Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg has signed a groundbreaking new deal with MTV to release his next album and launch a variety show.

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The Drop It Like It's Hot star recently quit his label Interscope Records after 10 years with the company and has now inked a new contract with MTV. Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, has been handed a multi-platform deal which will see the rapper front a weekly entertainment program titled Dogg After Dark. The show will feature celebrity interviews, sketch comedy and musical performances.

MTV bosses will also handle his music career with distribution and promotional ties to his upcoming record, Malice in Wonderland, slated for release later this year. In addition, the move will see the star's back catalogue made available to the broadcasting giant's Rock Band video game franchise.

MTV Networks Music/Films/Logo Groups President Van Toffler says in a statement, "Snoop has been a mainstay across MTV screens for over a decade by pushing the boundaries of hip-hop with his signature antics, incredible catalogue of music, legendary videos, larger than life personality and even a little controversy. We look forward to launching this new multidimensional partnership with the Doggfather."

It is the second TV show for Snoop - he already has his own reality show on the E! Network called Fatherhood.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)