Snoop Dogg Page 6

Snoop Dogg has rendered the internet divided by his actions in the new BadBadNotGood video for 'Lavender', after he uses a joke gun to apparently assassinate a character dressed as a clown version of President Donald Trump. Senator Marco Rubio has suggested the endeavour is dangerous.

Snoop Dogg 'assassinates' Donald Trump in music video

The rapper rants and raves about police brutality and a racist bureaucracy in the Nightfall Remix of BadBadNotGood's song 'Lavender' featuring Snoop and Kaytranada. The video, directed by Jesse Wellens and James DeFina, sees everyone wearing clown make-up and shoes, with various clown accessories. 

Continue reading: Is Snoop Dogg's Donald Trump 'Assassination' Video Dangerous?

Snoop Dogg believes Kanye West is ''crazy''.

The 45-year-old rapper has admitted he thinks the 39-year-old musician is ''weird'' because he constantly takes to the stage and rants about fellow musicians.

Speaking in a clip on social media, which sees Snoop watching a clip of the 'Famous' rapper and has since been posted to Karen Civil's Twitter, he said: ''This n****r crazy. Have you heard this n****r diss a n****r onstage? This n****r crazier than the s**t I got on my head.

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg Believes Kanye West Is 'crazy'

Rapper 50 Cent has defended ‘X Factor’ contestant Honey G, whose act has been branded ‘racist’ by some viewers.

The 35-year-old, whose real name is Anna Georgette Gilford, has become this year’s most controversial contestant, thanks to her take on a number of rap tracks.

But 50 has hit back at accusations that Honey G is ‘appropriating black culture’ or making a mockery of rap and hip hop, by saying that anyone who thinks the act is racist doesn't ‘know what racism really is’.

Continue reading: 50 Cent Defends 'X Factor's' Honey G After Some Viewers Brand Act 'Racist'

Get ready people: VH1 is preparing to team up Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart to co-present a new series called ‘Martha & Snoop’s Dinner Party’, in what must qualify as the most unlikely hosting partnership in TV history.

The new series, due to air in the autumn and in which the duo will throw dinner parties for their celebrity friends. According to a statement from VH1, it promises to be a “half-baked evening of cocktails, cooking, conversation and fun where nothing is off limits.”

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart will be presenting the show together

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg And Martha Stewart To Host Weekly Celebrity Dinner Party Show On VH1

Bow Wow has quit the music industry.

The 29-year-old singer songwriter has confirmed he plans to retire from producing rap music before the age of 30, but after he releases his final album 'Nylth', because he is ready for a ''new adventure'' after the success of his career thus far, which has seen him sell over 10 million.

The 'Let Me Hold You' hitmaker - whose real name is Shad Gregory Moss - announced the news via social media.

Continue reading: Bow Wow Has Retired

Rapper Snoop Dogg will not be tuning in to the remake of 1970s miniseries ‘Roots’ when it premieres on The History Channel tonight (May 31st). In a video posted to Instagram, the rapper said he was sick of seeing TV series and films, including 12 Years A Slave, depicting the history of slavery and asked when a series would be made showing the success of African Americans.

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg Criticises 'Roots', Remake Tells Fans To Boycott Show

A petition is gathering steam online asking for rapper Snoop Dogg to become the new host of ‘Planet Earth’. Over 13,000 people have signed the change.org petition since it was launched two weeks and the rapper himself has even given it his blessing.

Do you want to see Snoop Dogg as the new ‘Planet Earth’ host?

The petition was created by Kelly Orton from the United States, who is calling for Snoop to replace current host David Attenborough. “Snoop Dogg has narrated some Planet Earth in the past but yo we need him to narrate full episodes. Sign the petition if you agree,” it reads.

Continue reading: There's A Petition To Get Snoop Dogg As The New Host Of 'Planet Earth'

Almost exactly a year to the day since he seriously injured his arm in a bike accident in New York, U2 singer Bono will be auctioning a bicycle ride as part of a charity campaign for his organisation (RED), which raises money to tackle AIDS.

The campaign launches on Tuesday (December 1st), which honours World AIDS Day, according to the Associated Press. It can be entered by donated at least $10 through the Omaze website, and the winner will get to accompany the iconic frontman on a bike ride through New York’s Central Park, where he injured his arm so badly it required surgery this time last year.

Bono performing with U2 on their recent world tour

Continue reading: Bono Auctioning Off Bike Ride In Central Park For AIDS Charity

Rapper Snoop Dogg has helped 1,500 families in need have a happier Thanksgiving, by handing out turkeys in his home city of Los Angeles. At the second annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, the rapper was joined by the Mayor of Inglewood, California James Butts and other city officials has he handed out the turkeys.

Snoop Dogg has helped hand out 1.500 Thanksgiving turkeys.

Speaking to TV channel KNBC-TV, Mayor Butts said: "Snoop Dogg took pictures with over 800 people at the event. We had a tented area for seniors to sit in, and the first thing he did was go over to take pictures with everyone there.”

