Paris, France – The 2024 Paris Olympics have already provided one of the most unexpected and memorable moments, and the Games haven’t even officially begun. During a promotional appearance on Wednesday, legendary rapper Snoop Dogg received an honorary black belt in judo and had a signature move named after him.
Angelica Delgado, a U.S. judo medal hopeful competing in the 52-kilogram (114-pound) division, had the honor of teaching the iconic artist one of her favorite techniques. “That was awesome,” Delgado told USA TODAY. “He loved one of the judo moves ’cause it sounded like O.G., and it’s really Ouchi, but I let him have it. I was like, ‘Yeah, the O.G. We’ll name that after you.'”
The “Ouchi-gari,” a move where the attacker strikes the opponent’s chest and then executes a rear throw by hooking the opponent’s leg from the inside, has now been christened the “O.G.” by Snoop Dogg himself. Delgado said the rapper was “fearless” and did a great job picking up the technique, even demonstrating it on the Team USA coach, Jhonny Prado.
In recognition of Snoop Dogg’s enthusiasm and newfound judo skills, the U.S. team presented him with his own keikogi, the traditional uniform worn in competition, as well as the honorary black belt. “He didn’t expect it,” Prado said. “And it’s funny because the first thing that he said, ‘I told Bruce Lee that I was going to become a black belt and I’m thanking you.’ He’s something else. It was really great.”
Delgado, a three-time Olympian who finished ninth in Tokyo and 17th in Rio de Janeiro, is one of four American judoka who qualified for the Paris Games. While the spotlight may have been temporarily stolen by the unexpected judo lesson and accolades for Snoop Dogg, the U.S. team remains focused on the competition ahead, with high hopes for medals in the coming weeks.
