Rap legend and business mogul Snoop Dogg will deliver the commencement address to graduates of the USC Marshall School of Business on May 17, 2025. The ceremony, taking place at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, marks a significant milestone for both the graduating class and the celebrated entrepreneur who continues to expand his business empire beyond music.
A meaningful connection
The Long Beach native’s relationship with USC extends well beyond this upcoming appearance. A regular presence at university sporting events, Snoop has demonstrated ongoing commitment to student development through classroom visits and engagement with the business school community. Last year, he surprised students with an impromptu lecture at USC Marshall, sharing insights from his multifaceted career path.
This commencement invitation builds upon Snoop’s recognition as the USC Lloyd Greif Center Entrepreneur of the Year in December 2024. The award acknowledges his successful ventures spanning entertainment, cannabis, food and beverage, and media industries—business achievements that resonate strongly with Marshall’s academic focus.
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Inspiration for future business leaders
For many graduating students, Snoop represents the perfect embodiment of entrepreneurial success. His career trajectory from music artist to business innovator closely aligns with the aspirations of many Marshall students hoping to merge creative industries with business acumen.
The artist behind classics like Drop It Like It’s Hot and Gin and Juice brings perspectives from his numerous successful ventures, including a cannabis company, a wine label, a breakfast cereal, and multiple media enterprises. His diverse portfolio demonstrates the application of business fundamentals across various industries—a perspective particularly valuable to graduates entering today’s dynamic marketplace.
Beyond music: business expertise
Snoop‘s business credentials extend well beyond celebrity endorsements. His strategic investments and brand development showcase authentic entrepreneurial instincts that have transformed his initial music success into a lasting business legacy.
The Marshall School’s decision to feature such a prominent entertainment entrepreneur reflects the evolving nature of business education. Today’s graduates increasingly seek career paths that blend traditional business structures with creative industries—a trajectory Snoop has successfully navigated throughout his career.
Ceremony expectations
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum provides a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. As graduates and their families gather in this iconic venue, they’ll witness the culmination of years of academic work celebrated through the wisdom of one of Southern California’s most recognizable business success stories.
In accepting this speaking invitation, Snoop emphasized that commencement represents not merely an ending but a beginning—a crucial moment when graduates step into their purpose and potential impact. His message to the class of 2025 will likely draw from his own experiences navigating business challenges while maintaining authentic creative expression.
Looking ahead
As anticipation builds for the May ceremony, the Marshall School continues preparations for what promises to be a memorable celebration. The selection of Snoop Dogg represents the school’s commitment to showcasing diverse paths to business success and acknowledging unconventional business wisdom.
For graduating students, this commencement speaker selection offers inspiration from someone who has demonstrated remarkable business versatility. Snoop’s ability to adapt to changing markets, identify emerging opportunities, and build lasting brand value aligns precisely with the skills USC Marshall aims to instill in its graduates.
The upcoming address will undoubtedly emphasize perseverance, innovation, and authentic leadership—qualities that have defined Snoop’s transition from music artist to business mogul. As these graduates prepare to navigate their own professional journeys, they’ll benefit from the unique perspective of someone who has successfully bridged entertainment and entrepreneurship.
When Snoop takes the stage this May, he’ll address a generation of business students who have studied his career not just for its cultural impact but for its business implications. His journey from hip-hop pioneer to diversified entrepreneur represents exactly the kind of success story that inspires today’s business graduates to pursue their own innovative paths forward.