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg Helps Hand Out 1,500 Thanksgiving Turkeys To Families In California

One of music's unlikeliest collaborations has just released a music video.

The South Korean sensation, PSY, teams up with rap legend Snoop Dogg to deliver a non-stop partying music video for their latest track 'Hangover.'

PSY's latest music video is becoming a viral hit

Continue reading: PSY And Snoop Dogg Collaborate To Party Hard In 'Hangover' Music Video

Snoop Dogg has offered his voice to a growing cry of outrage in the USA against gun violence. In the wake of the recent mass shooting in California, the rapper has rallied his peers in support of working to halt the nation's disturbing gun crime stats by speaking of the influence they could collectively exert.

The rap star spoke at a San Francisco news conference designed to raise awareness of his No Guns Allowed campaign. The cause was established last year after the Sandy Hook school shooting in December 2012 and aims to convince young people to stay away from guns.

"We are the voices that the youth listen to," Snoop said, via Sky News. "They respect us, so we are the ones who actually can put a half pause on the gun violence when we speak as one as a whole rap community.

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg Stands Up To Gun Violence, Rallies Rap Community

Hip hop artist Rodney Bryce, who was most famous under the name Dj E-Z Rock, passed away this Sunday at aged 46. The rapper’s death was confirmed by his friend and collaborator Rob Base, the pair had found fame together in 1988 with the track ‘It Takes Two’.

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s first single together was 1987’s ‘DJ Interview’ which eventually landed them a recording deal with Profile records. Their next release ‘It Takes Two’ would become an iconic single due to its blend of hip hop and house music, it would peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs.

Continue reading: Remembering 'It Takes Two' Rapper E-Z Rock, Rodney Bryce

Don't worry Brian Williams, Snoop Dogg doesn't mind your questionable rendition of his 1994 hit 'Gin And Juice.'

The 42 year-old rapper must have seen the NBC news anchor's appearance in Jimmy Fallon's latest mash-up montage of his Grammy-Award winning song.

"hahaha my guy !! @bwilliams doin gin and juice - i luv it @jimmyfallon !!," Snoop tweeted on Tuesday morning, along with a YouTube clip of Williams' rap.

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg Gives Brian Williams' Rap Of 'Gin And Juice' The Thumbs Up

The Academy Awards drew its biggest TV audience in more than a decade on Sunday night, as the Oscars were shared by a variety of hit films and performances. Ellen Degeneres hosted the ceremony, giving the night a populist touch by serving pizza to the A-listers and taking a star-packed selfie that managed to crash Twitter.

As for the winners, 12 Years a Slave won three top prizes - for best film, screenplay and supporting actress - while the blockbuster Gravity took home seven awards. There were also popular wins for Matthew Mcconaughey, Cate Blanchett, Jared Leto and the animated film Frozen. If you need to catch up on any of the above click to find more info on 12 Years a Slave taking Best Picture, Matthew McConaughey and Cate Blanchett's triumph, Pizza anoyone? and Ellen deciding to get a couple of stars together for an impromptu selfie.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Oscars Are A Hit, Stars Turn Out For Grand Budapest, Trailers Arrive For Transformers 4 And Paddington, Julianne Moore Works The Streets

This summer may have been a great season for festivals everywhere, but SnowGlobe Music Festival 2013 proves that you don't need warm weather to have a sensational musical experience.

The beautiful city of South Lake Tahoe, California presents another end of year celebration from December 29th - 31st complete with its famous clear blue lake and snow-capped mountains as the back drop to one of the last musical events of 2013. Recently confirmed as headliners are Dutch electronic artist Tiesto and Chicago DJ Kaskade as well as hip hop legend Snoop Dogg who is currently performing under the name Snoop Lion as he embarks on a more reggae based music career. Moombahcore pioneer Dillon Francis will also make an appearance at the event, ahead of the release of his debut studio album, as well as Canadian duo Zeds Dead and Atlanta producer Treasure Fingers. There's more to come, however, as a new headliner will be unveiled on November 3rd 2013.

Continue reading: SnowGlobe Music Festival 2013 Brings Stunning Music To The Skiing Capital Of California

In this world of viral marketing – see our top marketing spoofs and virals to rival the latest Carrie prank – there are a few cheats. One of them is to get the world’s biggest rapper, couple him with the world’s biggest model, and just let the rest speak for itself.

Oh Hey, It's Kate Upton!

Seriously, we reckon Snoop Lion, Kate Upton and a huge bag of weed – the one he won – were just let loose in a big studio with no supervision. And the result was, well, you can see what happened below. “Now let me give you an introduction/ to the master baker of this production,” Snoop raps, saying that he can “bake anywhere."

Continue reading: Snoop Lion Raps Hot Pockets, Kate Upton Eats Them Up - It's Another Viral

Believe it or not, but Kate Upton look really good in spandex pants. Hard to believe right? Personal trainer to the stars, David Kirsch uploaded a few snaps of the blonde bombshell on to his Twitter page, which featured the model rocking Heidi Klum's range for New Balance.

