When Snoop Dogg was denied entry to the UK in March of this year, he expressed his sorrow at not being able to spread the message of peace on British shores. After he was banned from Australia the following month, the rapper decided it was time to get serious. And so what better way of convincing the Australian government that he is a man who can be trusted than by launching a campaign to become an Australian citizen?

The rapper can currently be found online, expressing his desire to become a citizen of "the land down under". A series of videos, made in conjunction with MTV Australia, show him getting acquainted with the Aussie lifestyle and visitors to the site can sign a petition in support of his cause.

The rapper was denied entry to Australia in April because of his criminal record and gang associations. At the time, Immigration minister Kevin Andrews said: "The reality is in relation to this man, that he was given a warning the last time, he has a whole string of convictions. He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country."

While these claims are difficult for the Doggfather to deny, the accusations have only served to make Snoop even more determined than ever to be let in. Snoop, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus, kicks off his series by explaining: "I came out to Australia... to try and become a good citizen of Australia and when I came out there... I had a spot, everything was lovey dovey, then all of a sudden, I get ready to come back and the government said I can't get in. How 'bout that." Some of the highlights from the 16-part series include Snoop enjoying the view on an alleged Aussie beach (with topless sunbathers) and asking two women, "What the f**k is a meat pie? I've got a meat pie I want you to try a little later on."

If you too would like to see Snoop relocate Down Under, you can join the Welcome Snoop campaign here . It is, however, still unclear as to whether Mr Dogg has filed any actual papers to become Australian or if this is just a publicity stunt that we have fallen for Snoop, line and sinker.

Source: www.music.guardian.co.uk

HILLTOP HOODS, RE-RELEASED AND RESTRUNG
Mon, 23 April 2007

Top selling Aussie Hip Hop Group, Hilltop Hoods are to re-release their Platinum selling, #1 album ' The Hard Road '.

Hilltop Hoods have hit the studio again to re-compose ‘The Hard Road ' as ‘The Hard Road ; Restrung' this time with arranger Jamie Messenger incorporating the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO).

The Hoods who won two awards at last years ARIA's in the 'URBAN' and 'INDEPENDENT' categories have adapted certain tracks to accommodate the orchestra for the 14 track album and of course have given us a little of the new stuff to wet our whistles for upcoming projects and releases.

New verses have been strung to old tracks, a new bonus song entitled ‘Roll On Up' and a guest appearance from US freestyle champ, Okwerdz, are what we have to look forward to on the re-strung album with of course the re-invention of all the tracks we've grown to love.

Hilltop Hoods will be launching ' The Hard Road: Restrung ' with a one-off, unique performance at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday the 12th May, performing live with the 31 piece ASO who will be conducted by Benjamin Northey.

Source: GrooveOn.com.au