Snoop Lion

Snoop Lion
Name	Snoop Lion
Birth name	Calvin Broadus Jr.
Birth date	October 20, 1971
Birth place	Long Beach, California, U.S.
Genres	Reggae, hip hop, dancehall
Occupations	Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor
Years active	1992–present
Labels	Death Row, No Limit, Priority, Doggystyle, Berhane Sound System
Associated acts	Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg , Pharrell Williams, Danja, Kenny G, Miley Cyrus, Shaggy (singer), Diplo, D'Angelo, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Drake (musician), Eminem, Akon, SNAP!

Snoop Lion is the reggae persona adopted by American recording artist Calvin Broadus Jr., known primarily for his work in hip hop. He announced the change in 2012 following a period of spiritual exploration in Jamaica, releasing a reggae album and pursuing collaborations across reggae, dancehall, pop, and electronic music. The shift drew attention from media outlets, fellow musicians, and cultural commentators, intersecting with debates about authenticity, religious conversion, and artistic reinvention.

Early life and career as Snoop Dogg

Born in Long Beach, California, Broadus began performing in the early 1990s and rose to prominence via collaborations with Dr. Dre on the album The Chronic and his own debut Doggystyle. He became a central figure in the West Coast hip hop scene alongside artists such as Tupac Shakur, Nate Dogg, Warren G, and groups like Tha Dogg Pound. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s he released albums on labels including Death Row Records, No Limit Records, and Priority Records, working with producers like Pharrell Williams, Danja, and Scott Storch. His career encompassed studio albums, film appearances with actors such as Eddie Murphy and Keanu Reeves, television projects associated with networks like MTV and VH1, and entrepreneurial ventures involving brands familiar to celebrities including Martha Stewart and P. Diddy.

Conversion to Rastafari and adoption of Snoop Lion persona

In 2012, after traveling to Jamaica and engaging with reggae musicians and Rastafari elders, he announced a spiritual conversion to Rastafari and adopted a new stage name. The move followed interactions with figures in the Jamaican music community, including sessions with Bunny Wailer-influenced musicians and time in locations such as Kingston, Jamaica and the parish of St. Ann Parish. During this period he worked alongside producers and artists from the reggae and dancehall traditions, connecting with names like Major Lazer and Shaggy (singer), and participated in documentary filmmaking with directors who had chronicled music movements in Jamaica and Los Angeles.

Reincarnated album and musical style

The resulting album, Reincarnated, featured reggae, roots reggae, and dancehall influences and included collaborators such as Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg-era associates, and producers from across genres including Diplo and D'Angelo. Recording sessions took place in studios with histories tied to artists like Bob Marley and contemporary producers who have worked with Rihanna and Justin Bieber. Musically, the project blended traditional reggae rhythms associated with acts like The Wailers with pop-oriented hooks similar to mainstream singles by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, while featuring songwriting partnerships with figures linked to Atlantic Records-era pop and Island Records roots releases.

Collaborations and performances

As Snoop Lion he performed at festivals and venues where reggae and popular music intersect, sharing stages with artists from the reggae and pop worlds including Shaggy (singer), Major Lazer, and crossover performers like Miley Cyrus. He collaborated in studio and live settings with producers and musicians who have credits alongside Pharrell Williams, Diplo, Akon, and other chart-topping figures. Appearances spanned televised events on networks such as BBC and NBC, festival lineups at events comparable to Glastonbury Festival and Coachella, and benefit concerts associated with charitable organizations linked to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.

Public reception and controversies

The announcement and persona change provoked debate among journalists, reggae historians, and fellow musicians including commentators referencing Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and other seminal reggae figures. Critics questioned issues of cultural appropriation, authenticity, and religious sincerity, with responses from figures in the Jamaican music industry and international press outlets like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Supporters and collaborators defended artistic freedom and spiritual exploration, citing precedents of genre-crossing by artists such as David Bowie and Madonna. The project also intersected with legal and commercial matters familiar to artists managing intellectual property through labels such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.

Return to Snoop Dogg identity and legacy

After the Reincarnated period he resumed performing and releasing music under his long-established rap identity, reengaging with producers and artists tied to his earlier career such as Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and Pharrell Williams. His legacy spans contributions to West Coast hip hop, crossover experiments in reggae and pop, film and television roles, and entrepreneurial activities comparable to those of Jay-Z and Diddy. Discussions of his impact reference hip hop milestones like The Chronic and cultural intersections involving Reggae heritage, and his career continues to be cited in analyses of musical reinvention alongside artists such as Michael Jackson and Prince.

Category:American reggae musicians Category:American rappers Category:People from Long Beach, California