Kate is currently 'Model of the Year' - for obvious reasons

Heidi Klum's latest collection for New Balance, or HKNB as it is otherwise known, was launched by the sports company this year to bring a fashionista's touch to the world of working out. The product line has already proved to be a hit with shoppers, and Klum has even contributed some of her favourite workouts to the NB website.

Continue reading: Kate Upton Puts Heidi Klum's New Balance Range To The Test [Pictures]

Snoop Dogg’s son, Cordell Broadus, isn’t normally the headline grabbing type, but the Four-star high school wide receiver got a lot of attention recently, after voicing his support for the firing of USC coach Lane Kiffin. Broadus, who is currently considered to be one of the top college prospects from California in the 2015 class, spoke to 247Sports, saying that he supports USC’s decision to let Kiffin go, following the Trojans’ Sunday defeat to Arizona State, 62-41, at Tempe, Ariz. TheUSC team is currently going through an unusually poor season, and it looks like Kiffin has taken the flack for the low performance. 

"I feel that he should have been fired a while ago and USC is going to raise the bar now because the new coaching staff next year," Broadus, who is currently ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver in the nation by 247Sports, said. Kiffin has been temporarily replaced by Ed Oregon, until a permanent coach is found. The former USC coach was the first at USC to be fired mid-football season, which created an inconvenience for the team.

"It's never the perfect time to do these things," USC Athletic Director Pat Haden said during an afternoon news conference on campus (as reported by the Los Angeles Times), "but I thought it was the right time."

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg's Son Cordell Broadus, A 2015 Prospect, Reacts To USC's Firing Of Coach Lane Kiffin

Arsenio Hall has picked up where he left off nearly two decades ago on his late night entertainment show, The Arsenio Hall Show, which has been revived via syndication for a new generation after the original show ended in 1994. Hall tweeted to raise some excitement for his comeback, using the hashtag "#backisbeautiful."

He's Back! Get Those Fists Pumping!

The 57 year-old, who barely looks a year older than when he made his departure from his show, welcomed Paula Abdul, Chris Tucker, Snoop Dogg. Hall showed that his easy manner, sense of humor and energetic hosting skills had not been lost as he stepped back into a television genre now saturated with late night talkshow hosts and their comfy armchairs.

Continue reading: Arsenio Hall Is Back On TV Screens After 19 Years: "Back Is Beautiful"

Bestival drew to a close last night (8th Sep) as thousands of revellers - dressed in their finest ocean-themed gear - celebrated the ten year anniversary of the annual fancy dress and performing arts event. Mermaids, Vikings, Tritons, Neptunes, and plenty of Spongebob Squarepants watched rapper-turned-reggae-singer Snoop Lion (formerly Dogg) headline the main stage on Saturday night.

Snoop: Lion Or Dogg, The Man Has Perfected His Stoner "Act."

As all eyes turned to the red, green and yellow backdrop, everyone wondered if and how the new Snoop - the one who claims to be an incarnation of Bob Marley - would do things differently to the shizzle and bizzle of the 'Smoke Weed Everyday' days. Turns out, things had barely changed. Before the big man himself had emerged onstage his 'hype' crew had already asked the crowd which coast their loyalties lay with and if anyone had smoked weed that day. Lion then sauntered on stage looking as laid back as ever and begins to perform 'Here Comes The King' whilst suspiciously subdued.

Continue reading: Bestival 2013: Snoop Dogg, Franz Ferdinand, Johnny Marr & The Knife Rock The Boat

Snoop Dogg and Franz Ferdinand dominated Saturday at Bestival on the Isle of Wight. Festival goers enjoyed a rare bit of sunshine yesterday (September 7) and Snoop Dogg performed a set, featuring some of his biggest hits to a backdrop of his own face (because of course he did.)

Snoop's new persona isn't exactly a hit with fans.

Check out more pictures from this year's festival in our gallery.

Continue reading: In One Last Bout Of Summer Festival Euphoria, Snoop Dogg And Franz Ferdinand Rock Bestival

JOE FRANCIS, the creator of adult entertainment franchise Girls Gone Wild, was sentenced yesterday (27th August) to 270 days in jail and three years' probation after assaulting a woman in 2011. He will also be attending anger management classes and 52 sessions of psychological counselling, according to reports on USA Today. 

Joe Francis in 2012 at a party with the Kardashians.

The incident occurred at Francis' Los Angeles mansion on 29th January 2011. The creator 'invited' three women, whom he had met at the Supper Club in Hollywood, back to his house. 'Invited' may not have been the case as Francis manhandled one woman, taking her back to his limo. Her two friends, assuming there was nothing unsavoury, followed. They assumed they would be taken to their car but were driven to Francis' home where the incident took place. According to statements made in court, Francis was interested in one woman but her friend attempted to pull her away from the 40-year-old. It was the friend Francis allegedly attacked. Witnesses state they saw Francis drag the woman across the floor and hit her head against the ground, continuing by repeating the process. Following the incident Francis accused the women of trespassing. 

