Snoop Dogg gets MTV variety show

MTV is giving Snoop Dogg his own weekly variety show. The network made the announcement with a press release that led with this six-comma doozy: "MTV and rapper, icon, record producer, entrepreneur and actor, Snoop Dogg today announced a first-of-its kind global deal that will bring the entertainers’ personality to television in a new variety talk show, 'Dogg After Dark,' and his music to fans with a new album release and into the best-selling music video game Rock Band."

From what we can gather, "Dogg After Dark" will give the rapper and record producer a LosAngeles-based series. Each episode will include interviews, sketchcomedy and music performances. The project will premiere Feb. 17 at9 p.m. (as in next week -- MTV is pretty good at keeping things quiet). The "Rock Band" element is fuzzy, but it seems Snoop Dogg's musical catalog will bereleased on MTV's "Rock Band" game platform.

In a surreal bit of dueling press-release quotes, here's MTV Networks president Van Toffler:

"Snoop has been a mainstay across MTV screens for over a decade bypushing the boundaries of hip-hop with his signature antics,incredible catalog of music, legendary videos, larger-than-lifepersonality and even a little controversy. I can't even begin to imagine MTV, mytumultuous career and several raging ulcers without the Dogg beingsuch a big part of our history. He is an undeniable international superstar whose talent and work transcend music, tv and film and we look forward to launching this new multidimensional partnership with the Doggfather."

And now here's Snoop:

"When Van Toffler and I sat down Boss to Boss, a global quintuple threat takeover was masterminded. As the world of entertainment keeps changing, we felt it was the right time to let Snoop Dogg back on MTV so we could continue to run thangs with music, movies, DVDs and bring Hip-Hop to Rock Band. So screw ya wigz on tight and tune in on Tuesday nights for the first step to the next level of Snoop D-O double G.  Dogg after Dark is the only nightclub tv show hosted by you know who.  So take a journey with me through the mind, body, soul and musical mind state of the most prolific, authentic game spitter. And tha sh*t is funny, so show me da money!"