacation to Jamaica, Worthington, Jr. became notably distant, a change friends attributed to the profound loss of his and Snoop Dogg’s mother, Beverly Tate, in 2021.
Worthington, Jr.’s legacy in the industry includes his role as the executive producer of “Bigg Snoop Dogg: Raw ‘N Uncut Vol. 1” and his writing credit for “Tha Jump Off,” featured in the “Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj” soundtrack. These contributions marked significant milestones in his career and showcased his creative and executive talents.
Plans to launch a Latino division of Doggy Style Records were in motion, a project that Worthington, Jr. and Lopez were passionate about. Lopez fondly remembered Worthington, Jr.’s heart and dedication, emphasizing that the label’s future endeavors would honor his memory.
Survived by a partner and an adult son, Worthington, Jr.’s passing has elicited condolences from different celebrities. His contributions to the industry, characterized by innovation and a relentless drive, have left an indelible mark.
This period marks a particularly challenging time for the Broadus family, following the recent severe stroke of Snoop Dogg’s daughter, Cori Broadus. At 24 years old, Cori has openly shared her health battle with lupus since being diagnosed at six, advocating for awareness and supporting others facing similar struggles.