Continue reading: Joe Francis, 'Girls Gone Wild' Creator, Sentenced To Jail Time After Alleged Assault

Calling all copy editors: Jay-Z has dropped the hyphen from his name and will, forever more, be known as...Jay Z! The news comes from the Holy Grail rapper's Roc Nation label, who reportedly informed Billboard editor Joe Levy of the change.

Levy tweeted: "Breaking: Jay Z has dropped the hyphen from his name, according to his label. I am not kidding. (Wish I was.) Copy editors: take note."

Some followers on Twitter suggested that Hova actually made the move a couple of years though, to which Levy replied, "Didn't take, though. The hyphen is strong."

Continue reading: Punctuation Sucks: Jay-Z Drops Hyphen From His Name, Officially

Albums of the week... Following 2011's massively successful collaborative album with Jay-Z 'Watch The Throne', Kanye West makes a return with a new solo effort entitled 'Yeezus'. He proves yet again that he is one serious hip-hop artist as he introduces a brand new edge to his sound that has not failed to engage his devoted fans with a number one spot on six charts including the US, the UK and Canada. As Joe Wilde summarises, 'This may be his best album to date and is probably his most discussed one too, but one thing it definitely is, is a Kanye West album and no-one can do anything quite like what he can do.' Read the Yeezus album review here. 

Another album that's gaining some serious attention is everyone's favourite Icelandic rock band Sigur Ros, whose seventh album 'Kveikur' has not left any disappointment in the wake of its highly anticipated release. Their sound remains familiarly ambient as on 2012 offering 'Valtari', though has definitely become noisier and a little darker. Our reviewer Jim Pusey had only good things to say, revealing, 'Despite all the darkness to be found here, Sigur Ros have managed to create one of their most compelling albums to date by embracing that darkness and quite literally shining a light on it.' Read the review of Kveikur here. 

Continue reading: A Week In Music, Kanye Has A New Edge, Robyn And Snoop Switch Genders And Glastonbury 2013 Sees Landmark Performance From The Stones

Here's one of those collaborations that was waiting to happen: Miley Cyrus and Snoop Lion (neé Doggy Dogg). Wait, that doesn't sound right does it? Well believe it or not but that collaboration is something that is very real indeed, and there's a video to go with it too.

The chilled out pop/reggae number features all the halmarks of a Snoop track: talking about smoking dope and being with various ladies, and features a pretty catchy hook from Cyrus that almost guarantees the kind of wide appeal that will see it blasting from speakers all summer. Lets be honest now people, there's about a million worse things out there that could be considered the soundtrack to the summer.

Continue reading: Miley Cyrus Hooks Up With Snoop Lion (Dogg) For New Track 'Ashtrays And Heartbreaks' [Video]

Turbo, the new 3-D animation from DreamWorks Animation, follows the story of an ordinary garden snail whose dream is to become the fastest snail in the world. It stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular character, with the voices of Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Bill Hader, Michelle Rodriguez, Samuel L Jackson and Snoop Dogg also lending their voices to the movie. The trailer suggests Turbo is going to be a whole lot of fun.

Watch the Turbo trailer!

Turbo's buddy Chet tries to talk out his snail friend out of his aspirations and does everything within his power to convince him that he should enjoy his relaxed lifestyle. However, when Turbo is admiring the speeding vehicles roaring down the highway, he is sucked into the engine of a racing car and is submerged in a tank of nitrous oxide which causes him to glow brightly. He later comes to realise that it has given him the ability to move at extraordinary pace and Turbo harbours a new dream of competing at the IndyCar races. 

Continue reading: 'Turbo' Could Be DreamWorks' Latest Masterstroke [Trailer]

Evan Rachel Wood's unborn child sure has a story to tell his or her college buddies in years to come. The two-time Golden Globe nominee is expecting her first child with husband Jamie Bell, and showed off her baby bump at the Tribeca Film Festival on Monday (April 22, 2013).

The 25-year-old starlet tweeted, "Me and @KatCoiro just had our babies blessed by @snoopdogg today. No big deal" before posting a snap of herself and director Kat Coiro (also pregnant) with Snoop Dogg himself. The hip-hop superstar was at the film festival to promote his new album Reincarnated. Rachel Wood and Coiro glowed as they posed with the hip-hop superstar in Tribeca's press room. Snoop also had time to pose with actor Justin Long, who appeared equally as delighted to be in the presence of the man himself.

Of course, Evan Rachel Wood was attending the festival to promote her new movie A Case of You, which premiered Sunday night. It follows the story of a young writer who lures a girl online based on his embellished profile. The movie also stars Peter Dinklage, Sienna Miller, Sam Rockwell, Vince Vaughn, Brendan Fraser and Busy Philipps. 

