Rapper Snoop Dogg, aged 52, whose legal name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., revealed the passing of his younger brother, Bing Worthington, Jr., through a post on Instagram on February 16.
Worthington, Jr., who was only 44 years old, was confirmed dead by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California on Thursday, February 15. Sergeant Frank Gonzalez stated that the cause of death is still being determined pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology report.
Snoop Dogg paid tribute to his brother by sharing a touching photo of him with their mother, Beverly Tate, who passed away in October 2021. The caption simply read, “Until we meet again.”
Worthington, Jr. played a pivotal role behind the scenes in the music industry, including having a significant influence on Snoop Dogg’s career. He started as a tour manager and quickly rose to the position of executive producer at Doggy Style Records, a label closely linked with Snoop Dogg’s brand and legacy.
In a 2016 interview with Vice, Worthington, Jr. shared his progression from being “the road guy” to a high-ranking executive in the music industry. His entrepreneurial endeavors under his brother’s brand were quite varied, ranging from his involvement with the Snoop Dogg Board Company to the food venture Snoop Doggs, demonstrating his innovation and adaptability.
Worthington, Jr.’s collaboration with Quebec-based Urban Heat Legends, led by Miguel Lopez, showcased his vision of pairing musical talents across borders. The partnership aimed to bring together West Coast artists with their northern peers, encouraging a unique cultural and musical exchange.
After a recent family trip to Jamaica, friends noticed a change in Worthington, Jr.’s demeanor, which they attributed to the deep loss of his and Snoop Dogg’s mother in 2021.
Worthington, Jr.’s contributions to the industry include his role as the executive producer of “Bigg Snoop Dogg: Raw ‘N Uncut Vol. 1” and his writing credit for “Tha Jump Off,” featured in the “Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj” soundtrack. These works reflect key achievements in his career and display his creative and managerial skills.
Plans were underway to launch a Latino division of Doggy Style Records, a project that Worthington, Jr. and Lopez were deeply committed to. Lopez recalled Worthington, Jr.’s passion and dedication, insisting that the label’s future projects would pay tribute to his memory.
Worthington, Jr., who leaves behind a partner and an adult son, has been mourned by numerous celebrities. His innovative and persistent contributions to the industry have left a lasting impact.
This is a challenging period for the Broadus family, especially in the wake of the recent severe stroke suffered by Snoop Dogg’s daughter, Cori Broadus. At only 24, Cori has been advocating for awareness and support for those with lupus since her diagnosis at the age of six, openly sharing her own health journey.
