From Snoop Doggy Dogg to Snoopzilla: What's my name? What's My Motherf---in' Name? Snoop Dogg now Snoopzilla. He arrived on the world stage 20 years ago in a blaze of expletives and canine-inspired hip hop slapstick (trailing cloud of marijuana smoke), asking What's My (Motherf---in') Name? And it seems Calvin Cordozar Broadus jnr - aka Snoop Doggy Dogg, aka Snoop Dogg, aka Snoop Lion, and now "Snoopzilla" - is still searching for the answer to his own question. In fairness Snoop has apparently only changed his name for one upcoming album, a collaborative project called 7 Days of Funk with groovester Dam Funk. He was apparently inspired by funk's bass wizard, Bootsy Collins, who sometimes calls himself "Bootzilla." Only last year he changed his name to Snoop Lion after converting to rastafarianism. The resulting album, Reincarnated, was released to mixed reviews. Alter egos are common in hip hop: the late Wu Tang Clang founder Ol Dirty Bastard (Russell Tyrone Jones) was also known as O.D.B., Ason Unique, Osirus, The Specialist, Dirt McGirt, Big Baby Jesus and most bizarrely Ol' Dirty Chinese Restaurant. Bands change names at the start of their careers more than they change guitars: the Beach Boys were once the Pendletones; the Beatles were the Quarrymen; U2 started out as the Hype; and Coldplay began as Pectoralz. Ditto solo artists, who often adopt a stage name in an effort to appeal to the public. Usually it's a good idea too, what's better: Reggie Dwight or Elton John? David Jones or David Bowie? Stefani Germanotta or Lady Gaga? Few people remember Lizzy Grant but most have heard of Lana Del Rey. John Mellencamp was convinced to perform as Johnny Cougar because his surname sounded too German and might be a turn-off to audiences. Success allowed him to return to his family name in 1991. But changing one's recording name mid-career is rare and usually risky. Terence Trent D'Arby was a budding superstar in the late 1980s. He changed his name to Sananda Maitreya in 1995 after a series of dreams - and hasn't had an album or single in the charts since. US country superstar Garth Brooks toyed with another identity in 1999, rock singer Chris Gaines, and even released an album. But the Gaines moniker disappeared within two years as it confused his huge fan base. Acclaimed rapper Mos Def (real name Dante Terrell Smith) insisted he was going to change his name to Yasiin Bey in 2012 although sensibly he is still known by both names. Yet Snoop has chopped and changed his brand and managed to thrive. Arguably it's worked because he's changed so many times it's become a running joke and is now almost expected. A bit like Puff Daddy, who became Puffy, then P.Diddy and then Diddy. Changing names mid-career has often happened for ideological reasons: Prince famously changed his name to "Love symbol" in 1993 after a dispute with his record company, Warner Brothers. Seventies superstar Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusuf Islam in 1977 and retired from the music industry, but began playing again in the 1990s. Since 2006 he has performed as Yusuf. Kiwi rock band Shihad decided to change its name to Pacifier after the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington because it sounded too close to Jihad. The band reverted to Shihad in 2004. But one of the most common reasons has been to hide an act's identity ahead of a secret gig: REM used to play as Bingo Hand Job; Britney Spears was M&Ms. Iron Maiden once played a gig at London's Marquee Club billed as "A Fun Night with the Entire Population of Hackney." Last December Canadian indie rockers Arcade Fire tested new material at a secret gig in Montreal under the name Les Identiks. Which goes to show - unless you're Snoop Dogg and your public is expecting it, a name change is usually an attempt to remain hidden. Or a fast track to obscurity. Just ask Sananda Maitreya. Poll: What name should Snoop adopt next? Snoopadelic: to help segue from his funk work to his prog rock phase. Deputy Dogg: face it Calvin, you never really were the Sherriff. Snoop Catt: he clearly loves animals and this could broaden his fan base. Top Dogg: when he gets busted and has to move the Dogg Pound to The Big House. Snoop the Snip: if he becomes a spokesman for family planning. Snooparama: no reason other than he hasn't tried it yet. Other - list in comments. Total votes: 63.