Snoop Lion’s Conversion To Rastafarian A ‘Fraud,’ Says Bob Marley & The Wailers Member, Threaten To Sue Him

Long Beach rapper Snoop Lion's (who was until recently called Snoop Dogg) recent conversion to Rastafarian religion is not being welcomed with open hands, TMZ reported.

Lion, became a Rastafarian July 2012 he announced in a press conference, "I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion." He was rechristened as Snoop Lion after a priest of Nyabingi sect, said "no more" to him being Snoop Dogg.

The 41-year-old rapper even taped his conversion into a documentary "Reincarnated."

But these antics are seen by reggae singer-songwriter Bunny Wailer and a Rastafarian himself as gimmick to make money by selling records and movie. Wailer was also an original member of Bob Marley & The Wailers.

"[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]," said Wailer.

Lion is also facing criticism from the Ethio-Africa Diaspora Union Millennium Council (Rastafari Millennium Council). They have reportedly sent a letter to Lion making it clear to him that "smoking weed and loving Bob Marley and reggae music is not what defines the Rastafari Indigenous Culture!"

The Long Beach rapper is being threatened with lawsuit if he uses the name "Snoop Lion." He is also expected to give a "public apology" and the council has also asked him to "pay" to the group for "financial and moral support."