Reggae Legend Blasts Rapper's ''Conversion''
8:30PM ET January 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

Snoop Dogg's announcement that he was converting to Rastafarianism adn changing his name to "Snoop Lion" was met with some ridicule amongst the mainstream press and among rap fans. But the Rastafarian community is more angry at the veteran hip hop star for what they view as exploiting their very serious beliefs. After watching Snoop's Reincarnated documentary, reggae icon Bunny "Wailer" Livingston voiced his criticism of Snoop.

"[His conversion is] outright fraudulent use of [the] Rastafari Community's personalities and symbolism. [Snoop has failed to meet the] contractual, moral and verbal commitments [of the Rastafarian religion]," Wailer said.

Bunny founded the Wailers alongside legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh in the late 1960s. The trio converted to Rastafarianism soon thereafter, becoming great ambassadors for the religion through their music and lifestyles.