The Dogg denied access to MTV Award Show

CONTROVERSIAL US rapper Snoop Dogg is being denied entry to Australia after failing a character test.

The cancellation of the rapper, record producer and actor's visa means he will not be able to appear at the MTV Australian Video Music Awards this weekend, as planned.

Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said Snoop Dogg was being issued with a notice of intention to cancel his visa after he failed to pass the requisite character test.

Snoop Dogg, 35, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges in the US earlier this month.

"The reality is in relation to this man, that he was given a warning the last time, 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," Mr Andrews said on Macquarie Radio.

"He has been denied entry into the United Kingdom because he was caught with others causing affray at Heathrow Airport (in London).

"He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country."

Mr Andrews said Snoop Dogg would have an opportunity to respond to the cancellation of his visa, but with his extensive criminal record he had failed to pass the character test.

"What that character test does is allow the minister to refuse the grant of a visa if the person doesn't pass the character test," he said.

"The character test in relation to this involves a substantial criminal record, which is, under the legislation, being sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more.

"It can also include a person's associations, their past and present criminal conduct, and their general conduct.

"This man has been a member of a Los Angeles gang - and is still associated with it apparently - that's been involved in murder, robberies and drug dealing in the LA area."