ROSEMONT, Ill. – Snoop Dogg has made an appearance at the Nation of Islam's annual convention in a Chicago suburb.

Wearing sunglasses, a dark suit and a tie, the rapper spoke briefly in front of a crowd of thousands Sunday and praised the Chicago-based movement's Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Farrakhan has long held relationships with famous rappers and hip-hop artists. Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, called himself the leader of the "hip-hop community" and says he'll always seek out the minister.

Snoop gave a $1,000 donation to the Nation of Islam, then sat on stage and smiled and nodded as Farrakhan delivered a speech.

Rapper T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, appeared via recorded video. He told followers that education is the key to success.

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ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) -- Rapper Snoop Dogg made an appearance Sunday at the Nation of Islam's annual Saviours Day convention, praising Minister Louis Farrakhan and revealing that he is a member of the movement.

Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, gave a $1,000 donation to the Nation and said he will always seek the minister out.

The rapper called himself the ''leader of the hip-hop community'' and said it was his first Saviours Day event. He told followers that he would share the information he gathered with other musicians.

''When you get a speech from Minister Farrakhan it's about a mirror, it's about looking at yourself,'' the rapper later told The Associated Press. ''It's about seeing yourself and what you can do to better the situation ... We're doing a lot of wrongs among ourselves that need correcting.''

When asked by the AP if he planned to convert and become a member of the Chicago-based Nation of Islam, Snoop said he already is.

''I'm already in the Nation, that's why I'm here,'' he said. ''I'm an advocate for peace. I've been in the peace movement ever since I've been making music. My whole thing is not about really trying to push my thing on you. It's just about the way I live, and I live how I'm supposed to live as far as doing what's right and representing what's right. That's why I was here today.''

The rapper did not elaborate on when he'd joined the Nation. Messages left for Nation of Islam officials were not immediately returned Sunday.

During the speech Sunday, Snoop sat on stage behind Farrakhan clapping and nodding.

Snoop declined to say how long he would be in the Chicago area or whether he was working on any projects. His last album, ''Ego Trippin,''' was released in March 2008.

Farrakhan has long held relationships with famous rappers and hip-hop artists. He has hosted and spoken at hip-hop conventions, encouraging peace between rappers.

Rapper Doug E. Fresh also attended the convention but didn't speak publicly. Rapper T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, appeared via recorded video. He told followers that education is the key to success.

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ok

Why is this news?

Black celebrities certainly have a higher profile now..

i guess to me i find it news....or interesting, i am in college right now in heavy study of religions, and i really like the study of the nation of islam...and also i am in heavy study of religions from my husband's country of brazil, such as black magic.

I don't understand how somebody who puts out albums with violent lyrics can go around calling themselves an advocate for peace.

anc282 said:

"practice what you preach" theory huh?

yeah

kimrachell said:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...55BGGti-LI

anc282 said:

Who, Snoop? His material is quite tame these days.

There have been many black celebs that have attended Saviours Day or have gone to hear Minister Farrakhan speak:

Anita Baker
Ice Cube
Jermaine Jackson
Stevie Wonder
Stephanie Mills
Russell Simmons

to name a few...

anc282 said:

Snoop Dogg is a pimp, NOT a thug.

PurpleCharm said:

You can also add Foxxy Brown, Ja Rule, Erykah Badu, & Randy Jackson (Michael's baby brother, NOT the AI judge!) on that list as well.

TonyVanDam said:

Snoop's neither.

IAintTheOne said:

Like hell. Snoop has hoes!

They're letting white people on stage now, so there's hope...lol