We should’ve seen it coming.
Snoop Dogg’s decision to quit smoking sent shockwaves through his fanbase. On Thursday, the rap legend sent out cryptic social media posts with the caption, “I’m giving up smoke.” His message, “After much consideration & conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time,” made headlines around the world.
The “respect my privacy” portion of the statement had friends and fans wondering if something serious was going on with the Long Beach native. He received an outpouring of prayers for his health and safety. But it turns out he got us all, because it was all just one big publicity stunt.
On Monday, the “Gin and Juice” star posted a video with the caption, “I’m done with smoke. I’m going smokeless with @SoloStove. #ad”
“I have an announcement. I’m giving up smoke,” he says in the video. “I know what you thinking. Snoop, smoke is kind of your whole thing. But I’m done with it. Done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all stinky. I’m going smokeless. Solo Stone Fix Fire. They take out the smoke.”
Just so I’m understanding this, you played on our years of loyalty and support to do an ad for a smokeless fire pit? OK, sure. Look, we’ve known for years not to take Snoop seriously, because he’s a joker. He likes to have fun. But those original posts were very solemn in tone and absolutely hinted at something more serious than a publicity stunt.
He even inspired Meek Mill to make his own change. On Thursday, following Snoop’s post, the rapper announced that he would join The Doggfather in quitting, writing on x, “Ima go to Dubai and completely stop smoking…ima follow snoop, my doctor said I got a lil bit emphysema in a chest if I don’t stop smoking it cuts my lifeline in half, I was addicted to the nicotine and this new weed got too many chemicals and too risky to play with my mental!”
“Players” artist Coi Leray also announced her desire to follow in the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper’s footsteps. She took to Instagram Stories to confirm she would quit on Monday, writing, “Let’s do this!” However, she quickly adjusted her plan and switched it up, stating, “Ima quit after Thanksgiving.” I wonder if she still feels committed to quitting now that we all know it was just an ad.
Honestly, we probably should’ve seen this coming, because these days Snoop Dogg is about branding and promotion. However, the way he played on our emotions is insulting. And guess what, you won’t get us again. You just cried wolf, so don’t come back with another serious “respect my privacy” announcement and expect the same level of attention. We’ve learned our lesson.