American rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor, Snoop Dogg now known as Snoop Lion, who recently visited Durban, South Africa, for the MTV All Star concert told the press that he loves African music.

Snoop said "to be able to come back to the origin of where music was created is special for me.”

Interview:

Q: What does the new reggae album ‘Reincarnation’ mean to you?

A: It was more about a journey. I was on a journey musically and spiritually. I went to Jamaica and spent time there and I loved the culture, the spirit and the music. Reggae music became important to me because it spoke about the love, peace and struggles of the people. 

Q: You have collaborated with Dbanj and you were on stage with Africa’s finest, how do you feel about African music?

A: I love African music. Here is where all the music started with the drums in the villages; creating that sound to communicate with each other. So to be able to come back to the origin of where music was created is special for me. I would like to get into the studio with all the artistes (of the MTV All Star concert) and produce a record.

Q: Now that you have become Snoop Lion, has it affected your street credibility?

A: No, because I was never based on street credibility. Street credibility is based on actors, who are trying to be something. My credibility comes from being real. It is not about credibility or being from the streets because when you become who you are, your main goal is going back to the streets to connect with the people. So I will never lose my street credibility for becoming a grown wise educated mature man.

Q: You did a song with your daughter for the Reincarnation album called ‘No Guns Allowed’. Do you support her entering the brutal industry that is the music business?

A: It was awesome having my daughter in the record. The song is called ‘No Guns Allowed’. It speaks about the violence in America and we just want to see it end. I wanted to put my daughter on the record because she believes in what I believe and I support her if she wants to get into the music industry. I will watch and guide her. And I will let her know the truth about the industry. One thing I do with my kids is I don’t lie to them. I tell them the truth so when they enter into the music industry they won’t find it as a shock because I have told them the truth first.

Q: Are there artistes you wouldn’t work with as Snoop Lion?

A: No matter who I am I have no prejudice. How I get down is how you get down. My record as Snoop Lion, you see I have Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus and Busta Rhymes, I don’t judge people by what they do.

Q: What is your take on the Bunny Wailer’s comments about your taking up reggae music and Rastafarianism?

A: There is no one man that can make you Rastafarian, there is no one man that you answer to. For me, Rastafarian is a way of life. It is a reflection of love and peace that you feel and project. For those who are mad at me, Bunny Wailers most notable is because I feel like I put a spotlight on something they have been doing their whole life and given it so much attention. And I just walked into the reggae world and I did it. I’m not here to make money. I’m here to get a spot that will get the spotlight on the true meaning of the music which is love, peace. And here he is pushing all this negativity. So, who is more Rastafarian, me or him?

Q: What is your take on marijuana as Snoop Dogg and as Snoop Lion?

A: Marijuana to me is a herb that is from the earth. It was put here for us to enjoy. That is my girlfriend, I love her to death. 

Agencies