Who Shot the Sheriff? Snoop Drops Rap, Changes Name, Sings Reggae (Listen)
The artist formerly known as...
Where have I heard that before? It's typical for an entertainment icon to morph as the public's musical tastes evolve over time. For some, it's the only way to assure survival with each new generation of listeners. Some artists get a little too carried away with this desire, and change far, far more than simply their sound.
After a mysterious spiritual revelation during a trip to Jamaica to record with DJ/producer Diplo, Rap and Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg is no more. Snoop, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., has turned much of what we know about him on its ear.
First off, the name. After meeting with a Rastafarian priest, Broadus has decided to take on the name of Snoop Lion. Apparently the priest thought Dogg didn't truly embody the singer's inner qualities, believing him to be more of a king of the musical jungle.
Along with accepting this new name, Lion has embraced the Rastafarian faith, which along with seeking world peace and equality through overthrowing those that enslave others, encourages its adherents to smoke marijuana as a holy sacrament. I'm sure many are wondering if this played heavily into Snoop's decision, as Snoop has publicly spent quite some time sharing the communion reefer.
The changes, however, don't stop with name and faith. Snoop called a press conference, showed up in a colorful Rastafarian outfit and dreadlock hat, and stated that from this point forward, he would only sing and produce Reggae music.
Lion's team has released a 48 minute combined interview and intro to a documentary on the "reincarnation" of the singer, beginning with a lengthy reminder about Snoop's musical legacy, perhaps in an attempt to stave off reporters' shaking their combined heads while the cameras are rolling.
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