Last month, the rapper formerly known as Snoop Dogg made it official that he was going to start doing reggae music under the name Snoop Lion.
Why the name change, you ask?
During the press conference announcing his change, Snoop talks about his trip to Jamaica, and the inspiration he received while immersing himself in the Rastafari culture. states that while at the temple of the Nybigi center in Jamaica, the high priest asked his him his name. When he replied "Snoop Dogg," the priest responded "No more...you are the light. You are the lion."
In both Christian and Rastafari, the Lion represents the "reincarnation of Christ" (or Jah in Rastafari terms). In other words, according to the priest, Snoop reawakened after entering the temple; he came anew.
Snoop has certainly taken the priest's words to heart on his first single under his Lion moniker La La La. Everything about the song is reggae, from the sound to its Jamaican/Rastafari accent and dialect. Snoop's decision to use the accent questionable, because it is not his regular his regular voice is already smooth enough to sing over a reggae track. He still talks in his normal accent during interviews, which is the same accent he used rapping as Snoop Dogg. It makes his delivery seem a bit less authentic.
Check out the La La La single here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d2F19K2kew
Regardless, Snoop's transformation IS an admirable one. In the press conference, Snoop explains that he wanted to make music that was inspiring to a wider audience, including young children and the elderly. Apparently, on many occasions, people close to Snoop have told him that his music is too violent and glorifies negativity. Now he has decided to do something different; something that nurtures people.
La La La shows Snoop talking about hypocrites who gossip about people who they are jealous of; something we have all experienced at some point in our lives. While I do love classic Snoop Dogg gangsta rap, I could never relate to the message because I have never lived that kind of lifestyle. I am a Black American who was lucky enough to NOT be exposed to that lifestyle as a child. Not to mention that 80% of hip hop's audience is Caucasian, most of whom do not truly know or understand the gangsta lifestyle either. Perhaps this is a sign that Snoop Lion is successfully reaching out to a wider audience not just with his cool style and rhythm (after all, Snoop did already have worldwide acclaim), but also with what he is talking about. Will the Lion have a lasting effect on Snoop and his listeners? Only time will tell.
View the whole press conference here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX7EqelDuQg&feature=related
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