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Rappers changing their name is nothing uncommon, but rap veteran N.O.R.E. is the latest to join the trend as he gets ready to release his next solo album. 

From Snoop Lion to 2 Chainz, a name change can work well or can be a wack look depending on who it is but N.O.R.E.’s decision has more to do with getting back to his roots. “I wanted to do something totally different for the album. Sometimes if you’re lost, the best way to find where you’re at is to go to the beginning,” the rapper explained to Rob Markman of MTV News.

“My mother doesn’t even call me Victor, my father has never called me Victor, my teachers didn’t even call me Victor… My name in Lefrak City and my name in Queens is actually P.A.P.I., it’s not even N.O.R.E.”

Noreaga will be releasing the new LP under his new moniker, P.A.P.I. an acronym which stands for Power Always Proves Intelligence. “I say why don’t I go back to the essence and go back to the name P.A.P.I., I put a little twist on it because I like to have my acronyms popping,” he also stated.

Check out the full interview below.

Photo: MTV News