Who Is Calvin Broadus, Jr.?

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is better known as Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Dogg, and Snoop, amongst other names. He is a well-known rapper, actor, songwriter, father and devoted husband from Long Beach, California. He began rapping as early as the sixth grade. As a young boy his family affectionately began calling him Snoopy because of his appearance. Upon his high school graduation his family and peers began calling him Snoop.

From Snoop Lion to Snoopzilla

In 2012, Snoop decided to reinvent himself and change his name to Snoop Lion to show his adaptation to Rastafarianism. His adaptation to the Rastafarian culture began upon his return from a trip to Jamaica to expand his knowledge of the culture. During his trip he conversed with many elders whose insight ultimately influenced him to change his name and announce himself as the reggae artist Snoop Lion. Many months later the rapper has once again changed his name. His new name is Snoopzilla.

Why He Changed His Name to Snoopzilla

It has been rumored that the rapper has credited his name change to funk connoisseur and legendary bassist Bootsy Collins. Bootsy has been very influential to Snoopzilla throughout his career. The funk connoisseur often refers to himself as Bootzilla. It has been said that the name change is a way of the rapper paying homage to Bootsy. Snoopzilla has been heavily influenced by funk his whole life and has incorporated it into many of his songs.

So far Snoopzilla has adapted fairly well to his new name. His fans are very supportive and have learned to adjust to calling him by his new name. Snoopzilla. He has captivated fans since his first album release in 1993. Snoopzilla hopes that everyone will continue to be supportive of him as he and his music continues to transition. It has not been determined whether or not the rapper plans to change his name again in the future.

The New Album

Snoopzilla has collaborated with funk debonair Dam-Funk to produce a new album titled 7 Days of Funk. The US album is set to be released by Stones Throw Records on December 10, 2013. The album will feature many collaborations and cameos by several artists such as Steve Arrington. Steve, who is a drummer/singer, has worked with Dam-Funk previously. The hip-hop group Tha Dogg Pound will appear on the album as well.

Snoopzilla and Dam-Funk have worked together on music projects in the past such as “Drop It Like It’s Hot”. According to Rolling Stones, Snoopzilla said in an interview “I’ve had funk influences in my music my whole career. Dam-Funk is cold. He’s keeping the funk alive and I knew I had to get down with him.” According to the Herald Sun “’Snoopzilla says his new name refelects the funk influence in his music, while Lion was an ode to his Rastafarian roots.” It has been said that the rapper is currently working on a new album under his old moniker Snoop Dogg.