Snoop Dogg Dances the Olympic Torch Through Paris Ahead of Opening Ceremony

Snoop Dogg — and the Olympic torch — is lit!

The rapper, 52, danced while carrying the Olympic torch through the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, as one of the final torchbearers ahead of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.

In a video on the Paris Olympics’ Instagram, Snoop — dressed in a white Olympics tracksuit and gold sneakers — was shown taking on the flame from the last torchbearer before dancing his way through the streets and waving to fans.

Snoop said that when he took on the role of torchbearer, he thought back to the surprise moment Muhammad Ali, who was struggling with Parkinson’s disease at the time, lit the Olympic cauldron during the 1996 Atlanta Games.

“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there. This is my own version of it,” Snoop said on a call with NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico on July 24, the Washington Post reported. “I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know that this is special.”

He also recognized the criticism that he, as an American, would carry the torch for the Paris Games.

“This says a lot about America as far as where we’re at in this world,” he said. “At the same time, it says a lot about France as far as connecting the dots and allowing me to do this. I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of nothing like this.”

“I’m going to be on my best behavior,” he continued. “I’m going to be on my best athleticism. I’ll be able to breathe slow, to walk fast and hold the torch with a smile on my face, because I realize how prestigious this event is.”

Along with his torchbearing duties, Snoop will also be a correspondent for NBC during the Olympics. Along with providing color commentary during primetime broadcasts, the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper will go around Paris and hang out with Olympians and their support crews.

“He’ll explore the city’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and events, and visit with the athletes, their friends and families,” the network said.

“We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix,” Snoop said in a statement ahead of the Games. “It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked. Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?”

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympics newsletter, to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.