Continue reading: Evan Rachel Wood Has Pregnant Tummy Cradled By A Lion (Snoop Lion)

Snoop Lion, the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg has released another single off his latest album, Reincarnation – Ashtrays and Heartbreaks. Somehwat at odds with the record’s chilled-out reggae vibe, the rapper brought in none other than pop princess Miley Cyrus to lay down a couple of verses. Strangely enough, Miley’s style does fit the mood of the track, and she even manages to get in on the reggae sound, with lines like "fill up all those ashtrays." This is all in keeping - believe it or not - with Snoop’s complete reinvention, not to mention Cyrus’s new image.

The track was produced by Major Lazer, Ariel Rechtshaid and Dre Skull and features additional vocals from Angela Hunte. The legendary drummer for the Police, Stewart Copeland, provides the island-tinged percussion on the tune. So all in all, it’s a solid effort. "[Snoop] was really studying Bob Marley," Major Lazer's Diplo explained to MTV News last year. "He likes to have the female backing vocals, and it's a real Marley-esque vibe. We [also] have some West Coast attitude with the production, and I'm really excited about it. It sounds amazing."

Ashtrays and Heartbreaks isn’t the only Miley/Snoop collab we’ll get to hear this year. The Can’t Be Tamed singer is releasing her fourth studio album later this year and she announced recently that the first single off that will be another Snoop Lion track. And if you think you’re excited, Miley can barely contain herself, if her Twitter feed or her interviews are to be believed. She recently told Ryan Seacrest: "I can finally say I'm going to have a song with Snoop Dogg coming very soon. It's recorded, done. I'm so excited!"

Continue reading: Ashtrays And Heartbreaks - The New And Improved Miley Cyrus And Snoop Lion

The artist, formerly know as Snoop Dogg, has been reborn.

Under his new (well, not all that new anymore) pseudonym Snoop Lion, the rapper is preaching a message of peace and tolerance in his latest album, Reincarnation. See, it’s all about the new beginning. The latest single to drop is fittingly titled “No Guns Allowed” and it makes it clear that Snoop’s makeover is more than skin deep. In “No Guns Allowed” his brand new peaceful approach to life is complemented by some chill reggae vibes, as well as some surprisingly pacifistic lyrics. The rapper, who used to be all about guns, girls and getting’ paper is now preaching "No guns allowed in here tonight, we're gonna have a free-for-all, no fight." It’s an Easter miracle, if such a thing even exists.

Snoop Lion's brand new image looks like more than a mere publicity. 

Continue reading: Peace, Love And Tolerance: The Unexpected Message Of Snoop Lion's Reincarnation

Is this the end of the road for Snoop Lion’s reggae career? The rapper turned reggae enthusiast, formerly known as Snoop Dogg, or Snoop Doggy Dogg, or Calvin, if you happen to be his mother, recorded his latest album, Reincarnated, in Jamaica and it’s set for release on April 23, 2013. However he’s told NME that this might be the last reggae album that he makes.

Being somewhat vague on the matter, he told the UK magazine “I definitely feel like I’m gonna make more music but I don’t know if I’m gonna go to Jamaica, I may wanna go somewhere else. I may wanna venture into another part of the world. Some things you let them be what they are. That was a priceless moment. I may wanna do something different next time… I’m just saying I don’t know if I want to repeat the same process as far as going to Jamaica and making a reggae album. I may wanna go to another country and make a reggae album. I may wanna make a rap album. I don’t know.”

Snoop Lion made his name change fairly recently, after he reportedly became more interested in Rastafarianism. However, he has said that he’s not left Snoop Dogg behind altogether and still uses the name when he’s producing music for others. Reincarnated features guest appearances from Rihanna, Chris Brown and Rita Ora. 

Continue reading: Will 'Reincarnated' Be The Last Reggae Album We See From Snoop Lion?

There can be no denying that few have sat down and enjoyed a toke with so many people as Snoop Dogg, but in a recent interview the rapper (who also goes by the name of Snoop Lion these days), revealed that he still had a couple of high profile targets who he wanted to sit down and enjoy a spot of Mary Jane with.

Talking to WWTDD, Snoop revealed that former President Bill Clinton and current American leader Barack Obama were right at the top of his wish list to enjoy a joint with. “Bill Clinton,” said Snoop when asked the question, “he’s not the f**king president anymore. He can inhale.” He also named Barack Obama, though admitted that it might not be great publicity for the President, currently serving his second term. “How would that look publicity-wise for the president to sit down with me knowing I’m bringing this s*** to the White House?” he said.

Snoop caused surprise (well, not that much surprise) among his fans when he changed his name to Snoop Lion and started making reggae music after a, um, spiritual trip to Jamaica. But he recently told the NME he wasn’t so sure about his reggae future anymore, saying "I definitely feel like I’m gonna make more music but I don’t know if I’m gonna go to Jamaica, I may wanna go somewhere else. I may wanna venture into another part of the world. Some things you let them be what they are. That was a priceless moment. I may wanna do something different next time."

