Reggae Experts Say Snoop Lion Is Legit

So it wasn't just the weed talking?

The music world is still trying to decide if it wants to take Snoop Dogg's new reincarnation as "Snoop Lion" seriously.

Some have said that he just smoked some really good weed and decided to change his look, while others have said he's just attaching himself to another money-making scheme.

However, reggae expert and veteran music journalist Rob Kenner has declared Snoop Lion gimmick free.

In a story written for Univision News, Kenner talks about a conversation he and Snoop had shortly after the press conference where Snoop made the announcement.

"I think his name change is part of a musical, even spiritual change that he’s gone through," says Kenner. "At the press conference he said, 'I want to bury Snoop Dogg and be Snoop Lion.' He’s reached a point in his career where really wants to look back on his artistic legacy with pride, and I don’t think he’s not proud of his rap music. I think it’s what brought him to this point in life. He has more to give and wants to put out a different message with a different type of music for a wider audience that can be joined by people of all ages and cultures."