Snoop Dogg has hit a U.S. drinks firm with a breach of contract lawsuit stemming from a 2011 endorsement deal.

The Drop It Like It's Hot hitmaker inked a deal with executives at the Pabst Brewing Company four years ago to promote Blast by Colt 45, a collection of fruit-flavored liquors.

According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday (08Jun15), the rapper states he agreed to serve as the beverage's "brand ambassador" from January, 2011 to January, 2014.

However, last year (14), the company was sold to a group of investors in a deal which is estimated to be worth $700 million , and in the lawsuit, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Snoop claims he is entitled to 10 per cent of the sale, or $70 million .

The star is making the claim under a clause which would guarantee him a pay out if the brand he was promoting is sold, and he is suing for breach of contract and intentional interference with contractual relations, among others. He is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.