SNOOP DOGG WAS REJECTED AND THREATENED BY BUNNY WAILER & RASTAS

Snoop Dogg’s journey to Jamaica in 2012 marked a significant attempt at personal transformation and a new artistic direction. Adopting the name Snoop Lion, he endeavored to navigate a spiritual path aligned with Rastafarian beliefs and reggae music’s ethos of peace and love. His album “Reincarnated” served as a testament to this change, and initially, his efforts seemed earnest. Bunny Wailer, an influential figure from The Wailers, offered his blessings, signaling a promising start for Snoop’s foray into this new cultural realm.

However, the initial warmth soon faded as Bunny Wailer and others in the Rastafarian community began questioning Snoop’s sincerity. When accusations arose that Snoop was exploiting Rastafari culture for financial gain, the relationship soured. The Rastafari Millennium Council’s demand for him to cease using the “Lion” moniker and to offer an apology highlighted the depth of discontent.

Caught off guard by these criticisms, Snoop’s defensive and dismissive reactions only deepened the rift. His sharp comments about Bunny Wailer’s importance compared to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh did little to mend the damaged relationship. The disillusionment from both sides was palpable.

Eventually, Snoop Dogg retreated from his Rastafarian experiment and returned to his hip-hop roots, setting aside the Snoop Lion persona. While this phase of his career was short-lived, it underscored the complexities of cultural engagement and appropriation. The experience left an indelible mark on his relationship with Rastafarian culture, serving as a reminder of the intricate balance between artistic exploration and genuine cultural respect.