Snoop will serve as the league’s first commissioner, ensuring that all matches played online via Xbox Live for the Xbox 360 are fair.

“I’m an initiator, and this new intersection of Hip-Hop and video gaming is something that’s ready to happen,” Snoop said.

“Hip-Hop loves video gaming, and I’ve been watching this develop into the next big sport. The HHGL is my way of taking it to the next level,” Snoop continued. “We’re going to take this thing straight over the stratosphere, and the whole world can watch and participate as people like myself–who hate to lose–put it on the line.”

The inaugural player lineup includes Proof (D12), Paul Wall, Just Blaze, Krayzie Bone (Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony), Kaine (Ying Yang Twins), Twista, Murs, NBA star Jalen Rose and MLS soccer star Cobi Jones, among others.

Players were selected based on their gaming reputations and prominence in the Hip-Hop community.

League matches begin online this month and conclude in May, with a finals event in Las Vegas, presided over by Snoop.

At the finals, the first-ever HHGL World Champion will be crowned and awarded eternal bragging rights.

A donation will also be made to the Snoop Youth Football League on the champion’s behalf.

Fans can follow the action, including matches, trash talking, highlights, video clips, results, stats and blogs, at HHGL.com.