Snoop was droppin like it's hot in Chicago on Thursday.
With Chicago Bear great Otis Wilson at his side, the Doggfather was in the city to announce his plans for the Chicago chapter of his Los Angeles-based youth football league. Fo’shizzle.
"I'm bringing football out here so they can take their energy, their anger and their attitude and put it in the right source of environment, which is the football field," he said.
Snoop's Chi-Town tour started off with an appearance at the Chicago Indoor Sports Academy at 11 a.m. Then, the Snoop Youth Football League held a free football clinic Friday for hundreds of 8- to 14-year-old boys who live in Chicago Housing Authority.
"This allows them to see the artist giving back to the community," said Crystal Brown Black, executive director of Windows of Opportunity, the CHA's nonprofit affiliate. "Their ability to go onto a field and learn techniques in football is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Chicago is the first city outside the Golden State to get its own league. Teams will hit the field starting next year.
"I think he's bringing a very strong, positive message to us," said football player Connell Jones. "He's teaching us how not to be on the streets, how not to be in gangs and get involved more in our community."
Snoop Dogg, a former high school quarterback, started the program in 2005 with a $1 million investment. He's coached his son's youth and high school football teams.
The league, which will offer a lower cost to participate, is still looking for funding. But the rapper said recent violence in the city shows how much Chicago kids need alternatives like his league.
"I just feel like Chicago needs me right now. And I need Chicago," he said.
