Snoop Dogg Banned From Down Under, And Going It Alone On Next Album

Snoop Dogg just can't catch a break.

After being denied a visa to enter the U.K., the rapper (real name Calvin Broadus) is no longer welcome in Australia either because he's apparently "not of good character."

Authorities claim incidents such as a recent pot bust in Sweden and Snoop's alleged gang affiliations led them to cancel his visa application, which may prevent him from appearing at the Australian MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday.

"The reality is... he has a whole string of convictions, and just two weeks ago I was told he was convicted on a number of charges again and sentenced to three years imprisonment on two, and three years imprisonment on another, with five years probation and a suspended sentence," Australian immigration minister Kevin Andrews told Macquarie Radio. "He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country."

Snoop has 28 days to appeal the decision and explain why he should be allowed into Australia.

"MTV executives are cooperating fully with immigration officials to respond to the cancellation of his visa and remain hopeful he will be permitted to enter the country to attend Sunday's MTV Australia Video Music Awards as scheduled," the network said in a statement.

Actor/singer Jared Leto is slated to appear on the show, so if they'll let him into the country as a person "of good character," Snoop ought to be a shoo-in. Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson will host the program, which will also feature Pink, Nicole Richie and Good Charlotte.

Online gambling site Bodog.com, always quick to try and cash in on celebrity news, is now taking odds on what the next country to deny Snoop Dogg entry will be. Japan is the favourite at 6-1, followed by Canada at 7-1. Those looking for a dark horse entry may want to consider Iraq at 30-1.

Snoop has started working on his next album, Ego Trippin'. While he's dropped some beats with producer Pharrell Williams, he told MTV.com that fans shouldn't expect any big name guests that seem to be the standard for most hip-hop albums these days.

"I'mma do the whole record, me by myself. I don't want no guest rappers, no singer, nothing. Just Snoop Dogg. I want you to feel me."

Snoop released a compilation of young and old rappers called The Big Squeeze this week. He'll also work on the soundtrack for the soon-to-be-developed film, A Woman's Touch.

If Snoop can't be found in a studio or courtroom, his newfound love of hockey means that he can likely be spotted in the stands cheering on the Anaheim Ducks through the Stanley Cup playoffs. Australia's loss could be the Ducks' gain.