Snoop Dogg backed by Marley's son

Bob Marley would have "embraced" Snoop Dogg's transformation, according to the late star's son.

The rapper changed his name to Snoop Lion following a trip to Jamaica in February 2012 and it's thought his new handle is a reference to the Lion of Judah which is symbolic in Rastafarian culture.

The news enraged a few prominent Rastafarians, but Rohan Marley says his late father would have been happy with it.

"Our father's name should not even be mentioned in this issue because like a true Rasta, he would have embraced Snoop's reincarnation and welcomed the positivity," he explained to TMZ.

"Why condemn a man for his love of Rastafari and Bob Marley?"

Since announcing his new lifestyle Snoop has even made claims he is "Bob Marley reincarnated".

Whereas this upset original member of Bob's reggae band Bunny Wailer, his son supports the musician.

"We have been cool with Snoop before his transformation and he will continue to have our blessings and support," he assured.

Bunny recently spoke to the website, sounding off about Snoop's comments.

TMZ also reported the Rastafari Millennium Council sent a seven-page letter explaining their disgust at his transformation.

"Smoking weed and loving Bob Marley and reggae music is not what defines the Rastafari Indigenous Culture!" the document clarified.

Snoop stars in Reincarnation, a documentary which follows his emergence in Rastafarian culture.