Snoop Dogg Speaks Out Against Gun Violence

Snoop Dogg has said he believes rappers may be able to help put a stop to gun violence in the US.

The musician was joined by MC Hammer and football legend Joe Montana at an event to raise awareness of his No Guns Allowed campaign.

Established last year after the Sandy Hook school shooting, the organisation aims to convince young people to stay away from guns.

"We are the voices that the youth listen to," Snoop said.

"They respect us, so we are the ones who actually can put a half pause on the gun violence when we speak as one as a whole rap community.

"I feel like the rappers rapping about gun violence has definitely depreciated. It's went down but we don't have an effect on the laws."

The group wants to pressure politicians to pass common-sense gun laws, including mandatory background checks.

MC Hammer said: "If you look at the past 20 years, it's not rappers who are dying in the streets, it's the community around rappers.

"At this point, we can divide entertainment and music from reality.

"The reality is we need more men and women to stand up and say enough is enough."

Speakers at the news conference in San Francisco pointed to last week's shooting near the campus of the UC Santa Barbara, asking for community support.

Items including signed football helmets and artwork painted by Snoop Dogg were auctioned off afterwards to raise money for the cause.

Last year Snoop Dogg recorded a song and music video to go along with his No Guns Allowed campaign with rapper Drake and his daughter performing alongside him.