(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Snoop Dogg has changed his name to Snoop Lion as he believes he is Bob Marley reincarnated.

The star is known for his thumping rap tunes but has announced he is going in a new direction. Following a trip to Jamaica in February, Snoop believes he is destined to be a reggae star and even claims he has links to the most famous musician from the genre, who died in 1981.

"I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion," he said at a press conference this week.

"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'. He looked me in my eyes and said, No more. You are the light - you are the lion.'"

It's thought his new name is a reference to the Lion of Judah which is symbolic in Rastafarian culture.

Snoop experienced a deep connection with Bob when he was in the late star's homeland.

"[I am] Bob Marley reincarnated," he said. "I feel like I've always been Rastafarian."

Bob's son Rohan appeared alongside Snoop and is fully supporting his claims.

The Rastafarian movement preaches about peace and treating people well, and Snoop has embraced this. The star has vowed to make music which appeals to people of all ages, with his new album Reincarnated out later this year.

Among the tracks on the record is No Guns Allowed, which includes vocals from his daughter. Snoop's family is one of the biggest reasons he's changed his life.

"As a 40-year-old man ... I've got to give them something," he said.

"That's what you do when you're wise.

"Reggae was calling ... it's a breath of fresh air. Rap isn't challenging; it's not appealing." (C) Cover Media