Snoop Dogg Changes Name to Snoop Lion, Presenting Documentary + Reggae Album
Bow-wow-wow-yippie-yo-yippie-say what? Snoop Dogg has changed his name to Snoop Lion and is leaving the rap game. If you haven't noticed lately, Snoop has been dressing like a Rastafarian and for good reason. The veteran rhyme-slinger says he's the kindred spirit of Bob Marley and is now embracing reggae music.
Snoop just released the trailer for his new documentary 'Reincarnated,' which chronicles his spiritual pilgrimage to Jamaica and the recording of his reggae album of the same name. "I'm tired of rapping," he said in the clip. "F--- Snoop Dogg … all that s--- be out of here... Rastafari called me."
The movie has been selected to premiere at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place Sept. 6 through Sept. 16. The accompanying album will boast production from Diplo and features singers Melanie Fiona and Rohan Marley, son of the late great Bob Marley. There's also a photography book in the works and a non-profit initiative called Mind Garden which will provide food and assistance to needy children in Kingston, Jamaica. Yeah mon!
"I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated," Snoop told reporters at a news conference in New York, according to the New York Times. "I have always been a Rastafari."
But don't worry, Snoop Dogg is not completely leaving rap alone, the game still needs him. "I could never become Snoop Lion," he says, "if I wasn't Snoop Dogg first."
Watch Snoop Dogg's Trailer for His Documentary 'Reincarnated'