Rapper Snoop Dogg to carry the Olympic torch in Saint-Denis

The famous American rapper Snoop Dogg, aged 52, will be one of the torchbearers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The relay will take place on Friday, July 26 in Saint-Denis, marking the penultimate stage before the opening ceremony. Mathieu Hanotin, the socialist mayor of Saint-Denis, announced this news, highlighting the importance of this event for the city and the region. «The fact that the flame spends the last day in Saint-Denis, just before joining the opening ceremony, is a signal of the place of Seine-Saint-Denis in the Olympic dynamic,» said Hanotin. Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., he is an essential figure in global popular culture. Discovered by Dr. Dre in the 90s, he made rap history with his first album, «Doggystyle», released in 1993. Since then, he has diversified his activities, establishing himself as an influential personality beyond music.

Alongside him, other personalities will carry the Olympic flame, including actress Laetitia Casta, rapper Mc Solaar, and former Ukrainian pole vaulter Sergei Bubka. A diversity in the choices of torchbearers illustrating the organizers' desire to celebrate different forms of excellence and commitment. In addition to his role as a torchbearer, Snoop Dogg has been recruited by the NBC channel to comment on the Games. This decision follows the success of his interventions during the Tokyo Olympics, where his spontaneous and humorous comments captivated millions of viewers. Molly Solomon, executive director of NBC Olympics, emphasized: «Snoop is already a gold medal commentator, who generated tens of millions of views for his commentary on key moments of the equestrian dressage events at the Tokyo Olympics.» The rapper expressed his enthusiasm for repeating the experience: «I grew up watching the Olympics and I'm super excited to see these incredible athletes at their best in Paris». Often associated with the consumption of marijuana, he continues to play provocatively with his public image. His latest single, «Cali 2 Canada», in collaboration with Warren G, is a striking example, featuring a cover with a cannabis leaf and a maple leaf. In November 2023, he even made a buzz by announcing that he was quitting smoking, before revealing that it was actually a communication operation in partnership with an American brand. Surprisingly, he remains one of the most appreciated and respected public figures worldwide. His image, associated with his passion for sports, notably basketball and American football, already promises iconic comments.

Saint-Denis and Seine-Saint-Denis play a central role in these Olympics, hosting a large part of the infrastructure and events. The passage of the flame in this popular area of the Paris suburbs is a tribute to its dynamism and contribution to the Olympic spirit. July 25 and 26 will be a celebration of Olympic values and inclusivity. The relay will include important stops such as the athletes' village, the Stade de France, and the Aquatic Center, before ending at the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the necropolis of the kings of France. A route designed to highlight the cultural and historical riches of Seine-Saint-Denis, while involving its inhabitants in the Olympic adventure. The Olympic flame, a symbol of peace and unity, will traverse these historic sites before reaching Paris for the opening ceremony. These initiatives reflect the organizers' redoubled efforts to make the event accessible and attractive to a wide and diverse audience.