Cori "Chocc" Broadus is bearing it all on her new album, but this is nothing new as she takes pride in being an open book.
As Snoop Dogg’s only daughter, Broadus was the only girl growing up in her household. Aside from her mother, she realized from a very early age that she was different. Moreover, at age six, she was diagnosed with lupus, and this experience also played a huge role in shaping her identity and artistry as a singer.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve always felt like the outcast,” she tells xoNecole. “Just with me being sick, my hair falling out, then I was on steroids, so it made me chubbier. Then, if you look at my brothers, they’re light-skinned and slim. So I think I didn't feel like I fit in just off the bat like it was always. And I know sometimes they say being an outcast is a positive thing that you should accept and look at. Because if you’re in a room full of people, they will automatically pick you because you stand out.”
Cori Broadus
Lee Gumbs
Being different was something that everyone around Broadus said she should accept, but she recalls questioning why certain things were happening to her. It wasn’t until the California native grew older that she realized her journey was part of a bigger picture.
“As I got older, and I started to realize, Okay, God, he puts certain people through things so they can tell their story, and they can be an example,” says Broadus. “He doesn’t put us through things we can’t handle. So, I think years with that shaped me into who I am now, which is a leader and an example for people who can sit back and be like, ‘Okay, if she can go through it, I can go through it too.’”
When Broadus began to release the notion of feeling sorry for herself, embrace who she is, and see herself in a better light, she realized that life was worth living after all. Now, she’s stepping into this new chapter with confidence and determination to remain healthy in body and spirit.
Now that her new EP Journals to Johnny is out for consumption, Broadus says the music directly reflects where she is in life right now – experiencing the world as an open book.
“I’m never afraid to show my good and bad days on social media. I don’t just show the perfect side of my life,” the “Just Like You” singer explains. “I feel like Journals to Johnny was kind of the same thing, like the things that I’ve been through over the years, and the things that I may feel, and just translating that into my music, instead of holding a seminar and talking about it.”
Broadus is in complete control now, and she’s singing about the things that move her and taking her career into her own hands, using her father, the legendary Snoop Dogg, as a guiding force but also letting her know that she can turn her pain into art through music.
“I feel like it’s self-discovery. I used to be in the studio with many writers and producers, and it was never what I wanted to talk or sing about; it was always what they wanted me to sing about,” she recalls. “And I think I was just doing whatever to make my dad happy, but I felt like I was at an age where I didn’t go through life how I’m going through life now. So, there were certain things they would have me sing about, but it just wasn’t sitting right with me. I couldn’t be authentic about it if that made sense. So, I think just over the years, just growing into womanhood and going through life, I was just able to make it make sense on pen and paper through my music.”
While Journals to Johnny is her latest sonic journey that mirrors her life, Broadus also opens up about her life via reality television in a new series, Snoop’s Fatherhood: Cori & Wayne’s Story, which she says isn’t your average father-daughter story. The hope is that those watching will become inspired by her story and know that they can and will get through life’s challenges in due time.
“It’s very relatable. It’s not your clichè Snoop Dogg’s daughter gets married, and she has this extravagant wedding, and all the celebrities are there, and it’s just perfect,” says Broadus. “Nothing is perfect. So I think Wayne and I show that even in our relationship. We show our ups and our downs. We show it’s not just saying yes, picking a dress, picking a tux, and going on a honeymoon. That’s not it at all. Many things come with wedding planning and being in a relationship. You have to be willing to put in that work. It’s like a nine to five, and I think we show that it’s not easy and that this is just a part of life.”
Along with making a name for herself within the entertainment sector, Broadus is also taking up space in the world of beauty through the Chocc Factory, helping to promote the power of self-love and body positivity.
Having her hands in various pots, whether it's helping to talk to others about suicide awareness after her mental health struggles, making music, or just using her platform to empower others, it is all a testament to the various layers she possesses as both Cori and the person who reflects her stage name, Chocc.
“Cori, she’s sweeter and shyer. I feel like you’re talking to Cori right now,” Broadus explains. “She’s sweeter and not as confident, but I think Chocc knows what she wants.”
Broadus adds, “She’s standing on business. She’s being firm. She’s not letting anyone run over her. She knows what she wants, and she’s a boss, you know what I mean? Like, if you hear Journals to Johnny, you can hear that. My dad said, ‘Cori, this album is banging.’ I said, you know why, Dad? Because I was driving the car, I was in the driver’s seat. And he was like, ‘Well, who gave you the driver’s ed classes?’ That’s it too, but I think just me growing up, going through life experiences, and knowing what I want and don’t want, and just applying that to my life… that separates Cori and Chocc.”
Journals to Johnny is now available for your listening pleasure on all digital streaming platforms, and Snoop’s Fatherhood: Cori & Wayne’s Story is currently streaming on Peacock.
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Feature image by Lee Gumbs
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Why I Decided To Have A Journaling Meet-Up
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Because journaling has been such a transformative practice for me, I wanted to share it with others and build community on similar ideas. That is one of the reasons why I created my brand, The Self-Care Writer. Not only did I want to provide self-care products like my Journaling & Self-Care Essentials Kit, but I also wanted to have events that were rooted in self-care and wellness.
So this year, I decided to have my first event. The new year often brings optimism as people are looking to make positive changes in their lives, and that's why I decided to have my event the weekend following New Year's Day. Thus, my event Release & Renew Journaling Meet-Up was created.
The Process
It was my first event, and while I wanted it to be nice, I also wanted something low-maintenance and free for the girlies. That's why I decided to make it a meet-up. It takes the pressure off of attendees and myself. I had it at a local Atlanta cafe so we wouldn't be forced to meet a food and beverage minimum.
Also, I was unsure of how many people were actually going to show up. I shared the meet-up with friends, posted on social media, and created an Eventbrite page. While I had a lot of tickets purchased through Evenbrite, you know how it is when something's free.
I capped the tickets at 25, and I had a total of eight girls show up. Most were friends, which I'm so grateful for. I was also proud that I got out of my comfort zone and took a chance at something I've wanted to do for a long time.
I had journal prompts for those who needed a little push and cute rose-gold pens with my website on them. After introductions and instructions, we mingled, ate, drank our coffees and teas, and journaled together.
What I Learned
Because it was my first event, I had low expectations, and I think that's best when planning something like this. The atmosphere seemed very encouraging, and everyone seemed to enjoy the space. However, I think we all could agree it was a little noisy at times, so it was hard to hear each other.
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While this is just the beginning, I am excited for what's to come. Who knows? I may even write a follow-up story about what else I've conquered since my first meet-up.
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