Snoop Dogg's ‘giving up smoke’ announcement turns out to be a clever marketing gimmick for a stove

On November 17, the new Deathrow Records CEO took to his Instagram page to make a rather unsettling announcement - he was giving up 'smoke'.

“After much consideration & conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” the rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, told his 82.5 million followers on Instagram.

“Please respect my privacy at this time,” he added. 

The news came as a shock to millions of his fans and weed lovers world over as the rapper has long been open about his love of weed, and even claimed to have smoked in the White House.

On Monday, Snoop made the grand reveal his announcement had zero to do with quitting marijuana, and everything to do with Solo Stove,

Joining forces with the Texas-based brand, Snoop revealed that he was embracing a different kind of smokeless vibe with a fire pit bundle priced at $350 (Ksh. 52,675).

“I love a good fire outside but the smoke was too much,” said Snoop Dogg. “Solo Stove fixed fire and took out the smoke. They changed the game and now I’m excited to spread the love and stay warm with my friends and family,” he said. 

The Solo Stove allows Snoop Dogg to enjoy a fire pit without “coughing and his clothes smelling all sticky icky.”

As part of the partnership, Snoop Dogg will team with the company on product innovation and contribute toward designing a signature line of goods. 

A limited-edition bundle, already on sale, includes a bonfire fire pit designed by Snoop, a fire pit stand, bucket hat and sticker pack.

Over the past years, Snoop has launched several business ventures related to marijuana, including a pot-focused media company called “Merry Jane,” and a line of cannabis products.

He has also invested in in Casa Verde Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in marijuana start-ups.

Three days after the declaration, the rapper went back online to debunk the confusion, saying that he was going smokeless - while promoting a new smokeless stove.