Snoop Dogg reincarnates as Snoop Lion

American rapper and music producer Snoop Dogg has announced he is to change his name - to Snoop Lion.

Formerly Snoop Dogg and Snoop Doggy Dogg, the seasoned artist made the announcement following a cultural epiphany.

Snoop told press of the name change on a recent trip to Jamaica, where he declared that he's now embracing reggae instead of the culture of guns he once rapped about.

The revelation comes just days before Jamaica is set to celebrate its anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom on 6 August.

"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'," he revealed.

"I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated. I feel I have always been a Rastafari. I just didn't have my third eye open, but its wide open right now."

"I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion."