Snoop?

“Is that Snoop Dogg?” I asked my husband as he and I watched the opening of the 2024 Olympics on NBC last week. “What’s he doing there?”

My questions were judgy and critical.

“He’s carrying the torch…” my husband replied.

Confused, my husband and I both stared at the tall man with the long black braids on our screen strutting through the scenic streets of Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris, holding a large metal torch above his head. He smiled at, waved at and gave a few high fives to members of the crowd as he moved.

For readers who don’t know who Snoop Dogg is, he’s a somewhat controversial American rapper and songwriter who rose to fame in the 90s, but as of last week, he’s an unlikely torchbearer and special correspondent for NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics.

Afterwards, someone stuck a microphone toward his face and asked him to comment on the torchbearer experience.

“I was waving, shaking hands, kissing the babies — doing what I do, you understand me?” Snoop said, in his cool, smooth-as-butter voice. “Putting my foot on the pavement, letting the people know that we’re here. We’re here for peace, love, unity and great sportsmanship.”

And just like that, Snoop Dogg became America’s peace messenger — an ambassador, of sorts.

For the next consecutive evenings, as my husband and I tuned in to watch the events, the footage would inevitably break away to feature Snoop doing what he does best — showing up, spreading love and kindness, and making people smile.

Before a gymnastic event, the camera focused on Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, then the two gymnasts noticed someone in the stands, smiled and started dancing. The cameraman then found Snoop in the first row, wearing a white sweatsuit embellished with the American flag, with his hands in the air, dancing and rooting the gymnasts on.

He swam with Michael Phelps, perhaps swimming’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Watching the rapper cut up in the pool with the former Olympian was, well, surprisingly entertaining.

Each night, Snoop was there — front and center. “Do you think the Olympians and fans from other countries think that all Americans have swagger like Snoop?” I asked my husband, and we both chuckled, because he’s one of a kind. He’s unlike anyone else. And my husband and I couldn’t fake his brand of swagger if our lives depended on it.

But we were in for a treat when Snoop was asked to provide commentary on the USA vs. China badminton match.

“This is a great rally here between China and the U.S. right here,” he said. “As you see, it don’t stop ’till the casket drop. They rockin’ and rollin,’ back and forth. Give me that. No, I need that. Nope, over here. No, over there. What about over there? Nope. What about over there? Nope. Give me that. I need that. That too. Nope, sit down. Wait a minute. Way up in the sky. Now down. Back up. Over there. Now over here. Get out the way. Move. I told you. We need that.”

We laughed, and I said, “How did he get this gig? It’s as if he was just walking by, and NBC said, ‘Hey Snoop, do you think you could help us out with the Olympics this year? They start tomorrow.’” And then yesterday, Snoop worked alongside Martha Stewart in the equestrian center. Dressed to the nines with tall riding boots and a black jacket, Snoop loved it when the horses did that fancy trotting and continued from page

the side stepping they do. Afterwards, he confessed to the world that he was scared of horses, but Martha Stewart convinced him to feed one of the gentle giants a carrot. For those of us who are uneasy around horses, Snoop represented us all.

To summarize, Snoop Dogg has surprised me with the laid-back charisma, infectious energy, and message of peace and love he has brought to the Olympic games. The rapper has been everywhere, loving everyone, showing the world what it’s like to be open, kind, authentic and support not only the athletes, but America. It’s a reminder of why none of us should judge, and why all of us should keep an open mind.

As for us, we will tune in again tonight to watch the women’s balance beam and more men’s and women’s track and field events. The question is this: Will Snoop Dogg race an Olympian in a 200-meter heat? We can’t wait to find out.