EXCLUSIVE: Inside Snoop Lion’s (NOT Snoop Dogg!) Transformational Stay in Jamaica

Credit: Erik Jordan/startraksphoto.com

Seems like everyone is talking about Snoop Dogg’s, er, Lion’s mid-life ~~identity crisis~~ rebirth. On Tuesday, the New York Times reported on the former rapper’s decision to switch music genres — from the rap to reggae — for his twelfth album, Reincarnated, out later this year. While in Jamaica this past February, Snoop reportedly experienced, well, a reincarnation while visiting with Rastafarian priests (and smoking a significant amount of weed). With a producer, a team of songwriters, and a documentary film crew in tow, Snoop then proceeded to lay down Marley-inspired tracks for his new album. As he (so humbly) claimed, “I have always said I was Bob Marley reincarnated.” But where did this sure-to-be-prolific album take form? At the luxurious — and secluded — Geejam resort, nestled in the foothills of Port Antonio, Jamaica. No stranger to celebrity guests — just before Snoop arrived, Alicia Keys and Akon both spent time in the hotel’s studio — the Geejam was tight-lipped about the rapper-turned-rastafarian’s location during his stay. But now that the word is out, they’ve been tweeting up a storm about Snoop’s visit. We have an insider’s look at the boutique resort with exclusive photos of where Snoop Dogg became Snoop Lion — and if that’s not history in the making, we don’t know what is.

Day Dream Canopy Decks & Waterfalls at the Geejam

The Day Dream Canopy Decks, are, well, totally dreamy.

Celebs love the Geejam for its secluded, private vibe. Shortly after the resort opened, a scantily-clad Sharon Stone was found sauntering around the property. Gwen Stefani, Bjork, Akon, Alicia Keys — and now Snoop Lion – are also on the roster of A-list guests.

The recording studio has all the bells and whistles a top artist would need to lay down some tracks.

A film crew joined Snoop Lion during his three-week stay to film a documentary (co-produced by hipster favorite, Vice Media) of the music star as he laid down tracks for his latest album. The recording studio is fully decked out for a serious jam session, and even has a private terrace to take a break — or smoke some spliffs — on.

The Sanwood also has a private pool for some swimming -- or skinny dipping.

The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages including the Sanwood (pictured above) and the Drum and Bass Suite, which is attached to the recording studio. The latter also boasts an incredible, direct view of the sea.

Don't you wanna just get high on this deck right now?

Snoop claims that he was “called by the spirit” to sing the “music of love” while he was in Jamaica and we believe it. That spirit is definitely calling us to the water right now.

Dude loves to get stoned, don't you think?

Sidenote: We *bet* this dude sold Snoop some good weed. However, an Oyster staffer who has visited the boutique hotel noted that upon arrival, she was given a cigar box full of pot. But our guess is that Snoop burned through that first box pretty quick.

Wanna check out Snoop Lion’s transformation? You’ll have to wait until its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, but here’s a sneak peek into the rapper-turned-reggae mon’s journey.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Hal Peat August 2, 2012 at 1:29 pm: I walked around there last summer on a site inspection. Geejam is an interesting hideaway in a section of Port Antonio which is also a very interesting town in its own right. I was there to write about that, the design and bar and bay overlook as shown in your images were great. I also liked the rum mix drink prepared at the bar for me from the Blackwell Rum label. Port Antonio – a place of great mystique and memories.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Snoop Lion’s (NOT Snoop Dogg!) Transformational Stay in Jamaica

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