Continue reading: Snoop Dogg's Dream Dope Partners: President Obama And Bill Clinton

Snoop Lion is returning to T in the Park, it has been announced today (march 8, 2013). According to the Scottish Daily Record, the rapper will make his first appearance at the Scottish festival since 2005. Of course, the last time the US star appeared at T in the Park, he wasn’t known as Snoop Lion, but his far better known moniker Snoop Dogg. He reportedly decided to change his name after acquainting himself with Rastafarianism.

The festival takes places in Balado, Kinross, in July and the festival’s director, Geoff Ellis said “Snoop Dogg is a true legend and one of the most influential rap stars of all time. His first and only T in the Park performance so far back in 2005 was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our 20-year history. Snoop is a phenomenal live act and I can’t wait to see what he’s got in store for us this year.” Snoop will join a bill that includes headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and Killers, as well as newcomers Haim, Palma Violets and Daughter. George Kyle, of Tennants Lager, one of the festival’s main sponsors, said “T in the Park continues to attract some of the greatest artists in the world and Snoop Dogg is no exception.

T in the Park appearance announced for Snoop Lion, the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg

Continue reading: T In The Park Festival Slot Announced For Snoop Dogg (AKA Snoop Lion)

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose would kindly like you to say hello to Sebastian 'The Bash' Taylor Thomaz, the pair's first child together.

The couple each uploaded comments regarding the birth of their new son on to Twitter moments after model Amber gave birth, with Wiz writing, "Everyone welcome this perfect young man into the world," and Amber: "Happy Birthday to our baby boy Sebastian 'The Bash' Taylor Thomaz! I'm so happy u guys I fell in love all over again,."

Prior to this announcement, Wiz had told the world of the impending child birth when he uploaded a picture of himself in hospital scrubs, with the caption: "Daddy time." Now it really is 'daddy time' for the rap star, who is known for his 'young, wild and free' lifestyle, as he he Amber have a big task ahead of them as they enter the ever increasing world of hip-hop couples with/who are having babies.

Continue reading: Wiz Khalifa And Amber Rose Announce The Birth Of Son, Sebastian 'The Bash' Taylor Thomaz

It has been said over and over, but 2013 truly is the year of the comeback. Justin Timberlake has been going all out on his return to music and having unveiled the first track of his new album, The 20/20 Experience, 'Suit and Tie' with Jay Z, his musical resurrection was nothing short of a revelation. Continuing to keep up the momentum JT will be headlining London's Wireless Festival in the Queen's Olympic Park this summer, along with Jay. 

As the Guardian reports, the prior venue for the urban festival - Hyde Park - had suffered with noise complaints. At the Queen's Olympic Park (where the Olympics were held), there's few more appropriately grand locales for the festival. If you were excited about the headliners, the rest of the acts will delight you too; Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Emeli Sandé. Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Calvin Harris, Dj Fresh and Rita Ora, are just the tip of the iceberg.  

With such great acts, there's a price to go with it. For two days you'll be paying £110, or £57.50 for just either the Friday or the Saturday. Solo tours for many of the performers could reach £50 easily, so it's excellent value for money. They go on sale on Friday morning so snap them up while you can.

Continue reading: Wireless Festival Moves To The Queen's Olympic Park With Justin Timberlake And Jay-Z To Headline

Here at Contactmusic, we’re already taking bets on how many punters at Bestival will be dressing up as Elton John on fancy dress day. Or possibly for the whole weekend. If you’re planning on going to the festival, on the Isle of Wight this summer, you’d better get your outrageous glasses purchased now, because they’re sure to run out pretty soon. Apparently, it was the power of fancy dress that lured Elton to the festival. “I’ve heard that the Bestival audience comes in fancy dress and I can’t wait to see that, they must all look amazing from the stage.”

Elton’s appearance is a serious coup for the festival, which is curated by Radio One DJ Rob da Bank. He admits “I haven't played any of the major festivals in the UK in recent years,” so the chance to catch him at a relatively small (though influential) affair on the ever-expanding UK festival circuit will be a treat. “When the opportunity to play Bestival came up I was very interested,” Elton told The Guardian. "Bestival seems to be more of a people's festival, not too big, and very friendly - I like the idea of that.” Whether or not Elton’s planning on wearing fancy dress too, remains to be seen.

The second of the festival’s headliners to be announced is the US rapper Snoop Lion (the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg, that is), another rarity on the UK’s outdoor gig scene. The event takes place on September 5-8, 2013. Snoop will headline the Saturday night and Elton takes the iconic closing slot on the Sunday. 

Continue reading: Bestival 2013: Will Elton John Or Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg) Wear Fancy Dress?

Bestival is slowly but surely ranking up alongside Glastonbury in the battle of the festivals. We're not sure why, but Great Britain seems to be the place to be for music festivals; despite the high chance of rain, millions flock to the fields every year.

