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Snoop Lion talks Osheaga, Bob Marley and TIFF

August 3rd, 2012

When Snoop Dogg announced that he was dropping his famous rap name and instead going by Snoop Lion, fans were shocked, to say the least. MUCH talked to one of rap music’s most famous artists about his transition away from Snoop Dogg and rap, his new documentary REINCARNATION, working with his family on his reggae music, and his debut at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. And Batman.

Check out MuchMusic.com’s interview with Snoop Lion after the jump!

Can you tell us about your Osheaga set? Will fans be hearing old material as well as songs from your new album?

That’s the point of going to a show. For dope ass music and a surprise. If I sit here and tell ya what I’m gonna do, I’m taking a lot away from the fans. Be on the lookout for Snoop Lion in Montreal. I can tell u one thing though – it’s gonna be classic West Coast gangsta shit and some new funk with a Rasta touch for yo ass, ya dig?!?*

You recently changed your name to Snoop Lion after a religious awakening in Jamaica. Did you go to the country thinking you’d come back a changed artist?

No. I went down there to make an album and explore the culture. I didn’t think that it would effect me in the way I did, in becoming REINCARNATED as Snoop Lion.

A new chapter in your life is starting and reggae is taking the place of rap. How has making this new album been different from your previous records?

I was sick of making rap music. It doesn’t do anything for me anymore. It’s not a challenge. This is a whole new experience and a whole new way of making music for me. Shout out to Diplo and Major Lazers. They did their damn thang on the album. This project is a passion project for me, as well as a musical journey for Snoop Lion. My daughter Cori B is on the album, so I got family on there and it definitely brought a different level of love and respect for both of us.

On the track Kush with Dr. Dre and Akon, you sang “I’m Bob Marley reincarnated, so faded.” How has Bob Marley influenced your life? What qualities of the late artist do you think you share with him?

Bob played a huge part of my life. He is one of my favorite artists of all time. The overall spirit of Bob, as well as the Rasta Culture, is love and peace. Snoop Lion is all that and has been reincarnated to a whole new person. We are both revolutionary artists that influence the mass people, trying to give back to our culture through our music and harmony.

What’s the reaction been to the change from Snoop Dogg to Snoop Lion?

CNN World News. What more can I say? Go hard or go home, neffew.

Part of the change in your music seemed to come about in response to wanting your children and grandmother to be able to enjoy your music. How has your family influenced your sound and career choices over the years?

My family is my heart and my everything. Throughout the years they have been the backbone to my entire career.

What will fans see in Reincarnated when it opens at the Toronto International Film Festival?

Damn homey, you want me to give away all the secrets. That’s the point of the movie. To watch my spiritual journey. You gonna tell me the end of Batman while you’re at it?!?

Will you be making the trip to Toronto for the documentary opening?

Yezzir, Toronto Film Festival. Got to do it big at the biggest Film Festival out there.

*Editors note: We dig.

Tags: Movies, Osheaga, snoop dogg, Snoop Lion, tiff