The Game Speaks On Snoop Lion's Transformation, Names His Top 5 Rappers Alive

With Snoop's laid-back lifestyle and constantly toked state of mind, it should've been no surprise when he announced his reggae reincarnation as "Snoop Lion" in a New York City press conference back in July. West coast vet and Doggfather disciple The Game says Snoop's legendary stature in hip-hop is cemented, regardless of the aesthetics he chooses to pursue.

"At this point, Snoop can do whatever he wants to do," says Game, who studied Doggystyle upon first becoming interested in rapping. "Snoop is iconic. Your grandma and my grandma know who Snoop is. Snoop doesn’t have anything else to prove."

The Game is standing behind his own evolution on his religiously themed Jesus Piece album. Led by the single "Celebration," and BET Uncut-worthy video "I Remember," he says folks will be taken aback by his rhymes on the project.

"They have no idea lyrically what I’m capable of on this album and what this concept is going to do for my career and for hip-hop as a whole," says Game, who considers himself part of hip-hop's top five MCs alive (along with Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas and Lil Wayne). "This album is so crazy."

Jesus Piece, The Game's fifth studio album, drops December 11.