It might have something to do with the stellar acts pulled in by the festival spirit year after year. Bestival - this year - is set to be headlined by rock legend Elton John, Hip Hop giant Snoop Dogg (sorry Snoop, we can't get on board with this Lion thing) while Mia, the Flaming Lips and the Roots add to an already stunning roster. John was a VIP guest at the first-ever Isle of Wight festival back in the 60s, "I went with a group of friends specifically to see Bob Dylan," John said. "He was fantastic. Sitting in that field I could never have imagined that just a year later Melody Maker would run the front page headline 'Dylan digs Elton!', after he came to one of my first shows in America."

But will a 65-year-old Elton don a fancy dress costume? Bestival is famous for them, so he'll probably have to. "As the person who played a concert at New York's Central Park in 1980 dressed in full Donald Duck costume including webbed feet, I think I know quite a bit about the power and fun of fancy dress! I can't wait to see the audience at Bestival: they must all look amazing from the stage." (via The Guardian).

Snoop Lion used to be called Snoop Dogg and was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr - that's a lot of names for one person to have in their lifetime. The reason behind Snoop's anthropomorphising is due to his new found rastafarian status, apparently. However, now, after Snoop has made a documentary called 'Reincarnation' and recorded his first reggae album, Bunny Wailer of Bob Marley and the Wailers, is threatening to take legal action against the ex-rapper.

Speaking to TMZ he said that Snoop Lion has committed "outright fraudulent use of Rastafari Community's personalities and symbolism," and has failed to meet "contractual, moral and verbal commitments." Along with Bunny's comments, Snoop has also received a seven page letter from Ethio-Africa Diaspora Union Millennium Council (aka Rastafari Millennium Council) expressing their disgust with his actions.

They feel that Snoop's documentary is reductive and makes it looks as though "smoking weed and loving Bob Marley and reggae music is... what defines the Rastafari Indigenous Culture!" When it most certainly is not. All of this has culminated in a potential law suit. "[T]hey want Snoop to stop using the name "Lion" ... pay up the "financial and moral support" they claim he committed, and issue a public apology." Everyone knows him as Snoop Dogg anyway, he's got bags of money and sorry is just a word. Shouldn't be too difficult.

Continue reading: Bunny Wailer Disgruntled By Snoop Lion And Threatening To Sue For Being A False Rastafarian

The first promotional clip for the upcoming Grammy Awards has been released via ETOnline, with country-pop starlet Taylor Swift taking a staring role in the first look at the music awards.

Only a minute long, the promo doesn't show much, but it is the multi-Grammy winning artist who shows her self most prominently in the clip featuring Swift alongside some new and some established talent. With her includes Snoop Lion (formerly Dogg) and The Kills with some emerging artists, like Grace Potter, Kishi Bashi and Dam-Funk.

The new promo is part of three unlinked trailers, with Rihanna staring in one and The Black Keys in the third, titled 'Soundcheck.' The mini-clips were commissioned by The Recording Academy under the Twitter-friendly title #TheWorldIsListening, which seeks to encourage and highlight burgeoning musical talent - and the Grammys now as well. On top of this, the organisation has also set up a page on SoundCloud giving people a chance to upload their own music, whilst presided over by a crack panel featuring members of Linkin Park, RZA, and Snoop.

Continue reading: Taylor Swift Stars In The New Promo For The Grammys

After the holiday season, the movie world is slowly cranking up to speed. Although the really big news doesn't start until next week, with the announcement of the Oscar and Bafta nominations.

This week's biggest nominee announcement came from the Producers Guild of America, seen as a taste of the Best Picture Oscar race. The PGA's 10 feature film nominees are: Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Django Unchained, Life of Pi, Lincoln, Les Miserables, Moonrise Kingdom, Silver Linings Playbook, Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies Feat: Naomi Watts Powerful In The Impossible, Dustin Hoffman Directs Quartet And Screenwriter Dan Fogelman Talks Barbra Streisand

And so the day finally arrives. After months of campaigning, it's officially Election Day 2012, with America set to choose between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney. There's nothing more either man can do but sit back, try to relax and hope the votes flood in.

One thing's for sure, it's going to be no landslide for either candidate and both will pull in millions of votes to make it one of the closest run elections in years. As a Democrat, Obama can rely on California and New York, and Romney is certain to take Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina - basically everything in the south - though the election hinges on the swing-states Florida, Nevada and most importantly, Ohio. The bookmakers certainly think they know who's going to be President on Wednesday, offering odds of around 1/6 on President Obama with around 9/2 on Mitt Romney. We're pretty sure Republicans may think that's worth a flutter, though if you're still unsure about who to vote for - or think you've voted for the wrong candidate - check out the celebrity endorsements to see if your favourite stars agree with you!

Jay Z and Beyonce (President Obama)

Continue reading: Election Day 2012: Obama Or Romney? Let Your Favorite Celebrity Decide!

Kendrick Lamar, a member of the Black Hippy crew (with fellow L.A. luminaries Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul), caught the attention of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre and now he's scaling the heights with some aplomb.

