Rap artist Snoop Dogg shocked attendees and viewers of this year’s BET awards by making an incredible transition from rap to gospel music. Snoop performed several of his hit songs, before donning a choir robe and turning the stage into a stained-glass Church.
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In a stirring performance of his new track “Sunrise,” Snoop could be seen standing behind a cross-emblazoned wooden pulpit as he sang the powerful lyrics:
“I guess you could say I’m a brand new man. See rap guys usually don’t get baptized But how could you cleanse your sins without it? Make you wanna think about it The right Reverend the Reverend Wright recite light You see Today is the day to get your life right.”
Alright, now! @SnoopDogg is taking us to churrrch… it is Sunday evening after all. ??#BETAwards pic.twitter.com/o0YBTYUTn8
— BET (@BET) June 25, 2018
Snoop closed out the awards ceremony alongside Jamie Foxx and Tye Tribbett.
At one point, Foxx called his kids up onto the stage and asked them to “name the books of the Bible.”
The trio, supported by a massive gospel choir, concluded the evening by singing out the chorus: “Everything is gonna be alright.”
The reactions on social media ranged from euphoria to utter confusion.
When Snoop Dogg went from crip walking to gospel music #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/DhySuO6WiL
— r o r o ? (@ronisharue) June 25, 2018
snoop dogg is the epitome of eternal coolness.
— Jade Novah (@JadeNovah) June 25, 2018
Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., released his debut gospel album “Bible of Love” in March of this year. Track titles from the record include “Love for God,” “In the Name of Jesus” and “Saved.”
The release was met with critical acclaim. “Bible is a warm, wise survey of gospel music’s past, present, and possible future,” wrote Craig Jenkins at Vulture.
The 46-year-old rapper has become increasingly open about his Christian faith, explaining that he was introduced to gospel music by his grandmother.
“I am blessed to have so many legendary friends join me on this journey. As the country is in one of its heaviest times and is so divided, I wanted to make an album that spreads love and unity around the world. That’s what I was taught, so that’s all I know. Real love,” he said in a press release for the new record.
Snoop has also been outspoken about his view of the Church as the home of sinners.
“The devil is a liar. I thought church was supposed to welcome sinners,” he told TV One. “If you find someone trying to find their way back home, the natural thing would be to accept him with open arms. We not gonna throw stones while you trying to get right and walking back into the church house.”
One thing is for sure, Snoop is putting gospel music back into the spotlight, and everyone loves it. “The performance was backed by the soulful voices of a gospel choir,” Billboard’s Bianca Gracie said of Snoop’s BET appearance. “It was hard for everyone to not get on their feet as Snoop transformed into the dopest pastor around.”