Bob Marley’s Son Defends Snoop in Rastafari Row

Bob Marley's son has defended Snoop Lion following accusations he became Rastafarian for profit.

The rapper was heavily criticized by members of the Rastafari community - including Bob's former bandmate Bunny Wailer - who claim he turned to their way of life to promote his upcoming reggae album and documentary - both titled Reincarnated - and says his father would have too. Rohan Marley, 40, told TMZ, "Our father's name should not even be mentioned in this issue because like a true Rasta, he would have embraced Snoop's reincarnation and welcomed the positivity."

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Snoop Lion Accused of Rastafarian Fakery

Snoop Lion has been accused of becoming a Rastafarian for profit.

The rapper - who changed his name from Snoop Dogg last year after becoming immersed in the Rastafari movement during a visit to Jamaica - has angered members of the community who believe his new-found spirituality as a gimmick to promote his upcoming reggae album and documentary, both titled Reincarnated.

Bunny Wailer, a former member of Bob Marley and the Wailers, has accused Snoop of "outright fraudulent use of Rastafari community's personalities and symbolism" and claimed the 41-year-old star has failed to meet "contractual, moral and verbal commitments," of their way of life according to website TMZ. Rights group Rastafari Millennium Council also expressed their upset with the "Drop It Like It's Hot" hitmaker - whose name change to Lion is thought to be inspired by the Lion of Judiah, a symbolic figure in the Rastafarian culture - in a seven-page letter addressed to the star.

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Snoop Dogg Reincarnated as Bob Marley?

Snoop Dogg claims he is Bob Marley reincarnated.

The hip-hop star is reinventing himself as Snoop Lion for a new reggae album, Reincarnated, and claims he always had a natural calling to the genre: "I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated. I feel I have always been a Rastafarian. I just didn't have my third eye open, but it's wide open right now."

Speaking about how he was enlightened during a trip to Jamaica, he added, "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.'"

The "Sweat" singer said he had no plans to make the reggae album - on which he collaborates with singer M.I.A. and producer Diplo - but did so after he was called by "the spirit." Speaking in a press conference, he added, "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."

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