July 31, 2012 20:34

Snoop Dogg: 'I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated'

'Snoop Lion' speaks out about his new reggae persona

Photo: PA

Snoop Dogg has spoken out about his new reggae persona, Snoop Lion.

In a press conference held yesterday (July 30) in New York – via Holy Moly – the artist said that he always felt he was "Bob Marley reincarnated" and that he was always Rastafarian, yet his third eye wasn't open yet. He said:

I didn't know that until I went to the temple, where the High Priest asked me what my name was, and I said, 'Snoop Dogg.' And he looked me in my eyes and said, 'No more. You are the light; you are the lion.' I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated. I feel I have always been a Rastafari. I just didn't have my third eye open, but its wide open right now.

He continued: "On this particular project, I had no planning on going to Jamaica, making a reggae record. The spirit called me. And, you know, anytime the spirit calls you, you gotta know that it's serious... I basically let them know what I want. It's not that I want to become Snoop Dogg in a reggae track... I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion."

Snoop Dogg recently teamed up with Diplo to the release a reggae single, titled 'La La La'. You can listen to the track below.

An album of reggae songs, titled 'Reincarnated', will be released later this year on the Vice label and has been produced by MIA and Beyonce producer Diplo/Major Lazer.

The producer had revealed earlier this year that Snoop was in the studio recording an all-reggae album. He also let slip that the West Coast rapper would be singing on the record.

The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.

Share on Facebook