Cynthia Erivo to Play Afeni Shakur in Snoop Dogg Biopic

Cynthia Erivo is set to portray Afeni Shakur, the influential mother of Tupac Shakur, in Snoop, the upcoming biopic about hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film is currently in production in Southern California and is scheduled for release in August 2027. Erivo joins a star-studded cast that brings key figures from Snoop Dogg’s life and the golden era of West Coast rap to the screen.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings Hip-Hop History to Life

The film features Jonathan Daviss (Outer Banks) as Snoop Dogg, with Myles Bullock Be stepping into the role of Dr. Dre. Camron Jones will portray Tupac Shakur, while Lauren London takes on the role of Beverly Tate, Snoop Dogg’s longtime partner. The ensemble cast also includes Ice-T, Algee Smith, Tre Hale, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Olly Sholotan, Corey Champagne, Jonica Booth, and SwayvoTwain.

Afeni Shakur, a former Black Panther activist, was a defining figure in her son’s life. Her complex relationship with Tupac inspired his iconic 1995 hit Dear Mama, a song that remains one of hip-hop’s most celebrated tributes to maternal love and resilience. The biopic will explore this dynamic, offering a deeper look at the personal and cultural forces that shaped Tupac’s legacy.

Why This Film Matters to Hip-Hop Fans

Snoop isn’t just a biopic about one of rap’s most iconic figures—it’s a story about the bonds that defined an era. Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur’s friendship began in 1993 at the wrap party for Poetic Justice, where the two rappers initially clashed before forming a close friendship. Their collaboration on tracks like 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted from Tupac’s 1996 album All Eyez on Me cemented their place in hip-hop history.

The film also arrives at a time when biopics about hip-hop legends are gaining traction. With Straight Outta Compton (2015) and All Eyez on Me (2017) already exploring the lives of N.W.A and Tupac, respectively, Snoop promises to add another layer to the story of West Coast rap’s rise. Fans can expect a soundtrack featuring Snoop Dogg’s classic hits, produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum, alongside Snoop Dogg himself and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker.

Cynthia Erivo’s Rise to the Role

Erivo, a three-time Oscar nominee and Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, is no stranger to transformative roles. She earned acclaim for her portrayals of Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha and Harriet Tubman in Harriet, as well as her recent turn as Elphaba in the two-part Wicked film adaptation. Her casting as Afeni Shakur adds another layer of depth to her already impressive filmography.

Beyond Snoop, Erivo has a packed slate of projects, including the fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone, the action thriller Karoshi, and the animated musical Bad Fairies. She is also set to play Miriam Makeba in The Road Home, directed by Dreamgirls filmmaker Bill Condon.

What to Expect from *Snoop

• Release Date: August 2027
• Director: Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow)
• Screenplay: Joe Robert Cole (initial draft), Craig Brewer (latest draft)
• Producers: Brian Grazer, Allan Mandelbaum, Snoop Dogg, Sara Ramaker
• Key Cast:
• Jonathan Daviss as Snoop Dogg
• Cynthia Erivo as Afeni Shakur
• Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur
• Myles Bullock Be as Dr. Dre
• Lauren London as Beverly Tate

For fans of hip-hop history, Snoop offers a chance to revisit the era that shaped the genre. With Erivo’s powerful performance as Afeni Shakur and a narrative that delves into the personal and professional lives of its subjects, the film is poised to be a must-watch for music and cinema lovers alike.