Snoop Dogg proudly carries Olympic 2024 torch through Paris becoming unlikely star

Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, has a very special role in the Paris Olympics this week as he carries the prestigious torch through the city.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to kick off this week on July 26 and will run until August 11.

Already the Olympians have descended upon the French capital and excitement is beginning to build.

The artist, 52, followed in Halle Berry’s footsteps from last month and carried the Olympic flame through Saint-Denis, in the North of Paris.

He was seen beaming and waving to onlookers while holding the Olympic torch, wearing a white tracksuit.

The rap legend is one of the final torchbearers ahead of today’s opening ceremony in the French capital after the torch relay ends at the Eiffel Tower.

The flame’s journey across France began when the torch touched down in May in Marseille and the rapper will be escorting the flame on its last leg of the journey.

He isn’t the only celebrity bestowed with the honour as he was accompanied by French actress Laetitia Casta, French rapper MC Solaar, and retired Ukrainian pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka.

While some have questioned why Snoop Dogg, 52, is involved in the sporting competition, he also has another major involvement in the games.

Earlier this year, the Gin ‘n’ Juice rapper landed a job as a special US correspondent for NBC and Peacock and plans to give some ‘Snoop style’ to the gig.

The rapper announced on January 1st in a press release and said: ‘I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris.

‘It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” said Snoop. ‘We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix.

‘It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked. Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?’

Speaking to Time, Snoop said he was keen to take on this gig as he loves sports.

‘Why not? Not why. This is what I do, you know what I’m saying? I love being in front of the people. I love sports. I know what I’m talking about. The network is appealing enough to understand that we deserve each other. So we’re gonna make magic.’

He added that he is going to bring ‘the fire and the smoke’. When questioned about what exactly this meant, he replied: ‘You figure it out. I’m pretty sure you’ve been doing this sh-t long enough to figure out what I mean by that.’

He also clarified that he has no plans to smoke marijuana while in France as it’s illegal.

‘I’m a very legal guy,’ he said. ‘I plan on going out there and doing NBC Olympic work. Being clean as a book, clean as the athletes. They can test me if they want to.

‘I’m going to be out there doing what I’m supposed to be doing to make sure I bring home the gold. Which is me.’ 

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