Now, in-between sell-out shows and writing new music, Lamar has taken time out to reveal some of the albums that influenced him to become a world renown rap artist. The list, compiled by Complex Music, has some seminal albums in its ranks, with Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' featuring prominently. "That was probably the first rap album I remember them playing in the house from top to bottom," Kendrick recalls. "Songs that I actually remember as a kid. That's the start of them house parties I always talk about growing up." Another of Hip Hop's most important albums was 1994's Ready To Die, from Notorious B.I.G, and this also features on the list. "[What resonated with me was] the storytelling, just the storytelling, how in-depth the storytelling was. The storytelling and the flow. The one thing about West Coast music, we had storytelling, it wasn't crazy in-depth like that, but we had it. Our stuff was more laid back, more flow and feel good, more how records felt. His was just grimy. Stories was crazy. Flows was crazy." Lamar explained. 

Have a squint at the other records that defined Compton's latest export:

Continue reading: Rising Rapper Kendrick Lamar Lists His Top 25 Albums

Nelly’s tour bus was searched at a border patrol in Sierra Blanca, Texas. Heroin was uncovered, alongside a loaded firearm, reports MTV.

The rapper was detained on Wednesday night (October, 9 2012) but wasn’t arrested, after Brian Keith Jones – a man on the bus with him – admitted to being the proprietor of the 0.64 ounces of heroin, more than 10 pounds of marijuana and a loaded .45-caliber pistol. He was, of course, subsequently arrested after the dogs sniffed out his batch of illegal stuff. “It is my understanding a member of my staff made an unfortunate decision to bring unlawful materials onto our tour bus that resulted in his arrest this morning,” NME reported Nelly as saying. “Neither I nor anyone else on the tour bus was aware of his decision to bring these on board. Law enforcement officials did not press charges against anyone other than that individual.”

Sierra Blanca seems like a honey trap for celebs that insist on smuggling narcotics: Willie Nelson, Armie Hammer, Snoop Dogg and, most recently, Fiona Apple have all been arrested for drug possession in the Texas town. "Most of the people were very nice to me," Apple said of her arrest. "There are four of you out there, and I want you to know I heard everything you did, I wrote it all down with your names and everything you did and said stupidly thinking I couldn't hear and see you."

Nelly, the multi-platinum selling rapper with a trademark band-aid on his cheek has had his tour bus raided by police, where they found heroin, a loaded gun and a huge amount of weed, so reports TMZ.com. Nelly was subsequently detained by police in Texas.

The bus was stopped for a routine check at a stop point in Sierra Blanca, and sniffer dogs were used to root out the contraband material. Apparently, according to law enforcement sources, 0.64 ounces of heroin were found in 36 different bags and over ten pounds of marijuana in a 'large green duffel bag'. There were 7 people on board the bus at the time of the rain, all of whom were detained during the search, but have since been let go after a man named Brian Keith Jones admitted to sole possession of the drugs and gun.

The Sierra Blanca checkpoint is a notorious place for celebs to be busted for drugs, most famously Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg. And being just 30 miles from the Mexican border the entire area is rife with drug smuggling.

Continue reading: Nelly's Whole New Dilemma As His House Is Raided, Drugs Seized

We're looking forward to seeing what long-winded song title Fiona Apple comes up with when she gets around to writing a song about this one. That's right, the singer songwriter who once held the dubious honour of writing the world's longest album title, was reportedly arrested on the Mexico border after being found to have marijuana on her persons.

Apple certainly isn't the first music star to be stopped on the border and found to have the green stuff on her. Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and Armie Hammer are three of the not-so surprising names to have found themselves in trouble with the law for possessing the banned substance. Apple was found to have hash on her as well as a small amount of weed and as such the 35 year-old is being held at Hudspeth County Jail.

It hopefully won't derail what's been a fairly promising comeback from Apple, who released her first album in seven years this year, giving it the typically long-winded title The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do. The album went to number three on the US Billboard Charts, although it hasn't got anywhere near sales of her phenomenally received debut album Tidal. Released in 1996, that sold some 2.7 million in the US.

Pete Wentz is to make a cameo appearance on the hit US TV show Californication.

The Showtime series stars former X- Files actor David Duchovny as a writer living in Los Angeles.

Fall Out Boy bassist Wentz is reportedly going to play himself in the episode, which is scheduled to air in September, reports NME.

According to Perez Hilton, "Duchovny's character, the troubled writer Hank, will see Pete at a pool party hanging out with the show's resident teen, Mia. Pete will tell Hank how much he enjoyed his book."

Wentz and singer Ashlee Simpson married recently, announcing that they are expecting their first child just weeks afterwards.

Rapper Snoop Dogg recently imparted some of his parenting advice to Wentz when he appeared on the FALL OUT BOY star's show FNTV.

In the comedy sketch, SNOOP DOGG advised Wentz to keep the new baby in the garage, reports Showbiz Spy.

Continue reading: Pete Wentz To Appear On Californication