We’re used to seeing half-naked women and drugs in Snoop Dogg’s music videos, but the thing is, he’s not Snoop Dogg anymore — he’s Snoop Lion. With a new name and a new music direction (reggae) it seems the rapper has also made over his wild music videos.
In the visuals for “La La La,” Snoop Lion talks to cute costumed kids about his new name and whether or not they like it. One of the girls, dressed as a bumble bee, confesses that she liked him better when he was Snoop Dogg (I’m guessing because she prefers dogs to lions).
Snoop Lion leads a conga line of these cute kids through a cartoon version of Noah’s Ark. Then he’s put in a coffin and is resurrected as a lion — King of the Jungle. He sits in his throne while a smoking pineapple floats up and down on the screen.
The song is from his forthcoming album Reincarnated.
Watch it here
Jimmy Fallon fulfilled a seemingly impossible audience request on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon this week. The audience member said he loves both reggae and Barbershop Quartets but he’s never heard the two genres fused together. Well, it so happens that Fallon is a member of a Barbershop Quartet called The Ragtime Gal and they do a swell reggae cover.
The four guys, dressed in colourful striped blazers and white pants, covered reggae classic “Looking Your Big Brown Eyes.” As if the undeniable appeal of reggae wasn’t enough, adding four harmonizing men in red bow ties and straw hats is an unexpected touch that makes our heads explode.
Watch it here:
Looks like Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce isn’t the only alter ego out there.
In an effort to introduce his upcoming album “Reincarnated”, rapper Snoop Dogg has revealed an alter-ego: Snoop Lion.
But don’t expect Snoop Lion to rap. Releasing his new single “La La La”, the tune is actually a slow-burning reggae production featuring the likes of from a up and coming singer named Jovi Rockwell.
Though some fans may not be used to hearing the genre exploration from Snoop, it’s not like the rapper hasn’t dabbled in it before. He can be heard singing in his song “Sensual Seduction” and in a country ode to weed called “Roll it Up” with Willie Nelson.
Shockingly smooth with a chill vibe, Snoop definitely looks dedicated to the cause. He has since created a Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr for his alter-ego.
What do you think of this new sound?
Skrillex is raking in on his collaborations lately. He recently released a track with the surviving members of The Doros and teamed up with his girlfriend Ellie Goulding and Swedish House Mafia, reportedly for Goulding’s new album.
Last week he dropped “Make It Bun Dem,” with Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, which is available on iTunes today. The tune combines the DJ’s electronic sounds with Marley’s softer reggae, making it the perfect tune for summer. You’d think the two styles wouldn’t work together but it’s a nice mix of mellow vocals with harder beats.
Listen to it here:
When you think Reggae musicians you wouldn’t necessarily think of an Orthodox Jew. Well Matisyahu has broken down that stereotype by combing traditional Jewish themes with a Reggae sound, and also achieving Top 40 status. Matisyahu spoke with Korey before a recent Toronto date.
So it appears that between movies Matthew McConaughey was looking for a hobby, so what does he do? He starts a record label. J.k. records is McConaughey’s new baby and we spoke with its first artist, reggae superstar Mishka. Jordan sat down with him to discuss his sound and what its like working with Matthew McConaughey.
Music fans around the world are mourning the death of South African reggae star Lucky Dube, who was shot and killed in an apparent carjacking attempt in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Dube, 43, was killed in front of his son and daughter, whom he was dropping off in the southern suburb of Rosettenville. Three unknown male assailants approached the car and shot Dube. The wounded musician tried to drive away but crashed into a car and tree. He was declared dead at the scene.
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with an average of 50 murders a day. A third of residents in Johannesburg have been robbed, according to UN crime statistics.
The country is scheduled to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, amid concerns over the ongoing crime.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the globe for Dube, whose career spanned more than two decades, producing more than 20 albums. He recorded in Zulu, English and Afrikaans.
Dube was also an outspoken critic of the apartheid regime, switching to reggae style in the mid-1980s to address social problems. His first reggae album, “Rastas Never Die,” was banned by the apartheid government.
In 2004, his 1989 anti-apartheid hit “Together As One” was voted one of Africa’s top 10 songs by BBC readers and listeners. The song calls for world peace and harmony.
His most recent album, “Respect,” was released in April.
Dube is survived by his wife and seven children.
