Album review: Snoop Lion, Reincarnated (Sony)

Snoop Lion, Reincarnated (Sony)

It remains to be seen whether Snoop Dogg's Rastafarian incarnation is a permanent change, or just one of a series of character-roles, following the George Clinton-influenced DJ Snoopadelic.

But this debut offering as Snoop Lion has much to recommend it, not least the infectious grooves devised by Diplo's Major Lazer production team, an engaging blend of languid roots modes and propulsive electro methods. It's also nice to hear Snoop getting behind gun-control on “No Guns Allowed”, and promoting peace by getting local Jamaican rivals Mavado and Popcaan together to rap on “Lighters Up”. Elsewhere, there are contributions from the likes of Busta Rhymes, Akon and (!) Miley Cyrus.

Download: Rebel Way; Here Comes the King; Torn Apart; Get Away