Snoop Dogg Changes Name To Snoop Lion

31 July 2012, 13:14

The rapper reveals that he has taken a musical change of direction after recording new album in Jamaica.

Snoop Dogg has apparently changed his name – the rapper now wants to be known as Snoop Lion.

The 'Drop It Like It's Hot' star apparently decided to adopt the new name after undergoing a spiritual rebirth while recording his new album Jamaica.

Appearing at a press event in New York, Snoop told reporters that Rastafarian priests had rechristened him Snoop Lion.

"I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated,” Snoop said, according to the New York Times. "I feel I have always been a Rastafari. I just didn’t have my third eye open, but its wide open right now."

Snoop Dogg has already set up a new Twitter account for his new name, and has been keeping fans up to date on his current promotional duties.

In a musical shift, Snoop said he was now writing reggae music, which he described as "music of love" and said his new work would have wide appeal.

"Rap is not a challenge to me," he said. "I had enough of that. It's not appealing to me no more. I don't have no challenges. I'm 'Uncle Snoop' in rap. When you get to be an uncle, you need to find a new profession so you can start over and be fresh again. I want to be a kid again."

Snoop Dogg's new album 'Reincarnated' is set to be released later this year.