The upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic is continuing to build an impressive cast, and the latest casting announcement brings a powerful connection to R&B and hip-hop history.
SwayvoTwain, the son of legendary R&B artists D’Angelo and the late Angie Stone, has been cast as Christopher Wallace, better known to the world as The Notorious B.I.G., in the highly anticipated film “Snoop.” The casting was first reported by Variety.
SwayvoTwain Steps Into the Role of Biggie
SwayvoTwain, whose birth name is Michael Archer Jr., comes from an extraordinary musical family. His father is Grammy-winning singer and musician D’Angelo, while his mother was the acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress Angie Stone.
Now, he will portray one of hip-hop’s most influential figures: The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie, born Christopher Wallace, became one of the defining voices of East Coast hip-hop during the 1990s. His career included the landmark albums “Ready to Die” and “Life After Death,” as well as classic songs that helped establish him as one of rap’s greatest storytellers.
Although Biggie and Snoop Dogg represented different sides of the country’s hip-hop landscape during the height of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, the two were part of the same generation of artists who helped transform hip-hop into a dominant force in popular culture.
SwayvoTwain’s casting therefore adds another layer to a movie centered on Snoop’s journey through one of the most important eras in hip-hop history.
A Star-Studded Look at Snoop’s Early Career
The film already features a growing lineup of actors portraying major figures connected to Snoop Dogg’s life and career.
Jonathan Daviss, best known for Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” will portray Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr.
Myles Bullock has been cast as Dr. Dre, the producer and rap legend who played a pivotal role in launching Snoop’s career. Camron Jones will portray Tupac Shakur, while Tre Hale will take on the role of Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight.
The cast also includes Algee Smith as Warren G and Corey Champagne as Nate Dogg. Olly Sholotan will portray Kurupt, and Jonica Booth will play The Lady of Rage.
Laya DeLeon Hayes is set to portray Snoop’s wife, Shante Broadus, while Lauren London will play Snoop’s mother, Beverly Tate.
The latest casting additions include Bentley Green as RBX and West Coast rapper G Perico as Big Reecie Cup, further expanding the movie’s portrayal of the West Coast hip-hop scene.
Craig Brewer Directs the Biopic
“Snoop” is being directed by Craig Brewer, the filmmaker known for movies including “Hustle & Flow” and “Black Snake Moan.”
The screenplay was developed from a script written by Joe Robert Cole, who co-wrote Marvel’s “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
The project is being produced through Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Pictures in partnership with Universal Pictures. The film represents a major opportunity to tell the story of Snoop’s rise from Long Beach, California, to becoming one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world.
Snoop originally announced plans for a biopic in 2022. The project has been in development for several years, with casting beginning to take shape more recently.
Jonathan Daviss Takes on Snoop Dogg
Jonathan Daviss was announced as the actor playing Snoop Dogg in 2025 following an extensive audition process.
Daviss has spoken about the unusual opportunity of portraying a living music icon while having direct access to Snoop during the preparation process.
Snoop has reportedly been closely involved with the project, giving Daviss an opportunity to spend time with him and gain insight into his personality and experiences.
That involvement could be particularly important for a film covering such a complicated period in music history.
Revisiting the Golden Era of Hip-Hop
One of the biggest attractions of “Snoop” is the number of legendary hip-hop figures expected to appear throughout the story.
Snoop’s career was closely connected to Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Suge Knight, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt, The Lady of Rage and numerous other artists who helped define the sound and culture of 1990s hip-hop.
The addition of Biggie to the story is especially intriguing because of the larger historical context.
The 1990s were marked by the highly publicized East Coast-West Coast rivalry, with Death Row Records and Bad Boy Records at the center of much of the tension surrounding the music industry.
Biggie was the flagship artist of Bad Boy Records, while Snoop became one of the most recognizable artists associated with Death Row Records.
By bringing SwayvoTwain into the cast as Biggie, the filmmakers are expanding the story beyond Snoop’s immediate circle and placing his career within the broader hip-hop landscape of the era.
A Meaningful Casting Choice
SwayvoTwain’s casting is also notable because of his own connection to music.
Being the son of D’Angelo and Angie Stone means he grew up surrounded by two influential voices in R&B and soul music. His mother, Angie Stone, was a pioneering figure whose career stretched across R&B, soul and hip-hop, while D’Angelo became one of the defining artists of the neo-soul movement.
SwayvoTwain is now stepping into the world of acting while portraying another legendary musician.
The role could introduce him to a much wider audience and give him an opportunity to establish himself beyond his family’s musical legacy.
When Will “Snoop” Be Released?
The Snoop Dogg biopic is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on August 6, 2027.
With filming reportedly already completed, anticipation is expected to grow as Universal begins releasing more information, images and promotional material from the movie.
For fans of Snoop Dogg, Biggie, Tupac, Dr. Dre and the legendary artists of the 1990s, the film could offer a dramatic look at one of the most influential periods in hip-hop history.
And for SwayvoTwain, stepping into the shoes of The Notorious B.I.G. could become one of the most important moments of his young career.
“Snoop” is shaping up to be more than a traditional music biopic. With a cast filled with actors portraying some of hip-hop’s most recognizable figures, the film has the potential to bring an entire era of music history back to the big screen.
